Common nicknames for the black mouth cur include the following: Cur, Southern cur, American black mouth cur, Yellow black mouth cur, Red black mouth cur, Ladner Black mouth cur.The black mouth cur was officially recognized as a breed by the National Kennel Club in 1964 and the United Kennel Club in 1998, but the breed existed long before it was officially recognized. For more than 200 years, hunters and sportsmen in the southern United States have been breeding cur-type dogs. Early settlers used these dogs for hunting bobcats, squirrels, raccoons, bears, hogs, mountain lions and wild cattle and for doing general farm work. Today, black mouth curs are used as house pets and for herding cattle, hunting various animals and aiding search-and-rescue efforts.
The black mouth cur is a well-muscled, medium-sized dog with a powerful, agile body. The dog's legs are proportional to its body, and its feet are large and webbed. The cur is between 16 and 25 inches tall and weighs between 45 and 95 pounds. On average, males are larger than females. The black mouth cur has a broad head with high-set drop ears. It has a long tail and a short coat. Permissible colors include brindle, red, fawn, buckskin, black and brown. Most members of the breed have darkly pigmented lips and mouth interiors. Acceptable eye colors include green, yellow and brown. The rims of the irises should match the lip pigment.
Personality
These intelligent dogs make skilled and persistent hunters, loyal companions and fierce protectors. Curs have even tempers and when properly socialized, make excellent pets and working dogs. As hunters, they are known for treeing prey and bellowing, so they can be noisy as house pets. If not used as working dogs, they require considerable exercise and are not suitable dogs for apartment dwellers. Because these dogs have high prey drives, owners should be cautious about keeping curs with cats or other small household pets.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 16 years |
| Nicknames: | The Cur, The Southern cur, The American black mouth cur, The Yellow black mouth cur, The Red black mouth cur, The Ladner Black mouth cur |
Black Mouth Cur Build Information
The black mouth cur is a well-muscled, medium-sized dog with a powerful, agile body. The dog's legs are proportional to its body, and its feet are large and webbed. The cur is between 16 and 25 inches tall and weighs between 45 and 95 pounds. On average, males are larger than females. The black mouth cur has a broad head with high-set drop ears. It has a long tail and a short coat. Permissible colors include brindle, red, fawn, buckskin, black and brown. Most members of the breed have darkly pigmented lips and mouth interiors. Acceptable eye colors include green, yellow and brown. The rims of the irises should match the lip pigment.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
These intelligent dogs make skilled and persistent hunters, loyal companions and fierce protectors. Curs have even tempers and when properly socialized, make excellent pets and working dogs. As hunters, they are known for treeing prey and bellowing, so they can be noisy as house pets. If not used as working dogs, they require considerable exercise and are not suitable dogs for apartment dwellers. Because these dogs have high prey drives, owners should be cautious about keeping curs with cats or other small household pets.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
Black mouth curs require minimal grooming. They need to be combed or brushed occasionally to minimize shedding, and they need nail trims. Unless they appear dirty, they do not need regular baths. Because the dogs have drop ears, it is also a good idea to periodically clean their ears to help prevent ear infections.
| Shedding: | Little |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Black Mouth Cur Common Health Conditions
Black mouth curs are hardy dogs and enjoy generally good health. Health issues that affect the breed include entropion and musculoskeletal injuries related to the dog's typically active lifestyle.
Black Mouth Cur Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Originated more than 200 years ago in the southern United States. Working dog used for hunting, rescue and working cattle. This medium-sized, active dog, requires plenty of exercise.
| Training: | Moderately easy |