When it comes to working dogs, the Black Mouth Cur is one of the hardest working breeds of dog around. This fearless pooch has historical roots in Ancient Asia and Europe but the breed as we know it today originated in the southern parts of the United States. It is known for its rugged form and hunting and herding ways and the black fur that covers their muzzle. They are known for having bundles of energy and for their fearless natures. Nonetheless, they also adore companionship and can make for equally loyal companion dogs. They adore being a part of any family and have a great affinity for older children. However, they are demanding when it comes to their exercise needs and thus should be a part of a family who can keep up with their energy levels. They are certainly a two-walk a day kind of pup and will suit energetic homes with ample space to play. They are intelligent pups who thrive off proper training and socialization and with the right family they are bound to thrive. In terms of their color scheme, these pooches come in an array of diverse shades. Colors include – but are not limited to – red, fawn, brindle, white, and brown.
Quick Facts
- They originated in the Southern parts of the United States, specifically Alabama.
- They are known for their high-energy and their amazing herding livestock and incredible game tracking abilities.
- Despite being super energetic and fearless, they have a softer and more sensitive side. They adore being around humans and want to be a part of the family.
- They need ample walks and exercise every day. They are therefore well-suited to active families who enjoy adventure.
- They are super intelligent and love to please their humans. They thrive off proper training and will do well in various obedience and agility classes.
- They are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as with all Cur breeds. However, they are recognized by the United Kennel Club.
- There was a famous Black Mouth Cur animation pup in the 1957 Disney classic film ‘Old Yeller.’
- Male Black Mouth Cur pups are often bigger and usually utilized for hunting. The females are often smaller and might mature quicker than their male counterparts.
- They are more common in the United States than in other parts of the world.
Things You Should Know
If you’re thinking of adopting a Black Mouth Cur pup it’s best to do your research first and see if they are the best pick for you. They are super intelligent and highly active and will be well-suited to families who have an active lifestyle and want to train their pups and take them on loads of adventures. Doing proper research ensures that you choose the perfect dog for your lifestyle. If you live in an apartment and don’t have any outside space, then this certainly isn’t the pick for you right now. They need ample space to roam and to run around and play. Let’s take a look at some important things about this breed to see if they are the best pick for you and your family.
Training
These pooches are super intelligent and will thrive in a stimulating environment where they are taught new tricks and commands. Positive reinforcement training is critical, and it is imperative that owners are consistent and fair. Owners need to be the pack leader yet need to keep training kind and fair at all times. Screaming at dogs or hitting them will not yield positive results and will leave your dog feeling frightened and confused. It’s always a good idea to seek professional support when embarking on dog training for the first time. Professional animal behaviorists can teach you an array of skills to strengthen your training abilities and can ensure that your pup responds positively to your regime.
These dogs are super clever, and training can be done in a number of fields including herding of livestock, agility training, hunting, coursing, or even search and rescue endeavors. If you have the time and energy to commit to a thorough training program, these pups will certainly thrive.
If you’re new to training but want to embark on such a venture with your dog, check out some local programs. If your dog is still a puppy you can enroll in a local puppy class, and if they are more advanced you could choose agility training. These classes are also a great way to socialize your doggy with other pups. You could also hire a doggy behavior therapist or trainer to do one-on-one lessons with your pooch. The options are truly endless.
Feeding
It’s important to feed your pup a wholesome diet that is rich in nutrients and vitamins. You want to opt for a vet-approved food that is free from harmful colorants, preservatives, and artificial flavors. You might even opt to feed your Black Mouth Cur a raw diet, or a home-cooked diet that is jampacked with high-quality protein and dog appropriate veggies. As always, balance is key, and this is why it is important to chat to your vet. As a rule of thumb, dog food should be filled with an array of healthy vitamins, ingredients, and minerals. Some important one:
- High quality protein: High quality proteins are essential for muscle development, optimum brain power, and strong cells. Feeding your pup a good protein as part of their balanced diet will ensure optimum health. Opt for healthy proteins like chicken, wild fish, turkey, or beef. Good quality protein also strengthens their immune systems, and this is important for warding off disease.
- Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids: These healthy fatty acids are important for skin and coat health and will ensure that your pooch always a luxurious coat and is also a great idea for dogs who are prone to inflammation. If your pup is dealing with arthritis or any other chronic condition, up their omega intake.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants can be found in a number of fruits and veggies and are super important for cell health. They are able to prevent or slowdown damage that is caused by the oxidation of cells and are thus super important for overall health. They can reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer.
- Fiber: Adding some good quality fiber to your pup’s diet (from veggies like squash) can aid digestive health. They say that the gut is the seat of overall bodily health and ensuring that your pooch has a healthy digestive system is important for their wellbeing.
- Fresh water: Having a constant supply of fresh water around (that is changed daily) is super important for your pup. They should always have water on hand and if you have multiple dogs, ensure there is enough for all of them.
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Grooming
Since this breed has short hair, they don’t have particularly complex needs when it comes to grooming. It is advised that you brush them twice a week to get rid of any lose hair or dead skin cells. You can bathe them every few weeks to ensure that their coats are shiny and clean, but not too much as to rid them of their natural oils. These natural oils are important for skin health and too much washing can dry out the skin and cause skin problems.
You might also want to take them to a professional dog groomer every now and then when it comes to things like clipping their nails, cleaning their ears, or giving their coats a trim. Professional groomers are well trained in handling diverse breeds and their needs. Always go to a reputable groomer who has great reviews to ensure that your pup is getting the best care possible.
Check out some of our dog grooming guides, such as dog nail clippers, dog ear cleaners, dog shampoo, bathtub for dogs, and dog dryer.
Health
On the whole, the Black Mouth Cur is thought of as a relatively healthy dog. While purebreds are often known to have more genetic predispositions to certain ailments than mix-breed dogs, this pooch doesn’t have too many issues in the health department. However, there are still some disorders and conditions that might impact them. It is advised that owners go to the vet often and ensure that their pups are up to date with their vaccinations and check-ups. Some Black Mouth Cur’s might be susceptible to health conditions such as:
- Epilepsy
- Ear infections
- Skin conditions
- Cataracts
- Hip Dysplasia
Ensuring that you visit the vet regularly means that you can keep these conditions in check and treat them at the first sign of concern. When it comes to health, early detection is always the best option. If well looked after and given adequate medical care, the Black Mouth Cur can live between 12 and 16 years. Some might even live as old as 18 if cared for properly. If you suspect that there is any medical problem, or your pup suddenly stops eating their food, or drinking water, it’s best to get them to a vet immediately. As they say, ‘It’s better to be safe than sorry’, and this is true when it comes to your animals and their health.
Temperament
These pups are known for being energetic, assertive, hard-working, and loyal. They have strong personalities and will thus need a strong, yet fair owners. They will thrive off environments where they are mentally stimulated and treated with love and respect. Despite their hard-working nature, they are also a sensitive family dog. With loving and consistent training, they will fit in well to any family and will prove to be a loyal, affectionate, and fun-loving companion. Like most working dogs, they are bred to live well with humans and will thrive in a stable family environment where their needs are met. They might be better suited to older kids as they can sometimes engage in boisterous play.
The Black Mouth Cur is thus a highly intelligent and hardworking breed of dog. They will thrive in family setups that are active, stable, and filled with love. They need a lot of daily exercise and will flourish in an environment where they can play. Despite their somewhat boisterous nature, they also have a sensitive side. They love to be a part of the family and will thrive in a home where they are showered with love and given loads of attention and care. If you want a loyal and brilliant pup and are able to give them the exercise and training that they need, then the Black Mouth Cur might be the pick for you. Check out local shelters and adoption agencies to see If there are any pups in need. Just because your pup is a purebred, it doesn’t mean that you can’t find one at a local rescue organization. These dogs will bright love and joy into your life and are certainly well-suited to energetic families who love the great outdoors.
