BLACK MOUTH CUR Breed Standards
The origin of the Blackmouth Cur is uncertain. Some writers have claimed that the breed originated in the mountains of Tennessee while others believe the breed originated in Mississippi. In any event, these dogs were widely used by early American settlers as all-round working dogs. As Americans moved west, the Blackmouth Curs moved with them, serving as a hunting dog and family guardian. It was a Black Mouth Cur that starred in Disney's classic movie 'Old Yeller'. A good book to read about the history of the Black Mouth Cur is 'The Big Thicket Legacy', written by Campbell and Lynn Loughmiller. The book was written about the people and early times of frontier life in the area of southeast Texas.
SKILLS: The Black Mouth Cur, is an unquestionably muscular, sturdy, rugged Southern dog. For the people who hunt, no other dog will do. Among this swift hunter's quarry is boar, bear, coon, squirrel and deer.
SIZE: Height: 16-25 inches (40-64 cm.) Weight: 45-95 pounds (20-43 kg.)
COAT: The Black Mouth Cur is an unquestionably muscular, sturdy, rugged Southern dog.
CARE REQUIRED: The coat comes in a variety of shades of yellow, fawns and brindle. Some BM Curs are born with heavier coats and some are born with lighter coats; these two different coat types can appear in the same litter. The undeniably powerful muzzle is black, tan or the same color as the coat. Black muzzles are usually preferred and any other color is considered a fault. The ears are medium-sized and hanging. The tail can be quite lengthy. Many are born with a short tail or have a docked. The chest is deep and solid.
CHARACTER: 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.
TRAINING: 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. Male dogs are especially affectionate to women, preferring ladies for company and being aloof with strange men. Notably protective of children. Some object to parents disciplining children, which of course, children love.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Black Mouth Cur is a hunting dog that needs a great deal of regular exercise. 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 at home with a large yard to protect.
EXERCISE: The Black Mouth Cur is not the best choice for apartment life.
