Native to the United States, the Black Mouth Cur was historically one of the best utility and hunting dogs, but now he’s lauded as a great family dog and companion. Black Mouth Cur dogs were used by early pioneers, to herd cattle and flock, and tend to be very good at providing protection for their owners. They enjoy being companions, and have a soft affectionate side reserved for humans such as their owners and small children, but if threatened, they could become defensive and uncontrollable.
The word “cur” refers to mixed breeds and is completely a contradiction, as Black Mouth Curs are purebred dogs. They can mostly be found in the United States, and rarely are ever seen anywhere else. While the exact location of their origins differ, the earliest records of Black Mouth Curs were in the states of Texas, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama, and they were called the Foundation Black Mouth Cur, the Ladner Yellow Black Mouth Cur and the Southern Black Mouth Cur respectively.
Black Mouth Curs can be found in many family homes today, and are the perfect pet for active and playful children. It is recommended however to keep the away from toddlers, as they may play too rough and cause harm to the infant. This dog may not be the best for you if you are an inexperienced dog owner, as they require lots of attention and are very playful and active, but they are perfect for the active adult or teenager.
Black Mouth Cur appearance
His name describes him perfectly, as most Black Mouth Cur dogs have black muzzles and lips that stand out. They have a thick short haired fur coat, which comes in a variety of colours including fawn, black, brown and red. They may also have a small amount of speckles of white on the neck, nose and tip of the tail, but this is normally very small and not easily identifiable. They stand tall and confidently, and have sturdy but agile bodies making them appear intimidating to many.
They vary in size, and males generally are taller and more sturdier than females, weighing 40 and 95 pounds, hile females weigh just 30 – 85 pounds. They also vary in height but generally stand no lower than 16 inches, and up to 25 inches tall. Their tails when present come in many different sizes, while some are born with no tail at all.
Grooming and maintenance
Most Black Mouth Curs shed moderately throughout the year, and do not require a lot of grooming and brushing. Brushing their coat once per week is adequate but not absolutely necessary, as most of these dogs go their whole lives without being professionally groomed. Their nails should be trimmed as needed, and special attention should be paid to their dental hygiene. Bathe as necessary, and ensure to keep the face and ears clean by wiping with a wet cloth, to prevent infections and the spreading of bacteria.
Temperament
With proper socialisation, Black Mouth Curs can adjust to being around large groups of people and strangers, but they are generally only naturally loving to their owners. They are very smart and intelligent, and respond well to instructions and commands. They are very attuned to the voices of their owners, and should never be ill treated or shouted at. They are known to be very brave and always ready to fight for their owner, much to their history of being used for protection by the early pioneers.
They are very energetic and active, and enjoy long play sessions and walks daily. Limited physical activity may cause boredom, depression, anxiety and disruptive behaviour. They are very loyal, and may become territorial when it comes to their owners and households. They were used to hunt food for their owners in the past, and have retained that same level of intelligence today, making them very obedient and easy to train. They require physically challenging tasks to keep them active and happy.
Physical activity
Black Mouth Curs require lots of physical activity to remain stimulated, happy and healthy. They are not suitable for apartment living, but instead they appreciate big open spaces such as backyards and parks. They need to be walked daily for at least half an hour, and also needs to be played with throughout the day. This makes them ideal candidates for large families with lots of children, as they will remain both mentally and physically engaged throughout each day. They are considered to be generally healthy dogs, and live long healthy lives with the right amount of physical activity.
Health care and life expectancy
Black Mouth Curs have a life expectancy of 12 – 16 years. They are however prone to a number of health issues, and these must be taken into consideration before adopting. Owners should keep an eye out for these diseases which may also be present in other dogs. Some of these diseases come with warning signs, but the breeder of your pup should be able to give you its medical information before adoption. These are the three most prevalent health conditions to watch out for:
- Ear Infections – A common condition in many dogs, ear infections occur when the ear traps dirt, water, food and other particles and it is left untreated. Over time, these cause irritation and result in infections. Warning signs include head shaking and scratching and rubbing of the ear. Ear mites are also another cause of ear infections, and can normally be identified by a veterinarian and treated with medication.
- Cataracts – Cataracts occur when the lens have become impaired, and is identified by a cloudy white substance covering the eye. It may be caused by infection or genetics, but can normally be treated by a veterinarian. Warning signs include consistent rubbing and scratching of the eye, a sudden reluctance to play as your dog normally would, and excessive blinking.
- Hip Dysplasia – A common health issue in dogs, hip dysplasia causes abnormalities in the skeletal system and joints, and can result in arthritis or even lameness after time. While genetics may play a part in developing this defect, it is not a major issue in most Black Mouth Curs.
Black Mouth Curs are some of the most intelligent and protective dogs you may have, not to mention there special affectionate side that is reserved only for you. This dog would make a great addition to any household.
