The southern Black Mouth Cur is classified as a working dog with an energetic and playful nature. The Southern Cur dog breed that will capture your attention while keeping you safe and pulling on your heartstrings with their sensitive, loving natures. Black Mouth Curs are a great choice for a family pet or to serve as the perfect best friend for the right person.
They’re active, loyal and friendly, but if you’re considering adopting a Black Mouth Cur, there are some things you need to know first. Starting with their energy levels – these dogs are not loungers, especially as puppies. You’ll need your own stock of energy to keep up with these dogs, who will soon become your favorite active buddy.
Here’s a guide to the Black Mouth Cur so you can get to know the ins and outs of this sweet and loving dog.
Breed Overview
Also Known As…
Southern Cur. Yellow Black Mouth. Southern Black Mouth Cur.
What is the History of the Black Mouth Cur?
The Black Mouth Cur origin is unique to the United States and North America, but owes its lineage to European and Asian cur dogs. These were brought over as farm dogs to what are now Florida and Texas to work as farm dogs or hunting dogs in the region. They were brought to the U.S. to hunt and guard farms from predators, as well as to herd livestock on farmland.
The European and Asian cur dogs were then crossbred with other dogs such as English Mastiffs, although breeding history is still a bit murky. For this reason, Black Mouths are not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), however are registered within the United Kennel Club. Either way, over time these dogs came into their current form as great guard dogs and family companions, herding animals on farms and becoming part of many families.
How Big Do Black Mouth Curs Get?
Height: 16-25 inches
Black Mouth Curs range in size from 16 to 25 inches tall for both males and females.
Weight: 35-40 pounds
Both male and female Black Mouth Curs weigh around 35 to 40 pounds as adults.
How Long Do Black Mouth Cur (Generally) Live?
Black Mouth Curs are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan. They tend to live 12 to 18 years. However, every dog breed is susceptible to some health problems, and Black Mouth Curs are no exception. These dogs are prone to ear infections, so it’s important to regularly inspect your dog’s ears, especially if they spend any time in the water.
Some Black Mouth Curs are also prone to hip dysplasia, especially as they grow older.
What Is A Black Mouth Cur’s Temperament & Personality Like?
Black Mouth Curs are known for their energy, loyalty and capacity to love an individual or a family. They’re loyal and friendly, ready to keep your house safe from predators making them a perfect family dog. Black Mouth Curs are sensitive dogs, which means they’ll pick up on your emotional cues and should be shown plenty of affection.
They’re also high-energy dogs that love to play with members of their pack. Remember that Black Mouth Curs were bred to be work dogs, which means they need plenty of playtime and love to get out their energy outside. These dogs are also intelligent, which makes for a great training experience with the right owner who’s up for a smart dog with a love of outdoor activities.
Are Black Mouth Curs Good With Kids? Cats? Dogs?
Black Mouth Curs are friendly dogs, especially with humans. No matter how friendly, however, it’s important to socialize your dog so they don’t see every new human as a potential threat. They’re medium-sized dogs, so a loud bark or jump may come off as physically threatening to strangers.
These dogs are not typically reactive, and so they tend to do well around other dogs. Again, proper socialization is key. While generally friendly with humans and other dogs, Black Mouth Curs may not appreciate cats and other pets. They were bred to hunt and guard farms, so their instincts to chase other creatures are still present.
Are Black Mouth Curs High Energy?
Black Mouth Curs are high-energy dogs. If you get a Black Mouth Cur, get ready to play, go on long walks and to spend plenty of time outside.
Are Black Mouth Curs Hard To Train?
Black Mouth Curs are intelligent dogs, which means you can have great success training them. It also means they can outsmart you once in a while. It’s hardly the worst thing and may make for some entertaining moments like stealing your seat on the couch, but with some good, positive efforts, you can train them well.
Best Training Techniques For Black Mouth Curs
Black Mouth Curs will learn quickly and can complete more complex tricks to earn those treats you have waiting for them. They’re sensitive creatures, so they respond best to positive reinforcement. They don’t respond well to reprimands, on the other hand, and will pick up on your emotions, especially when you’re frustrated with them. It’s best to use positivity and praise with a Black Mouth Cur, and make sure you reward them with both treats and love.
Ideal Environment for Black Mouth Curs
As high-energy dogs, Black Mouth Curs need plenty of time to play and exercise. They’re better suited for homes with yards and outdoor space rather than city apartments and are a great choice for a family dog. Black Mouth Curs love space to run around and play fetch with their owners, as well as spaces where they can entertain themselves for a while, such as in a yard they can access freely.
