
The Ladner Black Mouth Cur is a rare and unique dog breed that's sure to capture your attention. This breed originated in the southern United States, specifically in the Appalachian region.
They were originally bred for hunting and working on farms, where their intelligence, strength, and agility were highly valued.
Their distinctive black mouth is a result of their history of hunting small game, where a black mouth helped them catch prey more easily.
This breed is known for being fiercely loyal and protective of their families, making them excellent companions for those who value a strong bond with their pets.
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About Ladner's
The Ladner Blackmouth Cur is a dog that's native to the south Mississippi and gulf coast area.
L.H. Ladner, a 60-year-old hunter and breeder, has been working with these dogs for his entire life, breeding generation after generation of good treedogs.
Most Ladner Blackmouth Curs will be yellow, reddish yellow, or red with a black mouth, and some may have a black mask.
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They range in size from 35 to 75 pounds, making them a versatile breed.
These dogs are bred for their ability and intelligence, which is why they're so good at being trained.
A strong natural desire to please their master is a key characteristic of the Ladner Blackmouth Cur.
They can be controlled by the tone of voice of their master, and they can be trained to do just about anything.
The Ladner Curs are very good natured and are great around kids, which makes them a wonderful family pet.
These dogs are intelligent enough to be used for everything from pets to search and rescue dogs.
In fact, L.H. Ladner donated a pup to the Forrest County Search and Rescue team, and the dog, Dixie, has received numerous certifications and achievements.
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Breed Characteristics
The Ladner Black Mouth Cur is a versatile breed that excels in various roles, from hunting to family companionship.
They are a medium to large-sized dog with a muscular build, typically weighing between 45 and 80 pounds.
Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming and comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and red.
They are naturally protective of their family and territory, making them excellent watchdogs.
Their high energy level requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
They are highly intelligent and trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement and consistency.
Their strong prey drive and independent nature make them a good fit for experienced dog owners.
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Breed Behavior
Black Mouth Curs can be friendly to other dogs if socialization training begins early, but they can be territorial and respond to strangers or other dogs with aggression if they feel threatened.
They're usually fine with another resident dog, but their high prey drive makes them unsuitable for homes with smaller pets like cats, rabbits, and hamsters.
Black Mouth Curs need human interaction and companionship and are great with families and kids, but children should be supervised when playing with them because they like to roughhouse and may not know they need to be gentler.
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Activities

Blackmouth Curs are extremely versatile dogs, capable of exceling in a wide range of activities. They can herd animals, track or trail game, pull weights, run in a coursing event, work as a Search and Rescue dog, or anything else a smart, athletic dog that wants to please its owner can do.
Blackmouth Curs are used for herding cattle, baying hogs, hunting squirrel, raccoon, bear, and mountain lion. They're particularly skilled at baying and herding.
They will tree game, and the Ladner line has been specifically bred to promote this treeing ability. This makes them a valuable asset for hunters.
A single Blackmouth Cur can be used to bay, herd, and tree, depending on the handler's desire. This flexibility makes them a great choice for owners who enjoy multiple activities with their dogs.
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Children and Pets
If you're planning to bring a Black Mouth Cur into your family, it's essential to consider how they'll interact with your kids. They're great with families and kids, but it's crucial to supervise playtime to ensure everyone stays safe.
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Black Mouth Curs love to roughhouse, which can be fun for kids, but also means they may not know their own strength. Teaching your kids how to interact with dogs gently is vital.
Socialization training is key to helping Black Mouth Curs get along with other pets. If they don't receive proper training, they may respond to strangers or other dogs with aggression.
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Health and Care
The Ladner Black Mouth Cur is a robust breed known for its longevity and overall health. They can live well into their teenage years with fewer genetic health issues than other breeds.
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor their health and address potential issues early on. This can help prevent or manage conditions such as ear infections, epilepsy, mange, hip dysplasia, and cataracts.
To keep your Ladner Black Mouth Cur healthy, it's essential to maintain good ear hygiene by regularly cleaning their ears. You should also check their eyes and bone health during routine vet visits to spot signs of cataracts, hip dysplasia, or other eye and skeletal conditions.
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Here are some common health conditions that can affect the Ladner Black Mouth Cur:
- Ear Infections: Regular ear cleaning and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
- Epilepsy: Medications and management strategies can help control seizures in affected dogs.
- Mange: Treatment typically involves medicated baths and medications.
- Hip Dysplasia: Proper diet, exercise, and weight management are crucial for prevention and management.
- Cataracts: Surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases to restore vision.
Health
Black Mouth Curs are generally a robust and long-lived breed, often living well into their teenage years. Regular veterinary check-ups and a proactive approach to healthcare can help manage potential medical conditions.
Ear infections are a common issue in Black Mouth Curs, which can be prevented with routine ear cleaning and maintenance. I've seen firsthand how quickly ear infections can spread, so it's essential to stay on top of ear care.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect some Black Mouth Curs, causing recurrent seizures. Medications and management strategies can help control seizures in affected dogs.
Mange is a skin condition caused by mites that can lead to itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Regular grooming and medicated baths can help prevent and treat mange.
Hip dysplasia is a common concern in many breeds, including Black Mouth Curs, and can be prevented and managed with proper diet, exercise, and weight management. I've known dogs who've been able to live comfortably with hip dysplasia, but it's crucial to catch it early.

