Black Mouth Cur Dog Breed Temperament

Overview Of The Breed

Origin And History

Black Mouth Cur Dog has its roots in the rural areas of Mississippi and Tennessee. The ancestors of these dogs are believed to be a mix of European and American dogs brought to the South by the early settlers. These dogs were used as working dogs then, primarily for hunting, herding livestock, and providing protection.

Their working ability is what made them famous. As of today, Black Mouth Cur Dogs are commonly petted for their soft and gentle temperament. The distinctive black-colored mouth makes them unique from other types of cur dogs, and their loyalty makes them a perfect addition to any home.

Appearance

Here are some features related to the Black Mouth Cur's appearance:

• Muzzle: The prominent feature among all, the black coloring, is a visual trait that contributes to the dog's name. The black mask may cover the entire muzzle or be pronounced only in certain areas.
• Eyes and Ears: Black Mouth Cur's eyes are oval and usually brown(medium to dark) in color. These intelligent dogs are known for their expressions, and their eyes have a huge role. Medium-sized ears may be semi-erect or drop and slightly curl or fold at the tips.
• Tail: The tail is medium-sized and is generally slightly curved.  
• Coat Type and Color: The Black Mouth Cur dog has a short and standard coat that is easier to maintain. However, the coat's texture can vary; some dogs have finer coats, while others have coarse ones. The coat may come in brown, black, fawn, Isabella, and brindle colors. 

Temperament And Personality

Loyal and Friendly

Loyalty is one of the key traits associated with the Black Mountain Cur dog breed. Upon finding a suitable home, they remain even-tempered and become protectors of the family. 

Over time, they form a strong bond with the family and display unwavering devotion. They are good to children and serve as a gentle guardian. They enjoy playtime with kids and being around their owners, and all of this requires proper obedience training and early socialization.

Intelligent

Their intelligence is what made them proper working dogs in ancient times. They excelled in herding, hunting and guarding which is impossible without a sharp mind. Their ability to quickly learn and adapt to the demands of the job is impressive. 

Black Mouth Curs understand and respond to commands with full attention. Moreover, they have sharp observational skills and problem problem-solving nature which aids in tracking and hunting. 

Protective

The protective nature can be both a valuable trait and a responsibility to look after for the owners. Their territorial instincts make them interact aggressively with strangers and any potential threats. They are always ready to defend loved ones if they perceive any situation as harmful.

Energetic

The Black Mouth Cur dogs were employed in demanding tasks by the early South settlers. These dogs helped farmers, and hunters and guarded the livestock efficiently. Their energy is what allowed them to cover the vast terrains during hunting and chase and corral the livestock. 

The successful roles of the Black Mouth Cur in every work prove their vitality and robust stamina. In the modern context, the exercise requirements of these high-energy breeds must be acknowledged and addressed to ensure their well-being.

Grooming And Caring Needs

The grooming and caring needs of the Black Mouth Curs are generally straightforward. We have listed the key aspects to be considered below:

• The single-coated fur of the Black Mouth Cur dog does not require excessive maintenance. The short hair does not entangle much and brushing it once or twice a week is enough.
• Check and clean the ears regularly to prevent wax buildup or any type of ear infection. 
• Regular brushing of teeth, bathing and nail trimming are required to maintain the health and hygiene of the breed.

Dietary Considerations

Black Mouth Curs are active and energetic dogs. So, it's necessary to feed them with a diet higher in protein. Look for a dog food that lists a quality source of meat as the first ingredient. 

Along with the activity level, you should also consider the age of your Black Mouth Cur, as the nutritional requirements vary with age. The portion size also needs to be adjusted per body weight, as feeding too much can lead to obesity in dogs.

Exercise Requirements

Black Mouth Cur dogs are highly energetic and require moderate to vigorous exercise daily. Off-leash time can be best for them allowing them to freely run, play and explore. A consistent exercise routine can help them to be fit and healthy. Brisk or long walks, runs and playing in a fenced area for an hour can keep them satisfied for the whole day.

Training And Obedience

These working dogs are trainable which made them an accompanying partner for farmers and hunters in the past. As soon as you bring this breed home, it's essential to start the training. Start with basic commands and help them socialize in the new environment. 

As they start to socialize, you can train them to the level you want. Just make sure to make the training consistent, avoid harsh punishments and praise them with treats as positive reinforcements. This healthy way of training will result in positive outcomes and will contribute to a well-behaved adult dog.

Health Concerns

Black Mouth Cur Dogs in general are a healthy breed of dogs. But like any other breeds, they may be prone to some kind of diseases which are discussed below:

• Parasitic Infections: Intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and a potbellied appearance in these dogs. Black Mouth Curs are also prone to life-threatening heartworms transmitted by mosquitoes. 
• Mange: Mange is a skin condition that is caused by mites. This condition is highly contagious so can also occur when your dog comes in contact with the pre-infected ones. 
• Movement Problems (Elbow or Hip Dysplasia): The dysfunction of the elbow and hip joints is common in Black Mouth Curs. 
• Eye and Ear Infections: Black Mouth Curs are susceptible to eye and ear infections like any other breeds.
• Epilepsy: If your dog has recurrent seizures then it is due to a neurological disorder called epilepsy. This condition can arise due to the genetic component or due to secondary conditions such as stress and brain tumors.

Lifespan Expectancy

The average lifespan of the Black Mouth Curs is 12 to 15 years. Keeping an eye on their daily diet, exercise, veterinary care, and all living conditions can help them live to the fullest. Moreover, genetics and breeding processes can also influence lifespan expectancy.

Pros and Cons of Having Black Mouth Cur Dog

Black Mouth Cur Dogs have a lot of stamina and are very active. Friendly and loyal, these dogs may or may not be a proper fit for your family depending on following factors:

Pros:

• The versatility of these breeds makes them a perfect fit for any role; hunting, herding or being a loyal family companion.
• Their intelligence helps them trainable dogs.
• They are perfect for outdoor activities. 
• Their unwavering loyalty makes them perfect watchdogs.

Cons:

• The high energy levels need a vigorous exercise routine. 
• The exercise demand makes them less suitable for apartments. 
• If not properly trained, the breed may not prefer cohabitating with other pets and may adult as a stubborn dog. 

Where To Buy or Adopt a Black Mouth Cur

• For adoption, you can look for the Black Mouth Cur Rescue organization. This organization has listed available rescue Black Mouth Cur dogs on their website. Except for that, Petfinder and Rescue Me are some trusted sources.
• For buying, Black Mouth Cur Cowdogs is one of the reputable breeder's sites. Before bringing a pup home, make sure that the breeders health test their dogs and provide a clean and healthy environment for the growth of the pups.