Mountain Cur vs Black Mouth Cur: Which Dog Breed is Right for You

The Mountain Cur and Black Mouth Cur are two breeds of dogs that are often confused with each other due to their similar origins and characteristics.

Both breeds were developed in the southern United States to hunt and track small game, with the Mountain Cur originating in the Appalachian region and the Black Mouth Cur hailing from the swamps of Louisiana.

One key difference between the two breeds is their size, with the Mountain Cur generally weighing between 30-60 pounds and the Black Mouth Cur weighing between 40-80 pounds.

The Mountain Cur is also known for its short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming, while the Black Mouth Cur has a longer, coarser coat that sheds heavily.

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The Black Mouth Cur is a medium to large-sized dog with a sturdy and athletic build, perfect for performing various physical activities. They are part of the Working breed group.

Here are some key facts about the Black Mouth Cur:

They are highly trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement, and are generally a healthy breed with some breed-specific concerns like hip dysplasia and eye issues.

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The Southern Black Mouth Cur has several names that are worth mentioning. One of the most common is the Southern Cur.

The Yellow Black Mouth is another name you might hear.

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The Black Mouth Cur breed has a rich history that spans centuries, originating in the American South, likely in Mississippi or Tennessee, where they were bred to be farm dogs and hunting companions.

They are believed to be descended from European and Asian cur dogs brought to North America by pioneers and settlers. These dogs were used to herd livestock and hunt in the region's rugged terrain.

The exact history of the Black Mouth Cur is unclear due to a lack of records on their breeding. However, it's known that they were crossbred with other dogs as needed, and some speculate that English Mastiffs brought to America from Europe played a part in their ancestry.

The breed has undergone changes over time, resulting in different variations, such as the Alabama Black Mouth Cur, which is known for its red coloration, and the Florida Black Mouth Cur, which has a yellow coat.

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The Ladner family in southern Mississippi has bred Black Mouth Curs for over 100 years and is considered one of the most well-known breeders of these dogs.

Despite their unclear breeding history, the Black Mouth Cur has become a beloved breed, known for its loyalty and protective nature, making it a great family companion and guard dog.

The Black Mouth Cur is generally a robust and long-lived breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Ear infections are a common concern, so regular ear cleaning and maintenance are essential.

Black Mouth Curs may also be susceptible to epilepsy, mange, hip dysplasia, and cataracts. These conditions can be managed with proper care and veterinary attention.

The Black Mouth Cur is relatively easy to groom, thanks to its short, hardy hair. A weekly brushing should keep their coat shiny and clean, and they may only need an occasional bath when they get dirty.

Here's a quick rundown of the potential health issues and grooming needs for Black Mouth Curs:

Maintaining a healthy height is essential for overall well-being.

Research shows that adults who are underweight or overweight tend to be shorter than those with a healthy weight.

A person's height can be influenced by their genetics, with some families inheriting a tendency to be taller or shorter than average.

On average, adult men in the US are around 5 feet 9 inches tall, while women average around 5 feet 4 inches.

Eating a balanced diet that includes essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins can support healthy bone growth and development.

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Black Mouth Curs are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. They often live well into their teenage years, with a lifespan of 12-16 years.

Ear infections are a common issue in Black Mouth Curs, which can cause discomfort and require prompt treatment. Routine ear cleaning and maintenance can help prevent these issues.

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Hip dysplasia is another concern in Black Mouth Curs, a condition that involves abnormal hip joint development, leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Proper diet, exercise, and weight management are crucial for prevention and management.

Some Black Mouth Curs may be prone to epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Medications and management strategies can help control seizures in affected dogs.

Mange, a skin condition caused by mites, can affect Black Mouth Curs, leading to itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Treatment typically involves medicated baths and medications.

Cataracts are a condition that can affect the eyes, causing cloudiness and vision impairment. Black Mouth Curs may be at risk for cataracts, and surgical intervention may be necessary in severe cases to restore vision.

Here are some health conditions that can affect Black Mouth Curs:

The Black Mouth Cur's grooming needs are relatively low maintenance. They have a short, hardy coat that can repel dirt and debris.

A weekly brushing is all that's needed to keep their coat shiny and clean. Shedding is moderate, so brushing outdoors can help keep hair from building up inside.

They should get enough outdoor exercise to keep their nails naturally trimmed. This will reduce the need for frequent nail trimmings.

Here's a quick rundown of their grooming needs:

Overall, their grooming needs are easy to manage, making them a great choice for dog owners who want a low-maintenance pet.

