Black Mouth Cur
Athletic, adaptable, and awe-inspiring, the black mouth cur is a capable companion that is often overlooked for more popular breeds. A larger-sized dog, the cur originates from the United States, where it started as an excellent hunter and farming assistant. Energetic and brave, the breed will be a great fit for those who can utilize its monumental potential.
Unfortunately, the breed may overwhelm newer, sedentary owners who can not keep up with its energy or mental aptitude. The black mouth cur also tends to bark more than other dogs its size, making it a hard fit for apartments and homes where noise must be kept to a minimum.
You have come to the right page if you are on the fence about the cur and want to know if the breed is a good fit for you and yours. The next few paragraphs will take a concise look at everything related to the black mouth cut.
Quick Look at the Black Mouth Cur
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 35 – 95 pounds, 16 – 25 inches |
| Coat Type | Short, coarse, fine |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Bright, Adaptable, Devoted |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
What Is the History of Black Mouth Curs?
A native of the southern United States, the black mouth cur got its origins as a loyal hunting dog for many southerners in the rural parts of the country. Commonly believed to be the Belgian Malinois’s offspring, the breed resulted from European dogs that were transported by ship to Mississippi.
While the breed did not catch on as quickly as other American canines, they slowly spread throughout the south and parts of Appalachia. As time progressed, black mouth curs were spotted in Kentucky, Tennesee, North Carolina, and even parts of eastern Texas. In 1998, the breed was officially accepted by the United Kennel Club.
The adaptable and affectionate breed has not made a big splash in pop culture, though it is widely assumed that the titular character in Old Yeller was a black mouth cur.
What Do Black Mouth Curs Look Like?
The black mouth cur certainly has a look, though it can come in a few different colors. A broad, athletic dog, the cur has a tight-fitting coat of short hair that can either be soft or bristly, depending on the dog. Their coats will come in shades of black, brown, cream, or fawn with the iconic black mouth from which the breed has gotten its name.
Their ears are typically folded or floppy, with black around the eyebrows and snout surrounded by lighter shades of brown, cream, or fawn. They have agile and aerodynamic bodies that pull inward at the stomach and long, lightly-muscled legs.
What Size Is a Black Mouth Cur?
While a small minority of black mouth curs could be classified as big dogs, they are primarily medium-sized canines that stand a bit taller than most. The svelte pooches weigh anywhere from thirty-five to ninety-five pounds, and males are usually slightly bigger than their female counterparts. Their size will sit between sixteen and twenty-five inches, with minor variations.
What Is a Black Mouth Curs Coat Type and Length?
You will never see a cur with a dense double coat and clouds of cotton-colored hair, though the texture of their fur can change from one pup to another. While some curs have very soft, fine fur, others have a coarse, scraggly collection of hair that may need to be brushed more frequently.
While they are not among the worst breeds for a person sensitive to dog dander, they are not hypoallergenic. Those with more severe allergies to canines should be wary before adopting this breed and consider hypoallergenic alternatives.
What Is a Black Mouth Curs Temperament?
A breed that has made its living as an invaluable assistant to rural owners all across the southern United States, the black mouth cur is a quick-minded canine with a ton to offer. Deeply intelligent and adaptable, the cur can shift responsibility from a pest exterminator to a guard dog, depending on what their owners need.
They are deeply devoted to their owners and will tend to grow very fond of their family. They are natural protectors, making them good candidates for watchdogs, and they possess strong senses from years in hunting positions. The black mouth cur is an exceptional companion if you want a bigger dog that can put its mind to a task.
Are Black Mouth Curs Good With Kids?
Families looking for a dog to grow up with their kids should heavily consider the black mouth cur. A natural nanny, the black mouth cur has a reputation for being incredibly gentle and kind towards the smaller members of their family and is a great “starter” breed for kids. They should still be monitored at first around children, though few breeds make a better fit for kids.
Are Black Mouth Curs Good With Other Animals?
The black mouth cur is typically an easy dog to get to coexist with other canines, especially if they live with the other animal. This does not mean it is always an easy friendship, and owners will need to watch out for the curs characteristic territorialness. Socialization is important for the cur so it doesn’t lash out at neighborhood dogs it perceives as a threat.
Because of its natural aptitude for hunting smaller animals, it will be hard to bring a cur in a house with several smaller pets. The breed has a built-in prey drive that will see them chasing after squirrels, birds, and even a household cat. If you plan to bring a cur into a house with smaller animals, it will need a lot of time to get used to coexisting with them peacefully.
Are Black Mouth Curs Aggressive?
The breed is not known for random bursts of aggression, though they have a fearless streak that can get them into trouble if they are not raised well by an owner. The black mouth cur is known for its bravery, and if it perceives a stranger as a threat, it will not hesitate to try to protect its owner.
Owners should train their curs to recognize the difference between an intruder and a neighbor, and socialization is imperative for any breed as large as the cur to avoid potential injuries. That said, the cur will not be topping out any dangerous breed lists anytime soon and should be considered a non-aggressive dog on average.
Do Black Mouth Curs Bark?
The black mouth cur is not a quiet dog by any stretch and is one of the louder, larger dog breeds out there. Their tendency towards talking will get worse if they are in apartments or confined houses with a lot of noise or if they are not receiving enough exercise. Owners must train them to be less vocal, and rural homes will be a better fit on average.
Are Black Mouth Curs Affectionate?
The cur will need a lot of time outside to get its energy out, and its sharp mind will need regular stimulation to keep it from getting destructive. After it gets daily exercise, it can become a constant, cuddly companion, rarely far from its favorite family member. From a sprinting blur to a snuggling cur, the canine can switch on a dime.
