Black Mouth Curs typically live 12 to 16 years, although the longevity of individual dogs can vary based on genetics, lifestyle, diet, health, and overall care. Their lifespan is comparable to that of similar breeds, such as the Catahoula Leopard Dog, Treeing Cur, Mountain Cur, and Plott Hound. 

By providing proper care, nutrition, and attention to their health needs, Black Mouth Curs can live long, fulfilling lives as cherished members of their families. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and preventive healthcare are key factors in promoting their longevity and ensuring they remain happy and healthy throughout their lives.

The Black Mouth Cur was bred as a versatile dog capable of hunting a variety of game, treeing, herding livestock (especially cattle), and guarding farms. Today, they are most popular as an adaptable hunting dog and as a family companion. As hunting dogs, they are prized for their well-rounded abilities to hunt via sight, sound, and smell. Their game profile includes squirrels, raccoons, wild boar, deer, and black bears.

The Black Mouth Cur’s exact origins are a bit of a mystery, but it is believed they originated in either Alabama, Mississippi, or Tennessee sometime in the 1800s. Their ancestry is also somewhat obscure, but it is generally believed that they descended from a mix of European and Native American dogs, including the English Mastiff, various hunting hounds and terriers, and the native Carolina Dog.

There is one official Black Mouth Cur breed, but several distinct lines have originated in various parts of the American South, with breeders emphasizing certain traits and characteristics, such as hunting, guarding, or herding. These lines include the following:

• Ladner Black Mouth Cur: Originating from Mississippi, the Ladner line is one of the oldest and most well-known lines of Black Mouth Curs. These dogs were bred primarily for hunting and herding. They are known for their strong work ethic, intelligence, and versatility. The Ladner line is highly regarded for tracking and treeing abilities.

• Howard Carnathan Black Mouth Cur: Also from Mississippi, the Howard Carnathan line dogs are similar to the Ladner line in their hunting prowess but are particularly known for their exceptional scenting abilities and endurance. They are often used for hunting large game like wild boar and deer.

• Wright Black Mouth Cur: The Wright line, developed in Alabama, is known for their balance between hunting and herding abilities. These dogs are excellent all-around working dogs, able to handle livestock and track game effectively. They are also noted for their loyalty and protective nature.

• Weatherford Ben Black Mouth Cur: The Weatherford Ben line, originating from Texas, was developed with a specific focus on cattle herding and hog hunting. This line is known for their larger size, strength, and tenacity, making these dogs ideal for the rugged tasks of herding and hunting in Texas.

Black Mouth Curs typically stop growing at around two years old, at which point they will have fully filled out and reached their maximum height. While they continue to develop muscle mass until around two years old, they usually reach their full height between 12 and 18 months of age. At roughly 12 months old, the growth plates in their bones typically close, and development slows down. At this point, you can begin to transition your Black Mouth Cur pup to adult food.

No, Black Mouth Curs are not considered Pit Bulls. “Pit Bull” is an umbrella term that refers to a few bully or bull terrier breeds, including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Bully, and American Pit Bull Terrier. 

As a medium to large-sized dog with a muscular build, short coat, broad head, and strong jaws, the Black Mouth Cur can resemble some pit bull breeds, especially the leaner but still muscular American Pit Bull Terrier. Some Pit Bulls can also feature coat colors and markings similar to those of Black Mouth Curs.

The Black Mouth Cur is not a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but the breed is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). Because the Black Mouth Cur is not currently recognized by the AKC, they are not eligible for registration or participation in AKC events such as confirmation shows and performance trials. 

One of the reasons Black Mouth Curs aren’t currently recognized by the AKC is that the highly versatile and diverse breed doesn’t neatly fit into one of the AKC’s seven major dog groups (working, herding, hound, sporting, non-sporting, terrier, and toy). This is because, for much of the Black Mouth Cur’s history, breeders focused less on developing a confirmation-based breed standard as they did on selecting for various hunting, herding, or guarding traits based on their environment and working needs. 

No, Black Mouth Curs are not considered rare in the regions where they are most commonly found, particularly in the southern United States, especially Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas. 

However, Black Mouth Curs may be less common in other parts of the country or internationally, where they are not as widely recognized or bred. In areas where the breed is less prevalent, finding a Black Mouth Cur to adopt may require a bit more effort and research.

