Blackmouth Cur
The Blackmouth Cur is "a dog that is multitalented. Primarily BMCs are herding dogs able to hunt big or small game, and still be loving, gentle family dogs willing to protect the home" that has its origins in the Southern United States of America.
Description
The Blackmouth Cur is a well-muscled rugged hunting and cattle dog whose coat comes in a number of colors and shades, generally red, yellow, brindle, fawn or buckskin. Solid black or white Blackmouth Cur do, on rare occasion, appear in a breeding. According to the United Kennel Club Standard, up to ten percent of the coat may be white with the amounts of white on the toes, tail, nose and chest considered acceptable. None of the Cur breeds are currently recognized breeds of the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Appearance
Blackmouth Curs have short coats, either coarse or fine, and a combination of the two types may appear in the same litter.
Description
The Blackmouth Cur is a well-muscled rugged hunting and cattle dog whose coat comes in a number of colors and shades, generally red, yellow, brindle, fawn or buckskin. Solid black or white Blackmouth Cur do, on rare occasion, appear in a breeding. According to the United Kennel Club Standard, up to ten percent of the coat may be white with the amounts of white on the toes, tail, nose and chest considered acceptable. None of the Cur breeds are currently recognized breeds of the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Appearance
Blackmouth Curs have short coats, either coarse or fine, and a combination of the two types may appear in the same litter.
- Mouth: The muzzle is square-shaped and may be melanistic mask, or black. The ears are medium-sized and hanging with the exception that some owners of exceptional pedigrees bred for hunting have the ears cropped soon after birth. The ears may either be black or the same color as the coat. 'Blackmouth' 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 though not the tongue. The muzzle may or may not be dark, though it is generally the preferred look. This indicates the melanistic mask gene.
- Tail: The tail of a Blackmouth Cur is medium length and is generally left natural, although it may also be docked.
- Feet: The feet are large and webbed, similar to a Catahoula Leopard Dog.
- Weight: The weight ranges from 30-100 pounds, with males being larger than females. The wide weight range is due to different kinds, age, and size.
Temperament
Black Mouth Curs are great family dogs. They are great social dogs if trained properly. The BMC is a "very smart" breed who "by nature need to bond a few weeks" with their owner/trainer before training can begin. The breed shows great loyalty and may even die for their owner. Great around children if introduced correctly, they have great potential to "make wonderful family dogs." As they grow older they become very laid back. "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. Health Though many health issues affect dogs of all breeds and can affect the Blackmouth Cur, they seem to be a rather hardy breed. Their average life span is 12–16 years of age. As with other similar breeds, entropion (slight turning in of eyelid) is a correctable health issue. Their active nature exposes them to the possibility of torn ligaments and pulled muscles. Activities The BMC is genetically very athletic and eager to please. Given proper guidance and training, a BMC can excel in just about any activity you could imagine. They can herd animals, track or trail game, pull weights, run in a coursing event, work as a Search and Rescue dog, or anything else a smart, athletic dog that wants to please its owner can do."Blackmouth Curs are used for herding cattle, baying hogs, hunting squirrel, raccoon, bear and mountain lion. All blackmouths excel at baying and herding. They will tree game. The Ladner line has specifically been bred to promote this treeing. The BMC is a very versatile dog and a single dog can be used to bay, herd, and tree depending upon the handler's desire. They have also been noted to be successful deer tracking dogs in the South. |
Family & Generations
They have been in my family of over 200 years. We know that they have been bred from nothing but the best for that long, and probably a lot longer.
They are the most versatile dog that I know of in the world. They are used for everything here in South MS; squirrel, coon, bobcat, penning cattle and hogs. They are one of the most protective dogs around your family, more especially children, they are a real obedient dog. They are used for rescue dogs also used on bear and mountain lion in New Mexico, Washington, Oregon, and Montana, as well as many different places through out the United States and Canada.
The cur dog looks to their master for advice of what to do and what his master wants him to do, and he is there to please.
The dogs have been known for saving peoples lives, and the cur dog would die for his master. I have letters from people who state that this dog has killed a snake that was about to bite a child, or kept the child from going out on the road where he would have been run over. He is very protective of family members.