Texas Black Mouth Cur: A Comprehensive Guide

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Posted Oct 14, 2024

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The Texas Black Mouth Cur is a versatile and loyal breed that's perfect for active families. They originated in the United States, specifically in the southern states, as a working dog.

Their short, dense coats are easy to maintain, requiring only occasional brushing. They come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and red.

This breed is known for its high energy level, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk and playtime should be a priority for any Texas Black Mouth Cur owner.

History and Origins

The Texas Black Mouth Cur's history is deeply rooted in the Southern United States, where it's known by various names, including the Southern Cur and Yellow Black Mouth Cur.

The breed's ancestry is shrouded in mystery, with some claiming it descended from European dogs, specifically the Belgian Malinois, brought to southern Mississippi by settlers.

Life in the United States 100 years ago was tough, and without dogs like the Black Mouth Cur, many people wouldn't have survived, as they could trail game, pen or catch hogs and cattle, and protect their family and property.

The breed was bred into its current form as a popular cur-type hunting dog in Mississippi and eventually spread to other states, including Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

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The History of

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The Black Mouth Cur's origins are rooted in the Southern United States, where it's known by various names including the Southern Cur, Southern Black Mouth Cur, and Yellow Black Mouth Cur.

The breed's ancestry is shrouded in mystery, but one commonly held story is that it descends from dogs brought to southern Mississippi by European settlers, which included Belgian Malinois.

The Black Mouth Cur was bred into its current form as a popular cur-type hunting dog in this environment, and from Mississippi it spread to other states such as Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

The breed's popularity as a hunting dog is evident in its versatility, able to trail game for meat and fur, pen or catch hogs and cattle, and protect its family and property.

In 1987, a breed club was formed to support the Black Mouth Cur, the Southern Black Mouth Cur Breeders Association, and in 1998 the breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club.

The Continental Kennel Club puts the Black Mouth Cur in its pastoral and stock breeds group, and the United Kennel Club recognizes it in the scenthound group, highlighting its unique characteristics as a purebred dog.

Additional reading: Black Mouth Cur Hunting

Texas

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The Black Mouth Cur has a rich history in the Southern United States. They were bred from dogs brought by European settlers, including Belgian Malinois, and were used for hunting and protecting homes and livestock.

The breed has spread to various regions, including the mountains of Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as the Big Thicket region of Southeast Texas.

In 1987, a breed club was formed to support the breed, the Southern Black Mouth Cur Breeders Association.

For more insights, see: Southern Black Mouth Cur

Breed Characteristics

The Texas Black Mouth Cur is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day to work off their excess energy.

They are also highly intelligent and love to be occupied, making them a great fit for active families who enjoy outdoor activities. With proper training and socialization, they can thrive in a variety of settings.

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Here are some key characteristics of the Texas Black Mouth Cur:

Overall, the Texas Black Mouth Cur is a loyal and protective breed that makes a great companion for active families who are willing to put in the time and effort to train and socialize them.

Temperament

The Black Mouth Cur temperament is a unique blend of traits that make them both loving and challenging companions. They are natural-born working dogs who love to be occupied, requiring regular exercise to work off physical energy and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

Black Mouth Curs are highly intelligent and easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times. They respond well to positive reinforcement, repetition, and treats, which can be a lifesaver for owners who need to keep them occupied.

One thing to keep in mind is that Black Mouth Curs are highly protective of their families and can be suspicious of strangers. They may not be the right breed for highly social people who enjoy large gatherings or frequent visitors.

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In terms of exercise needs, Black Mouth Curs require a lot of physical activity to stay happy and healthy. They need daily exercise to burn off energy, which can include long walks, runs, or playtime in the yard.

Here are some key temperament traits to consider:

Overall, the Black Mouth Cur temperament is a great fit for active families who are willing to provide the exercise and attention they need. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your Black Mouth Cur thrive and become a loving and loyal companion.

Appearance

The Black Mouth Cur is a medium to large sized, athletic, muscular breed of dog.

They typically stand between 16 and 25 inches tall, with some individual dogs reaching 28 inches.

The breed's weight range is between 45 and 100 pounds, with a minimum of 40 pounds for mature male dogs and 35 pounds for mature female dogs.

Black Mouth Curs have a short, dense coat that's often yellow, fawn, or light brown in color.

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Dark brown, brindle, and black individual animals are also known to exist.

Their head is broad and flat, with drooped ears and a powerful, distinctly melanistic black muzzle.

The breed has a broad chest, long legs, and a long tail that's typically left undocked.

Both Black Mouth Curs and Mountain Curs come in a range of colors.

Only Black Mouth Curs have a black muzzle and black inner mouth and gums.

Mountain Curs have double coats, while Black Mouth Curs do not.

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Size

Black Mouth Curs are medium to large dogs, and their size can vary. They typically weigh between 50-80 pounds, although some can weigh as much as 80-100 pounds.

