The Black Mouth Cur is a hunting and
cattle dog that has its origins in Southern United States.
Description
The
Black Mouth Cur is a well-muscled rugged herding, hunting, and all around
utility (or work) dog whose coat comes in a number of colors and shades,
generally all shades of fawn from nearly white to mahogany. Solid white and
piebald colors are not allowed in Black Mouth Curs, but in rare occasions may
appear in a litter due to recessive genes from several generations back
matching up. According to the breed standard of the United Kennel Club, up to
ten percent of the coat may be white with the amounts of white on the toes,
tail, nose and chest are acceptable but not desired. As of this date the
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Cur is recognized by UKC as the Louisiana Catahoula
Leopard Dog and the Plott Cur has been renamed the Plott Hound.
The
name "cur" is a descriptive term for a general, short-coated,
drop-eared, farm and ranch working dog. Black Mouth Curs are primarily herding
dogs able to hunt big or small game, but they are also suitable as family dogs.
The breed has an average litter size of 3-12, and a lifespan of 12–18 years.
Appearance
Black
Mouth Curs have short coats, either coarse or fine, and a combination of the
two types may appear in the same litter. Black Mouth Curs come in many colors.
All shades of red, yellow and fawn; black; brown; buckskin; or brindle; with or
without black muzzle or mask. Very small amounts of white are allowed under the
chin, around the nose, on the neck, chest, legs, and tip of tail, provided that
no more than ten percent total of the dog's body may be white. Dilute coat
colors are acceptable and may be identified by the following traits: green,
yellow, or light brown eyes; white toenails; red or yellow coat without any trace
of black hair. Never spotted, mottled, merle, or with white collar. A disqualification
is albinism.
The
muzzle is square-shaped. It may have a melanistic mask, which is most often
black. Maskless dogs are allowed but not preferred. The name 'Black Mouth'
refers to the dark pigmentation around the lips that also extends into the
interior of the mouth including the roof of the mouth, gums, and cheeks,
excluding the tongue. The ears are medium-sized and hanging and may either be
melanistic like the muzzle or the same color as the coat.
The
tail of a Black Mouth Cur can be of any length; long, medium, bob tailed, or
none at all. Some owners of curs that are born with a tail will dock their
dog's tail, and some cur dogs are born with little or no tail at all. The feet
are of moderate size, compact and well arched. Pads are large, tough, and well
cushioned. Toes may be webbed. Single or double dewclaws may be present.
The
adult weight ranges depending on the line from 35 pounds minimum for tree dogs
(i.e. Ladner BMCs) to 50 pounds and over 100 pounds for herding or hog dogs
(i.e. the Weatherford Ben line). Their height can also vary with a minimum
height of 16 inches tall. Males in the same lines are normally larger than
females.
Temperament
Black
Mouth Curs are great family dogs. They are very social dogs if trained
properly. The BMC is an "extremely smart" breed who "by nature
need to bond a few weeks" with their owner/trainer before training can
begin. They are also very sensitive dogs that are very attuned to their
master's voice and should never be yelled at in anger or spanked. BMC's make
good family dogs as long as they have access to at least an acre of yard and
can access it throughout the day. This dog will not be happy spending the day
on the couch alone. They are very social dogs and need a human companion and
daily routines where they are allowed to sprint. These are not couch dogs and
must have access to several hours of exercise daily to avoid anxiety and depression.
"The BMC was bred as a homestead dog that would protect its family and
home against intruders. This means that a well-bred BMC is territorial. Most
BMCs off their 'turf' work well with other dogs, hunting or herding stock, but
on their family property will chase the same dog away. Their turf can be viewed
by the dog as the family’s home, land, truck, or sometimes proximity to 'their
person'."
Activities
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