Black Mouth Cur
The Black Mouth Cur is one of America's most versatile working dog breeds — used for hunting, herding cattle and hogs, treeing, and as a family protector on frontier farms.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–16 years
Weight
18–45 kg (40–100 lbs)
Height
46–64 cm (18–25 in)
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food for an active large working dog.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Black Mouth Cur is one of America's most versatile working dog breeds — used for hunting, herding cattle and hogs, treeing, and as a family protector on frontier farms. The defining characteristic is the black pigmentation of the muzzle and lips (the "black mouth"). Old Yeller, the dog in the classic 1957 American film and Fred Gipson novel, is described as a Black Mouth Cur — cementing the breed's place in American cultural memory. The breed was developed in the Deep South where it became the essential all-purpose working farm dog.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A large, athletic, strong-boned dog with a short, dense coat and the distinctive black muzzle pigmentation. A wide range of sizes exists within the breed. Natural bobtails occur. The overall impression is of a powerful, capable working dog.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Loyal, energetic, and tenacious — a true working dog that bonds deeply with its family. Courageous and protective. Strong prey drive limits suitability for multi-pet households. Requires an active, experienced owner.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •2+ hours vigorous exercise daily. Rural environment strongly preferred. Secure enclosure. Low grooming.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Generally very healthy due to working selection. Hip dysplasia can occur in the larger individuals. Ear infections. Overall one of the healthier large working breeds.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
"Old Yeller" — both the 1956 novel by Fred Gipson and the 1957 Disney film — featured a dog described as a Black Mouth Cur, making this American working breed famous worldwide even though most viewers didn't know the breed name.
The Black Mouth Cur is one of very few dog breeds that is equally capable at hunting, herding cattle, guarding property, and serving as a family companion — the true all-purpose working dog of the American Deep South.