Their height is also quite impressive, with some Curs standing no less than 16-18 inches tall. The United Kennel Club’s breed standards support this, listing minimum height and weight requirements for the breed.

Black Mouth Curs are generally heavier and larger than Mountain Curs. Mountain Curs rarely weigh more than 60 pounds, while Black Mouth Curs can easily exceed 80 pounds.

Their strength and size are carefully managed by reputable breeders, who understand the importance of these characteristics for hunting and other purposes.

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Care and Maintenance

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The Texas Black Mouth Cur is a relatively easy dog to care for, with attainable exercise needs.

Regular brushing and bathing are a must to maintain their short, thick fur and keep them clean. Semi-regular brushing and bathing will help with hygiene and odor management.

Daily teeth brushing is essential to prevent gingivitis, dental disease, and bad breath. Keep those pearly whites shining with regular brushing!

Trimming their nails regularly is also crucial to prevent overgrowth. It's a simple task that can make a big difference in your dog's comfort.

A high-performance working dog diet is necessary for active Black Mouth Curs, while a regular high-protein diet will suffice for less active ones. Aim for 3 cups of food per day, split into multiple feedings.

Always have fresh water available for your Texas Black Mouth Cur to stay hydrated. This is especially important during exercise and hot weather.

Health and Wellness

Texas Black Mouth Curs are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These issues are typically easy to treat and rarely life-threatening.

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Arthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems in Black Mouth Curs, so preventative care is essential for a long and happy life. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help reduce the strain on their joints.

Ear infections are another issue that can affect Black Mouth Curs, particularly due to their floppy ears. Regular ear cleaning and examination can help prevent infections.

Allergies can cause skin irritation and itching in Black Mouth Curs, and may require experimentation with foods, supplements, and medications to control symptoms. Injectable allergy treatments can provide long-lasting relief.

Epilepsy is a more serious health condition that can affect Black Mouth Curs, causing seizures and other symptoms. If you notice any unusual behavior in your dog, it's essential to seek veterinary attention immediately.

Here's a list of common health issues to be aware of in Black Mouth Curs:

  • Ear infections
  • Eye and vision issues (e.g. cataracts)
  • Joint issues (e.g. arthritis, hip dysplasia)
  • Allergies
  • Skin irritation and hot spots
  • Epilepsy

By being aware of these potential health issues and taking preventative measures, you can help keep your Texas Black Mouth Cur happy and healthy.

Ownership and Adoption

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If you're looking to bring a Texas Black Mouth Cur into your life, you're in for a treat. These dogs are relatively hard to find, so your best bet for getting one may come in the form of adoption.

Check out local pet shelters as you begin your search—these organizations should be able to provide guidance and next steps for adoption as well as direct you to reputable breeders if you choose to go that route. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,400 for a black mouth cur from a breeder.

If you do decide to adopt, you'll be giving a loving home to a dog in need. And who knows, you might just find the perfect companion.

If this caught your attention, see: Black Mouth Cur for Adoption

Pros and Cons

If you're considering bringing a Black Mouth Cur into your life, you'll be rewarded with a loyal companion.

One of the most appealing aspects of this breed is their adventurous spirit. Black Mouth Curs are naturally eager to explore and play, making them a great fit for active families.

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Their intelligence is another major plus. Highly intelligent and eager to please, Black Mouth Curs are quick to learn and thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

If you're looking for a breed that will form a strong bond with you, the Black Mouth Cur is a great choice. They easily bond with humans and are known to be affectionate.

Here are some key pros of owning a Black Mouth Cur:

  • Adventurous and affectionate
  • Highly intelligent and eager to please
  • Easily bonds with humans

Adopting or Buying a Dog

Adopting or buying a dog can be a daunting task, but with some guidance, you'll be well on your way to finding your new best friend.

Black mouth curs can be relatively hard to find, so your best bet for getting one may come in the form of adoption. Check out local pet shelters as you begin your search—these organizations should be able to provide guidance and next steps for adoption as well as direct you to reputable breeders if you choose to go that route.

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Local pet shelters can often provide a wealth of information about a dog's background and temperament, so take advantage of this resource.

Black mouth curs can be purchased from breeders, but be aware that they can be pricey, costing anywhere from $300 to $1,400.

If you do decide to buy from a breeder, make sure to do your research and find a reputable one by connecting with other Black mouth cur owners, joining a breed club, and reading online forums for recommendations.

Keep in mind that backyard breeders are often easy to find, but their breeding programs rarely follow ethical guidelines, so be cautious when considering this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black Mouth Cur a pitbull?

No, Black Mouth Curs are a distinct breed, not a type of Pit Bull. They share some physical similarities, but are not directly related.

Wallace Adams

Lead Writer

Wallace Adams is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge with others. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, he has established himself as a go-to expert on the Chinook breed. His articles on Chinook breeders and information have been widely read and appreciated by dog enthusiasts and owners alike.