No, Black Mouth Curs don’t tend to bark a lot unless they are alerting their pet parents of a perceived threat or are treeing on a hunt. During hunts, they often produce a range of vocalizations from short, choppy barks to slight yodels and fuller bays. They may also bark when anxious, but not excessively.

It’s important to provide excellent socialization in a range of environments from puppyhood to ensure your Black Mouth Cur isn’t overly reactive and vocal. If you’re adopting a rescued adult Black Mouth Cur, you may need to help them slowly adjust to other animals, people, and new environments. Especially for undersocialized adults, it’s crucial to move incrementally and prioritize helping them feel safe and secure as you introduce new experiences positively and gently. 

Additionally, this breed is highly active and needs a lot of mental and physical enrichment to feel content. If your Black Mouth Cur is barking excessively, they may need more consistent enrichment such as scent games, swimming, puzzles, and runs in nature. 

Yes, Black Mouth Cur dogs are good family pets who can grow extremely attached and devoted to their family and make fantastic, affectionate, and loyal companions. This breed needs plenty of exercise and time to run and play outside and will thrive with active families who want to bring their dog along on adventures and are able to provide plenty of mental and physical enrichment such as scenting games, long walks in nature, and high-energy activities like fetch and tug of war. They won’t thrive in a lower-energy or mostly indoors-oriented family.

No, Black Mouth Curs are not typically good with cats unless consistently and intentionally socialized with them from an early age. Because they were bred to hunt a range of small to large-sized game and usually have a high prey drive, this breed is not considered the best match for a household with cats. Of course, all dogs are individuals, and some Black Mouth Curs may get along wonderfully with felines. 

If you’d like to introduce a Black Mouth Cur and household cat, it’s best to start with scent-based intros and work up to direct meetings. Air on the side of caution and stick with familiarizing each other’s scents on bedding and rags for at least a week or two before moving to visual meetings. Then, let them see each other from a distance while keeping them separated by a baby gate or a secure barrier.

Heavily reward your Black Mouth Cur with high-value treats for calm behavior around the cat and for being able to look away from the kitty and focus on you. If there are consistent signs of calm behavior and non-fixation from your pup after a week or two, you can allow your leashed pup to start sharing spaces with the cat while ensuring there are high perches for your kitty to retreat to if they become overwhelmed.

Yes, Black Mouth Curs can be good with other dogs, but their interactions depend largely on their socialization, training, and individual temperament. Their vigilance and protective instincts can sometimes lead to conflictual or territorial behavior, but early and consistent socialization can help them feel comfortable and develop positive interactions with other dogs. Introducing them to a variety of dogs in controlled, neutral environments and using positive reinforcement to reward calm and friendly behavior can promote good relationships.

If you’re adopting a Black Mouth Cur who is wary or defensive around other dogs, you can help them feel more comfortable through a slow and incremental process of exposure to friendly and calm dogs at a distance that doesn’t cause a defensive reaction in your pup. For some dogs, this may look like sitting or walking hundreds of feet away from another pup to safely and comfortably process the experience, moving slightly closer over a period of weeks. A relationship-based trainer or behaviorist can help you work through these steps and identify realistic goals for your individual pup.

Yes, Black Mouth Curs are smart dogs. They are quick and adaptable learners who can readily pick up herding, hunting, and trailing tasks. With their intelligence, stamina, strong hunting instincts, and athleticism, these pups can shine in a number of dog sports and disciplines, including hunting trials, agility, herding, and competitive tracking.

Yes, Black Mouth Curs are naturally protective, especially dogs bred from lineages selected for livestock and ranch guarding. As a protective breed, they can be vigilant, watchful, and wary of strangers. They tend to alert their pet parents to approaching strangers or perceived threats in their environment. Early socialization around a range of people, animals, and environments can help them feel more comfortable and confident as they navigate our dynamic world.

Yes, Black Mouth Curs can be good for first-time pet parents under the right circumstances. They are intelligent, loyal, and playful dogs who can make loving companions. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. 