The Mountain Cur and Black Mouth Cur breeds are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

These breeds are not recognized by the FCI either.

If you're looking for organizations that do recognize these breeds, here are some of them:

The Black Mouth Cur and Mountain Cur are both energetic breeds that thrive on physical and mental stimulation. They have a strong prey drive and are naturally protective of their family and territory.

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Both breeds are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement training is recommended, and consistency is key. A firm but gentle approach works best for these sensitive breeds.

Black Mouth Curs are known for their loyalty and affection towards their family, but they can be wary of strangers. They are generally quiet and don't bark much, but they will alert you to potential threats. Mountain Curs, on the other hand, are more social and friendly towards strangers.

Black Mouth Curs have a strong instinct to chase small animals, including cats and other pets, due to their hunting background. They may not be the best fit for families with small pets. Mountain Curs, while not as aggressive, still have a strong prey drive and may not get along with other pets.

In terms of social needs, both breeds are social and require regular interaction with their family. They can become destructive and anxious if left alone for too long without proper exercise and mental stimulation.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds in terms of their temperament and personality:

Ultimately, both breeds make great companions for active families who can provide them with the exercise and attention they need. However, they may not be the best fit for families with small pets or for those who are looking for a low-maintenance breed.

Feeding your Mountain Cur or Black Mouth Cur requires attention to their energy needs and activity level. A healthy diet for a Black Mouth Cur can vary depending on their size and daily activities.

Both breeds need high-quality food, but the amount differs. A Mountain Cur needs 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals, while a Black Mouth Cur needs 2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

It's essential to provide balanced meals, and your veterinarian can help determine an appropriate diet based on your dog's size and energy requirements. You may also want to consult a nutritionist for personalized advice.

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Nutrition is a crucial aspect of caring for your Black Mouth Cur. Males tend to be larger, weighing on average between 40 and 95 pounds, while females range from 35 to 80 pounds.

The average daily food consumption for a Black Mouth Cur is 2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. This is significantly less than the Mountain Cur, which eats 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Black Mouth Curs are generally prone to low to average risk for obesity, making them a relatively easy breed to manage in terms of weight gain.

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A healthy diet is essential for your Black Mouth Cur, and it's not one-size-fits-all. The amount of food your dog needs depends on their size and activity level.

For working dogs, like those that hunt or round up livestock, you'll want to feed them high-energy food to fuel their daily tasks. On the other hand, dogs that get moderate exercise and stay at home can thrive on a balanced diet.

Typically, Black Mouth Curs need two quality meals per day. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best diet for your dog based on their size and energy requirements. They'll be able to advise you on the right balance of nutrients for your pup.

Black Mouth Curs have different feeding needs depending on their size, but generally, they require a high-quality diet with real meat protein. You can choose commercial food designed for puppies or adults, and even switch to senior food as they age.

A varied diet is often best for your puppy, so you may want to switch between a few different foods to keep things interesting. However, as an adult, you can plan on spending about $350 on food a year – more if your dog needs a special diet.

Here's a comparison of the average daily food consumption for Black Mouth Curs and Mountain Curs:

It's worth noting that the Mountain Cur has a higher risk of obesity, while the Black Mouth Cur has a lower to average risk.

The Black Mouth Cur is a highly playful breed, always looking for ways to engage and have fun. They love to work and help with outdoor activities like mowing the grass or raking leaves.

Black Mouth Curs require long daily walks to keep them satisfied, and they'd also love to go on weekend trips to the park or beach. They're not suited for apartment living, so if you have a yard, that's a bonus.

If you're considering getting a Black Mouth Cur, be prepared to spend plenty of time outside with them. They have a higher energy level than other breeds and need a lot of exercises to keep them happy.

Here's a comparison of the energy levels and exercise needs of Black Mouth Curs and Mountain Curs:

Both breeds are not suited for apartment living, but they do have different barking habits. The Mountain Cur barks none to minimal, while the Black Mouth Cur barks occasionally.

Training a Black Mouth Cur requires patience and positive reinforcement. They're intelligent dogs that can learn quickly, but they can also be mischievous and outsmart you if you're not careful.

Black Mouth Curs are sensitive creatures that respond best to positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise. They don't do well with reprimands, so it's essential to use a gentle and encouraging approach when training.

One of the benefits of training a Black Mouth Cur is that they can learn complex tricks and commands with ease. With consistency and positive reinforcement, you can teach them to do just about anything.

