The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

The Purebred Black Mouth Cur

Information and Pictures

Nani the Black Mouth Cur sitting on a sidewalk in front of a person holding her leash

Nani the Black Mouth Cur at 9 months old—"She is a very confident dog for such a young girl. Not bossy, just not scared of anything."

Other Names
  • American Black Mouth Cur
  • Blackmouth Cur
  • East Texas Cur
  • East Texas Brindle Cur
  • Red Black Mouth Cur
  • Southern Black Mouth Cur
  • Southern Cur
  • Yeller Cur
  • Yellow Black Mouth Cur
Description

The Black Mouth Cur is an unquestionably muscular, sturdy, rugged Southern dog. The coat comes in a variety of shades of yellow, fawns and brindle. Some BM Curs are born with heavier coats and some are born with lighter coats; these two different coat types can appear in the same litter. The undeniably powerful muzzle is black, tan or the same color as the coat. Black muzzles are usually preferred; any other color is considered a fault. The ears are medium-sized and hanging. The tail can be quite lengthy. Many are born with a short tail or have it docked. The chest is deep and solid.

Temperament

For people who hunt, no other dog will do. Among this swift hunter's quarry are boar, bear, coon, squirrel and deer. With medium-sized game, the Black Mouth catches and kills it with no questions asked. This dog never retreats. It is also proficient at treeing and baying. During the hunt, trailing is semi-open or silent, with a chop or yodel acceptable on tree or at bay. Curs rarely trot, even while hunting, going from a walk to a ground-covering sprint. These dogs are avid hunters, yet can also work with cattle. Breeders say a pup will train himself treeing, protecting and/or bunching and penning cattle by six months of age. As relentless and overpowering as this cur appears at work, he is kind and protective with his family. Loyalty and fearlessness are the norm. They have a burning desire to please their master. Good with children, this breed needs an owner who projects a natural authority over the dog. The owner must set rules the dog must follow and stick to them. They must be stern without being harsh, remaining calm and confident. The dog must be convinced he is below humans in the pack order. It is paramount that this dog receives daily mental and physical exercise. Curs that lack in exercise can become high strung and rammy. When not working out on the hunt they must be taken for daily walks where they heel beside or behind the owner, never in front as the pack leader goes first. Intelligent, predictable, with an even temperament, the Southern Curs are loyal to their families, giving their lives, if necessary, to protect them. Start training the Black Mouth puppy as soon as you bring it home. Training sessions should be short and frequent to keep them from becoming bored. This working dog should not be trusted with non-canine pets.

Height, Weight

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

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

Health Problems

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Living Conditions

The Black Mouth Cur is not the best choice for apartment life.

Exercise

The Black Mouth Cur is a hunting dog that needs a great deal of regular exercise, including a long, brisk daily walk. These dogs are extremely intelligent, and even a long run once a day would not be enough to keep them occupied. It is a very physical dog, unless it senses fragile young children or women. Needs plenty of room to run. They do best in a home with a large yard to protect. They make great jogging companions. Lack of exercise can cause a wide variety of behavior problems.

Life Expectancy

About 12 to 18 years

Litter Size

About 5 to 10 puppies

Grooming

The short hair of the Black Mouth Cur is easy to groom. Occasionally comb and brush to remove dead and loose hairs. Bathe only when necessary as bathing can dry out the skin, causing skin problems. Keep the ear canal free of excess hair and the toenails clipped.

Origin

The southern United States is well populated with cur-type dogs that are used by local hunters and sportsmen. It was a Black Mouth Cur that played the role of Old Yeller in the famous eponymous Disney movie.

Group

Herding

Recognition
  • ABMCBA = American Black Mouth Cur Breeders Association
  • ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
  • ACR = American Canine Registry
  • APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
  • CKC = Continental Kennel Club
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • FBMCBO, Inc.= Foundation Black Mouth Cur Breeders Organization, Inc.
  • NKC = National Kennel Club
  • NSBMCBA = National Southern Black Mouth Cur Breeders Association
  • SBMCBA = Southern Black Mouth Cur Breeders Association
  • UKC = United Kennel Club
Moonpie the Black Mouth Cur walking through the woods

Moonpie the Ladner Yellow Black Mouth Cur in the woods.

Tug the Black Mouth Cur climbing up chopped wooden logs

Tug the Black Mouth Cur at about 1 ½ years old

Close Up - Bailey the Black Mouth Cur laying on a couch

Bailey the Black Mouth Cur at 2 years old—"I rescued this beauty Bailey from the humane society in Colorado Springs. She was a transfer from New Mexico . Not knowing at the time what her breed was , I saw her sweet face and fell in love. She started out being very distructive and scared of everything but with lots of love and training she has turned into the best dog and loyal best friend ! So smart and always wants to please. So happy to have her in my life."

Tucker the Black Mouth Cur putting his front paws in a creek

"This is Tucker, a Black Mouth Cur, from the Carnathan Line. Tucker is a loving pup with lots of energy. It is imperative that he is walked daily. As we walk him, he never travels too far and is always within sight. We are working with him on assertive discipline. He loves to play with our other dogs, but has a dominant personality. He is very food-motivated and knows how to sit, stay, lay down, sit up on his hind legs and crawl. Tucker is a cuddler!"

Buck the Black Mouth Cur, with his mouth open and tongue out, standing outside in the lawn with a wooden fence in the background

Buck the Black Mouth Cur

Buck the Black Mouth Cur sitting inside with its mouth open

Buck the Black Mouth Cur

Seven Bone Keeton the Black Mouth Cur climbing a tree

Name: Seven Bone Keeton. Breed: Black Mouth Cur. Age: 4 years old. Action: Climbed a tree on a scent.

Black Mouth Cur laying on a blanket on a leather couch

Brindle Black Mouth Cur

Black Mouth Cur standing outside with rocks and a wooden fence behind it

Brindle Black Mouth Cur

Black Mouth Cur Puppy laying on a floor with a chair leg behind it

Brindle Black Mouth Cur puppy

Nani the Black Mouth Cur sitting in front of a person who is holding its collar

Nani the Black Mouth Cur at 9 months old

Nani the Black Mouth Cur sitting in front of a person looking to the left

Nani the Black Mouth Cur at 9 months old

Right Profile - Nani the Black Mouth Cur sitting in front of a person

Nani the Black Mouth Cur at 9 months old

Nani the Black Mouth Cur standing on the sidewalk, view from behind

Nani the Black Mouth Cur at 9 months old

See more examples of the Black Mouth Cur