Overview
The Black Mouth Cur is an athletic, muscular dog of medium to large size from the southern United States. It is best known as a versatile hunting companion.
It can also herd and guard property. It is loyal and protective, and suits active owners who can give it work and space.
History
The breed comes from the southern United States, with Mississippi often named as its cradle. One common theory is that it descends from dogs brought by European settlers. It then spread through Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and the Big Thicket of Texas.
A breed club formed in 1987 and the United Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1998. It is said to be the model for Old Yeller.
Appearance
An athletic, muscular dog with a broad, flat head, drooping ears and a powerful, distinctively black muzzle. The chest is broad, the legs fairly long and the tail is not normally docked.
Size varies a lot, from about 41 to 64 cm, with weights from 16 to 45 kg.
Temperament
Wary of strangers and very protective of children, sometimes even objecting when parents discipline them. Many respond better to female handlers.
It is a driven hunter with a strong prey drive.
Care and exercise
It needs plenty of daily exercise, ideally with a job such as hunting or farm work. Early socialisation and consistent training help manage its guarding instincts and prey drive.
The short, dense coat needs only minimal brushing.
