Blackmouth Cur – Information, Health, Pictures & Training

Blackmouth Curs have short coats, either coarse or fine, and a combination of the two types may appear in the same litter.

• Mouth: The muzzle is square-shaped and may be melanistic mask, or black. The ears are medium-sized and hanging with the exception that some owners of exceptional pedigrees bred for hunting have the ears cropped soon after birth. The ears may either be black or the same color as the coat. ‘Blackmouth’ refers to the dark pigmentation around the lips that also extends into the interior of the mouth including the roof of the mouth, gums, and cheeks though not the tongue. The muzzle may or may not be dark, though it is generally the preferred look. This indicates the melanistic mask gene.

• Tail: The tail of a Blackmouth Cur is medium length and is generally left natural, although it may also be docked.

• Feet: The feet are large and webbed, similar to a Catahoula Leopard Dog.

• Weight: The weight ranges from 30-100 pounds, with males being larger than females. The wide weight range is due to different kinds, age, and size.

For the people who hunt, no other dog will do. Among this swift hunter’s quarry is boar, bear, coon, squirrel and deer. With medium-sized game, the Black Mouth catches and kills it with no questions asked. This dog never retreats. It is also proficient at treeing and baying. During the hunt, trailing is semi-open or silent, with a chop or yodel acceptable on tree or at bay. Curs rarely trot, even while hunting, going from a walk to a ground-covering sprint. These dogs are avid hunters, yet can also work with cattle. Breeders say a pup will train himself treeing, protecting and/or bunching and penning cattle by six months of age. As relentless and overpowering as this cur appears at work, he is kind and protective with his family. Loyalty and fearlessness are the norm. They have a burning desire to please their master. Good with children. This breed needs an owner who projects a natural authority over the dog. The owner must set rules the dog must follow and stick to them. They must be stir without being harsh, remaining calm and confident. The dog must be convinced he is below humans in the pack order. It is paramount that this dog receives daily mental and physical exercise. Curs who lack in exercise can become high strung and rammy. When not working out on the hunt they must be taken for daily walks where they heel beside or behind the owner. Never in front as the pack leader goes first. Intelligent, predictable, with an even temperament, the Southern Curs are loyal to their families, giving their lives, if necessary, to protect them. Start training the Black Mouth puppy as soon as you bring it home. Training sessions should be short and frequent to keep them from becoming bored. This working dog should not be trusted with non-canine pets.

Though many health issues affect dogs of all breeds and can affect the Blackmouth Cur, they seem to be a rather hardy breed.  As with other similar breeds, entropion (slight turning in of eyelid) is a correctable health issue. Their active nature exposes them to the possibility of torn ligaments and pulled muscles.

The Black Mouth Cur is a hunting dog that needs a great deal of regular exercise, including a long, brisk daily walk. These dogs are extremely intelligent, and even a long run once a day would not be enough to keep them occupied. Very physical dog, unless it senses fragile young children or women. Needs plenty of room to run. They do best in a home with a large yard to protect. They make great jogging companions. Lack of exercise can cause a wide variety of behavior problems.

The short hair of the Black Mouth Cur is easy to groom. Occasionally comb and brush to remove dead and loose hairs. Bathe only when necessary as bathing can dry out the skin causing skin problems. Keep the ear canal free of excess hair and the toenails clipped.