However, training a Black Mouth Cur can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. These dogs require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, and they can be overwhelming if you're not prepared.

Here's a comparison of the trainability of Black Mouth Curs and Mountain Curs:

As you can see, both breeds are relatively easy to train, but Mountain Curs may have a slight edge in this department. However, Black Mouth Curs are still highly intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement.

In terms of guarding behavior, both Black Mouth Curs and Mountain Curs are extremely protective of their families. They make great watchdogs and will alert you to any potential threats. However, Mountain Curs may be more suited to guarding due to their high watch dog ability and guarding behavior.

Black Mouth Curs are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they require regular care to stay happy and healthy.

You can expect to pay an average yearly price of $100 to $300 for your healthy, adult Black Mouth Cur, assuming they don't develop any serious health conditions.

They need regular exercise, such as walks, swims, and running on ocean beaches, to keep them happy and active.

Their strong shoulders and hips make them well-suited for outdoor activities, but it's essential to keep them lean to avoid knee problems.

If your Black Mouth Cur does develop a serious health condition, such as hip dysplasia, you can expect ongoing and considerable treatment costs.

They are also intelligent and patient, making them great at solving puzzles, but they can be stubborn at times, like when trying to crate train them.

A table summarizing the average yearly costs for a healthy Black Mouth Cur:

They have a unique way of showing affection, being "aggressively affectionate", and will often initiate cuddles and belly rubs.

It's essential to be gentle when correcting them, as they don't like deep scolding voices and will cower and hide if they feel scolded.

Black Mouth Curs are high-energy dogs that thrive in environments with plenty of space to run around and play. They love to have yards and outdoor space where they can freely access and entertain themselves.

If you're considering a Black Mouth Cur as a pet, be aware that they're not suited for city apartments. They need room to roam and exercise, which can be a challenge in urban areas.

A long walk is always appreciated by Black Mouth Curs, but training them to walk off-leash can be tricky. They have a strong prey drive and may take off after any potential prey, making them less than ideal off-leash dogs.

In contrast, Mountain Curs are often more adaptable to apartment living, but that's a topic for another time. For now, let's focus on the Black Mouth Cur's need for space and exercise.

Owning a Mountain Cur can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to understand their needs and characteristics. They require a good deal of exercise, with experts recommending at least an hour of vigorous activity every 24 hours.

They can be great family pets, especially with older children, as they are patient and enjoy clowning around. However, they do need regular interaction and exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

To care for a Mountain Cur, it's crucial to start training early, as they can be slightly harder to train than other breeds. Positive reinforcement and consistency will help along in the process.

Owning a Mountain Cur can be a great experience for families who are active and enjoy spending time outdoors. They tend to do well with families that include older children, as they are patient and enjoy clowning around.

However, Mountain Curs are not for every family out there, especially those with young children who may not understand how to manage a dog's behavior. Accidents can happen when young children interact with these strong and lively dogs.

Mountain Curs are highly active and need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They were bred to work by hunting, pulling, and herding, among other things, so they require a lot of physical activity throughout the day.

Families who enjoy going on long walks and have time for interactive play will find their Mountain Cur to be a great companion. They thrive in environments where they can get out and explore, rather than being left alone for long periods of time.

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Owning a Mountain Cur requires a good deal of exercise, with experts recommending at least an hour of vigorous activity every 24 hours.

You'll need to plan regular walks, hikes, swims, or cycles to keep your furry friend stimulated and happy. This breed can get bored, cheeky, and destructive if left idle.

The lifespan of a Mountain Cur is between 12 and 18 years, so you're making a long-term commitment as a pet owner.

Training a Mountain Cur requires patience and consistency, as they can be slightly harder to train than other breeds. Positive reinforcement is key to helping them learn and grow.

Routine vet care is essential, with average yearly costs ranging from $100 to $300 for a healthy, adult Mountain Cur.

Owning a Mountain Cur can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider the costs involved.

The price range for a Mountain Cur is relatively affordable, falling between $300 and $500.

If budget is a concern, you'll be happy to know that the price difference between a Mountain Cur and a Black Mouth Cur is negligible, with both breeds costing between $300 and $500.

You might be wondering how easy it is to get your hands on a Mountain Cur. Unfortunately, they are quite rare, so you might only catch a glimpse of one at a dog show.

On the other hand, the Black Mouth Cur is a commonly available breed, making it easier to find one if you're interested.

Here's a quick comparison of the price and availability of Mountain Cur and Black Mouth Cur: