Blackmouth Cur Dogs

Breed Type: Hunting and multipurpose working dogs

Weight: 45 - 95 pounds (20 - 43 kg)

Height: 16 - 25 inches (40 - 64 cm)

Coat Type: Close lying, dense short hair

 

Blackmouth Cur is an ancient breed of hunting and multipurpose working dogs that originated in the United States. It is known as Blackmouth because of the dark pigmentation on its lips, which extends to the interior of the mouth too, including gums and cheeks. The dog is also known as Southern Cur, Yellow Blackmouth Cur, American Blackmouth Cur, Red Blackmouth Cur, Ladner Blackmouth Cur and Ladner Yellow Blackmouth Cur. The dog is loved for its loyalty and affection towards its family members. It shows immense endurance and strength through its lightly built, but well-proportioned body. The dog has also starred in Disney's classic movie 'Old Yeller'. In this article, we bring you details on the history, appearance, grooming, personality and genetic disease of Blackmouth Cur dogs.

 

Blackmouth Cur has an uncertain history of its origin. While some people believe that the breed originated in Mississippi, others have a strong opinion that it is native to the mountains of Tennessee. These dogs were widely used by American settlers as all-round working dogs and even followed them to the west; serving as hunting dogs and family guardians. Blackmouth Cur dog has several lines of its origin and has been named after the regions from where it is believed to have been developed, like the Ladner Yellow Blackmouth Cur from Mississippi, Red Blackmouth Cur from Alabama, Weatherford's Ben Blackmouth Cur from Texas, and the Florida Blackmouth Cur. Amongst them, it was the Ladner Yellow Blackmouth Cur from Mississippi that was registered in the National Kennel Club, in 1964. The United Kennel Club officially recognized the breed on November 1, 1998.

 

The distinctive feature of Blackmouth Cur dog is the dark pigmentation on its lips. The dog has a large head, with moderately broad muzzle that can be black or tan or even take the color of the coat. It has a broad, flat skull. The eyes are large with green, yellow or brown color, while the rims are darkly pigmented. The strong jaws, with evenly spaced teeth, exhibit a scissor bite. The short or long tail is set low and the ribs are well sprung with muscled, strong and straight forelegs. The dense, closely lying shorthaired coat can be coarse, rough or fine, with all shades of red, fawn and yellow. The arched loin is moderately tucked with a strong, broad and level back. The overall build of the dog gives it immense speed and stamina to chase the animals.

 

If an individual is looking for a hunting dog, no breed can beat Blackmouth Cur. It is a serious hunter that does not allow its prey to escape, once it has caught it with its black mouth. However, when the dog is with its master and his family, it is very affectionate and caring. It loves children immensely and is exceptionally protective towards women and children. It can even lay its life to protect that of its master. Blackmouth Cur dog can become highly destructive if it does not get proper exercise and hence, is not suited for an apartment living. The dog can live with other pets as well, but cannot be trusted with smaller pets, as it will be urged by the drive to chase them.

 

Blackmouth Cur is a tough and healthy dog that has an average life span of 12-16 years. However, the breed can be affected by the entropion disease (slight turning in of eyelid), which is curable. In addition, skin problems and food allergies, along with hereditary disease like color dilution alopecia and hair loss, can also affect the dog, though in rare cases. Its active nature can also expose it to torn ligaments and pulled muscles.

 

Since Blackmouth Cur has short hair, even a little maintenance of the coat is enough. However, the dog sheds heavily once or twice a year; hence, it would require frequent grooming during the shedding season. In addition, dead hair must be removed regularly, so that it sheds less inside the house. Avoid bathing the dog frequently, as it can dry out the skin. At the same time, remember to remove excess hair from the ears and clip the nails on a regular basis.