If you are looking for an active, capable dog that will spend its evenings pressed up next to you, the black mouth cur is in a league of its own.
Are Black Mouth Curs Intelligent?
An intellectual of the animal kingdom, the black mouth cur is a quietly bright breed often overlooked for its mental aptitude. Sharp, adaptable, and alert, the black mouth cur is a challenging breed to compete with when it comes to athletic prowess and cognitive ability. The black mouth cur is an easy frontrunner if you want a breed that can succeed at most jobs.
Their background makes them highly compatible for hunting, herding, protection, and even pest extermination. Because of their intelligence, owners must find the time to train and stimulate their minds when the dogs play or exercise.
Are Black Mouth Curs Energetic?
Because of their long history of working from sunrise to sunset, the breed had to come with ample energy reserves. This endless gas tank has continued to this day, and they are one of the more stamina-heavy breeds an owner will find. They will require an hour or two of playtime every day or a lengthy walk at the absolute minimum.
They are unfit for sedentary owners or people who do not have the free time to give their dogs a couple of hours of their day. Similarly, inexperienced owners may fail to keep up with the dog’s active lifestyle and struggle as a result.
Are Black Mouth Curs Easy to Train?
The black mouth cur is very capable when it is time to train the breed, and they quickly catch on to most tricks. The breed is refreshingly attentive and happy to learn, and their natural intelligence makes the training process much simpler than most expect. The cur will easily catch on without issues when undertaking basic commands and obedience training.
Regarding more physically and mentally advanced training, the cur is still proficient at most obstacles. Whether you want a dog that completes agility circuits or need a four-legged friend who can learn more complex orders, the black mouth cur checks all the boxes. To learn about courses available in your area, check out Dog Academy+ for a lengthy list of options.
Are Black Mouth Curs Good Watchdogs?
Protective, fearless, and alert, the black mouth cur is an exceptional guard dog that can shift from a lazy lap dog to a snarling protector at the drop of a hat. They have great senses that have been honed from generations of tracking and a personality that is naturally suited to the role.
If you plan on making your black mouth cur a guard dog, ensure it is trained and socialized to understand the difference between a neighbor knocking at your door and a genuine threat. They are very sweet, affectionate dogs, but they can also be dangerous animals if they decide someone is trying to harm them or their family.
Are Black Mouth Curs Good Service Dogs?
The black mouth cur can become a service dog, and if you have a cur that fits the bill for a service position, then it should be trained for the role. They are naturally task-oriented and attentive, and their intelligence and adaptability make them perfect for most service positions, from medicine retrieval to physical assistance.
Emotional support and psychiatric services are not excluded from the curs lengthy list of skills, and they can make excellent emotional aids for people with mental afflictions. If you plan to use a black mouth cur in a service position, getting them used to strange dogs will be essential to avoid any accidents while in public.
How to Care for a Black Mouth Cur?
If you are looking to adopt a black mouth cur, you will need to prepare for a dog that requires a lot of exercise and room to run. They are larger animals with a lot of energy and will not do well in apartments or smaller homes, and should be reserved for homes with a lot of land or fenced-in backyards.
Do You Need to Groom a Black Mouth Cur?
They do not require the touch of a professional groomer, though owners will need to look after a few things on the breed. The first is their ears, which can hold dirt, debris, and germs. Check a few times a week to ensure your black mouth cur is not getting an ear infection. Their nails should also be trimmed whenever they start tapping on the floor.
Do Black Mouth Curs Shed?
The cur will shed somewhat throughout the year, though an infrequent brushing can maintain most of the discarded fur. If an owner gives the dog one thorough brushing a week, they will have minimal issues going forward. The black mouth cur is not hypoallergenic, and those with canine allergies may want to consider similar breeds with more agreeable coats.
What Health Problems Do Black Mouth Curs Have?
A well-raised black mouth cur will live a long, healthy life free from most medical issues. However, the breed is susceptible to a few common ailments that should be known before adoption.
The most common health problems a black mouth cur will face in its life are:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Mange
- Epilepsy
- Ear Infections
- Cataracts
Keeping a dog on a healthy, nutritious diet, giving it plenty of exercise, and frequent vet checkups can minimize the risk of health problems going forward. Similarly, owners should check a dog’s medical history to ensure it has minimal genetic health problems.
How Long Do Black Mouth Curs Live?
While some black mouth curs have lived well past their life expectancy, most will average anywhere from twelve to fifteen years. Smaller curs tend to have longer lives, while the more robust members of the breed may have a shorter lifespan.
What Should a Black Mouth Cur Eat?
Because of the massive weight difference from one dog to another, the meal requirements of one cur will not be a one size fits all solution. When feeding your cur, things to consider are how active it is, how big it is, and whether or not its medical history requires a specific type of diet. Contact a local veterinarian for a more specialized diet for your dog.
Is a Black Mouth Cur the Right Dog for Me?
The black mouth cur is a breed that has existed in the States for quite some time and has proven to be an invaluable assistant to those who have adopted it. They are deeply intelligent, wildly athletic, and adorable animals worthy of any owner. Unfortunately, not everyone will be a great fit for the dog.
Folks with smaller animals will have difficulty getting the cur to behave and may have problems with more apprehensive dogs. It is a very active dog that will struggle in apartments and can grow chaotic if it is not regularly taken out for walks or exercise. If trained well and given an agreeable home, it will be an irreplaceable friend.