They are an active and energetic breed that requires daily mental and physical enrichment. Their protective instincts can make them good watch dogs, but this instinct can also present a challenge for new pet parents who want a dog they can bring along on adventures. This means putting in consistent and careful work to help your Black Mouth Cur feel safe and confident in a range of social situations. 

Overall, Black Mouth Curs can be a great choice for first-time pet parents who are active and outdoors-oriented and willing to learn how to help their adopted buddy feel as safe and confident as possible in the world around them.

Yes, Black Mouth Curs typically like to swim and wade, but of course, not all individuals will enjoy playing in the water. When introducing your pup to a river or lake, make sure not to be forceful about getting into the water, even though you might really want them to learn to swim. Some pups just don’t enjoy swimming, while others may be interested and will feel more confident if you go in the water first. 

Their high levels of stamina and athleticism mean Black Mouth Curs who do enjoy swimming can be great buds to bring along for aquatic exercising. They may also love fetching floating toys and balls from the water.

Yes, the Black Mouth Cur is easy to train because they are highly intelligent, sensitive, and quick to learn cues. Their eagerness to engage with their pet parents and strong affinity for physical and mental enrichment contribute to their high trainability.

That said, training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. Consistency, patience, and using positive reinforcement and relationship-based training are key to an enjoyable learning experience for everyone.

Yes, Black Mouth Curs can be good with kids thanks to their loyal, protective, and patient nature. These energetic dogs often enjoy playing with children, especially in outdoor games and activities. 

They are a somewhat sensitive breed, though, so it’s important for parents to teach children how to gently approach and interact with these dogs (and any dog) so they don’t accidentally startle or threaten them. Introducing the Black Mouth Cur to children at a young age can help them become accustomed to kids’ dynamic behavior and energy levels. Positive experiences with children during their formative months can greatly help your pup feel comfortable and confident around kids. 

As with any breed, always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure safety for both. This helps prevent accidental injuries and allows you to guide both the dog and the children in safe interactions.

Yes, Black Mouth Curs are a healthy breed and not prone to developing many genetic health issues. But, like all breeds, they are at risk of some genetic conditions, including the following: 

• Hip dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to joint instability and arthritis over time. Hip dysplasia can cause pain, lameness, and decreased mobility in affected dogs.

• Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a developmental condition that affects the elbow joint. It involves abnormal growth of the elbow components, leading to joint incongruity and eventually arthritis. Elbow dysplasia can cause lameness, pain, and stiffness in the affected limb.

• Patellar luxation: Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position, causing intermittent lameness and discomfort. In severe cases, surgery may be required to correct the issue and prevent long-term joint damage.

• Eye conditions: Black Mouth Curs may be prone to various eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and entropion (eyelid rolling inward). Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can help detect and manage these conditions to prevent vision loss.

• Epilepsy: Some Black Mouth Curs may develop epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. While the exact cause is often unknown, it can be managed with medication and veterinary care.

Regular check-ups, proper nutrition, exercise, and preventive care can help maintain the overall health and well-being of your canine BFF.

No, Black Mouth Curs are not hypoallergenic. They shed moderately to heavily depending on the season and produce a range of allergens in their dander, saliva, and urine proteins, which can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. These allergens can become airborne and settle on surfaces throughout the home, including furniture, carpets, and bedding. 

While no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, there are steps that can be taken to reduce allergens in the home. Regular grooming is essential, including brushing your pup’s coat to remove loose fur and dander. Bathing your Black Mouth Cur once a month or so can also help reduce allergens on their fur. Additionally, frequent vacuuming and dusting can reduce the amount of dog allergens on surfaces in the home. Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in vacuum cleaners and air purifiers can further reduce airborne allergens. Washing bedding and pet accessories in hot water regularly can also help minimize dander and fur buildup.

No, Black Mouth Curs are not prone to getting cancer, especially compared to breeds like Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, bully breeds, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. Still, any dog is susceptible to developing cancers, especially those seven years or older. The most common types of cancers for any dog to develop are mast cell tumors, lymphoma, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma. 

Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection can improve the prognosis and treatment options for dogs with cancer. Regardless of your pup’s breed, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer in dogs, such as lumps or bumps, changes in appetite or weight, lethargy, and abnormal bleeding. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and avoiding known carcinogens, may help reduce the risk of cancer in Black Mouth Curs.