Black Mouth Curs always appreciate a nice long walk, but be cautious if you’re thinking about training your dog to walk alongside you off leash. Black Mouth Curs were bred to protect farms from predators and herd animals, so they have a tendency to roam after any potential prey, which doesn’t make them ideal off-leash dogs.
Do Black Mouth Curs Have Health Issues?
Like all other medium to large dogs, the Black Mouth Cur is at risk for arthritis and hip dysplasia. Preventative care for their joints is important for a long and happy life. Keep your dog at a healthy weight, because obesity puts extra strain on their joints.
Do Black Mouth Curs Need to Be Groomed?
No need to get to the groomer often when you have a Black Mouth Cur. These are short-haired dogs and shed an average amount, so you’ll need to give them a good brushing a couple of times a week during shedding season. They need baths infrequently, as bathing them too much can cause their skin to dry out. Every couple of months is plenty, unless they’ve gotten muddy or been in the water.
As with any dog, you’ll also need to trim their nails regularly, and as they are prone to problems with their ears, make sure you keep an eye out for any ear problems and ask a groomer to take a closer look at their ears.
Pros and Cons of the Black Mouth Cur Breed
- Outdoorsy family-friendly dog (Pro)
- Low Maintenance Grooming (Pro)
- Over protective breed (Con)
- Need constant stimulation (Con)
Overall, we think there’s so many good qualities to owning a Black Mouth. They would be a perfect companion to a dog lover or family looking for an outdoorsy loving friend.
How Much Does It Cost to Care for a Black Mouth Cur?
On average buying one of these breeds can cost around $350 to $1000, this price can vary depending on the breeder. Even when adopting the price is typically around $300 dollars. However, on the plus side Black Mouth Curs are typically low maintenance so they won’t require too much grooming in the long term.
Routine Vet Care (Healthy Dog)
After the first year, you will likely pay less unless your dog develops a serious health condition. Some health problems like hip dysplasia will require ongoing and considerable treatment. You can expect an average yearly price of $100 to $300 for your healthy, adult Black Mouth Cur.
Dog Food
The cost of the food depends mainly on what food you choose. We recommend high-quality food for your pup, as these can help prevent health problems. A varied diet is often best for your puppy, so you should switch between a few different foods. Black Mouth Curs grow rapidly in their first year of life and need a nutritious diet to support their growth!
Puppies will usually eat less since they are smaller. You may spend less on their food. However, as an adult, you can plan on spending about $350 on food a year – more if your dog needs a special diet.
Why not make mealtime simple with BARK Eats? With pre-portioned, customized dog food designed for the dietary needs of your dog, you’ll ensure your pup is benefiting from every bite. Enjoy the best of BARK delivered straight to your door and snag 50% off your first month!
These dogs will need quite a few toys. You should plan on them costing about $100 a year.
Preventative Medications for Black Mouth Curs
It typically costs a couple hundred for a year’s worth of various tick, heartworm, and parasite treatments for your Black Mouth Curs. Your vet may recommend additional vaccines based on your geographic region and your pup’s lifestyle, so prepare for another $100–$200 on the bill.
Toys Black Mouth Curs Would Like Best
Prepare yourself for many games of fetch when you bring home a Black Mouth Cur. These animals love to run and play, so you can’t go wrong with a classic Fetch Toy. You can also play with some Tug Toys to help them release their energy, whether indoors our outdoors.
To keep them occupied on rainy days, you may want to get them a treat-dispensing Super Chewer Toy to engage their intellect. Something like the Magnum Can Toy is an excellent option!
Recommended Products for Black Mouth Curs
For Black Mouth Curs with joint issues – or any dog who just loves to lie around! – a nice comfortable bed with orthopedic support is probably a good idea.
Orthopedic Ultra Plush Memory Foam Dog Bed
This ultra-plush orthopedic dog bed provides support for even the most active of dogs! The combination of ergonomic memory foam and gel foam relieves pressure points and helps ease body aches caused by hip dysplasia, arthritis and other orthopedic issues. ($27.99-64.99.)
Black Mouth Cur Tips To Keep In Mind
When caring for this outdoorsy-dog it’s important to keep in mind that they are slightly harder to train than other dog breeds, therefore we suggest starting early. Positive reinforcement and consistency will help along in the process.
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