Cataracts are a condition that can affect the eyes, causing cloudiness and vision impairment. Surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases to restore vision.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Black Mouth Curs, along with some tips for prevention and management:
- Ear Infections: Routine ear cleaning and maintenance can help prevent infections.
- Epilepsy: Medications and management strategies can help control seizures.
- Mange: Regular grooming and medicated baths can help prevent and treat mange.
- Hip Dysplasia: Proper diet, exercise, and weight management can help prevent and manage hip dysplasia.
- Cataracts: Regular eye check-ups can help spot signs of cataracts early.
Feeding
A healthy diet is crucial for your Black Mouth Cur's overall well-being. Typically, they need two quality meals per day.
The number of meals depends on the dog's size and activities, so it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog. They can help you determine an appropriate diet based on your Black Mouth Cur's size and energy requirements.
Balanced meals are a must, and you may want to consider consulting a nutritionist to advise you on what to feed your dog.
History and Highlights
The Ladner Black Mouth Cur has a rich history that spans over a century. The breed originated in the American South, most likely in Mississippi or Tennessee, where they were used by pioneers and settlers for herding and hunting.
Their ancestors were European and Asian cur dogs that were brought to North America and used to help with farm work and protecting against wildlife. This breed played a major role in settling the American frontier, and some claim that westward expansion wouldn't have been possible without them.
The Ladner family in southern Mississippi has bred Black Mouth Curs for over 100 years and may be the most well-known breeder of these dogs. They come in various colors, including yellow, fawn, and brindle, with a short, dense coat and a distinctive black muzzle.
Here are some notable variations of the Black Mouth Cur breed:
- Alabama Black Mouth Cur: Known for its red coloration.
- Florida Black Mouth Cur: Recognizable by its yellow coat.
The Ladner Black Mouth Cur is a versatile breed that excels in various roles, including hunting, herding, tracking, guarding, and as family companions. They are known for their high intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and loyalty to their families.
History
The Black Mouth Cur breed has a rich and mysterious history that spans centuries. They originated in the American South, likely in Mississippi or Tennessee.

Their ancestors were European and Asian cur dogs brought to North America by pioneers and settlers who needed a farm dog that could herd livestock and hunt in the rugged terrain. These dogs were also used to ward off dangerous wildlife.
The breed played a major role in settling the American frontier, and some claim that westward expansion wouldn't have been possible without them. The Black Mouth Cur's versatility and ability to adapt to different environments made them an invaluable asset to early settlers.
The exact origin of the breed is unknown, and record keeping on their ancestry wasn't a priority during those times. Some speculate that English Mastiffs brought to America as early as 1621 may have contributed to the breed's ancestry.
The Ladner family in southern Mississippi has been breeding Black Mouth Curs for over 100 years and is one of the most well-known breeders of these dogs. They have produced a wide range of variations, including the Alabama Black Mouth Cur, known for its red coloration, and the Florida Black Mouth Cur, recognizable by its yellow coat.
The breed's lack of standardization has made it difficult for kennel clubs to recognize them, including the American Kennel Club. However, the United Kennel Club registered the Black Mouth Cur in 1998, and they now appear in the show ring.
Highlights

The Black Mouth Cur is a versatile breed with a rich history. They originated in the Southern United States and are descended from various European and American breeds.
One of the most impressive things about Black Mouth Curs is their adaptability. They excel in various roles, including hunting, herding, tracking, guarding, and even as family companions.
Here are some of the key characteristics that make Black Mouth Curs so special:
* Heritage: Southern United StatesRoles: hunting, herding, tracking, guarding, and family companions
Their intelligence and problem-solving abilities make them quick learners and easy to train. They thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy challenging tasks.
Black Mouth Curs are loyal to their families and have strong protective instincts. They can be cautious around strangers, making them effective guard dogs when properly socialized.
On average, Black Mouth Curs live for 12 to 16 years. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to prevent and detect potential health issues, such as hip dysplasia and skin conditions.
With proper training and socialization, Black Mouth Curs can be great family dogs. They can be gentle and affectionate with children and other pets in the household.
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