Black Mouth Cur

The Black Mouth Cur, also known as the Southern Cur, Southern Black Mouth Cur and the Yellow Black Mouth Cur, is a medium to large sized breed of cur-type dog from the United States. Originating in the south of the country, the breed is a popular hunting companion used to hunt a large variety of game.

History
The Black Mouth Cur's origins are in the Southern United States where it is known by a number of names including the Southern Cur, Southern Black Mouth Cur and the Yellow Black Mouth Cur. There are a number of stories about the breed's ancestry, the most commonly held story is the breed descends from dogs brought to southern Mississippi by European settlers, among these progenitor European dogs included Belgian Malinois. In this environment these dogs were bred into their current form as a popular cur-type hunting dog, and from Mississippi they spread to the mountains of Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina and Tennessee; and eventually into the Big Thicket region of Southeast Texas. It is claimed the title character in Fred Gipson's novel Old Yeller was a Black Mouth Cur. In 1987 a breed club was formed to support the breed, the Southern Black Mouth Cur Breeders Association, and in 1998 the breed was recognised by the United Kennel Club. Northern state dog rescue organizations have been actively transporting rescue dogs of the breed from shelters in the south.

Florida counterpart
They are a known genetic contributor to the ubiquitous and overlooked "Florida brown dog." These dogs are variously known as a Florida Cur, Florida Cow Dog, Florida/Cracker Cur and/or Florida Cracker dog. Originating from Florida, this rugged and courageous cattle herder has been serving as a defense against wild cats, boars, and bears since the early days of cattle ranching in the region. The Florida Cracker Cur is not bred for looks, but rather for its working ability. It typically has a muscular body and a well-developed snout. Compared to other curs, it tends to be slightly larger and heavier-boned. Coat colors include brown, white, or black, often with white spots on the feet and chest. It is often confused with the Black Mouth Cur. They represent a diverse mix of heritage and characteristics Most Florida brown dogs have a mix of Labrador Retriever, some black mouth cur, and a wisp of hound in their ancestry. "Nip" and "Tuck" were Florida Cracker Curs gifted to one of the protagonists by the Indians in A Land Remembered, a history of Florida, the best selling novel by Patrick D. Smith. These are versatile, robust and fearless dogs that require a dominant leader.

Appearance
The Black Mouth Cur is a medium to large sized, athletic, muscular breed of dog. The breed varies considerably in height, typically standing between 16 and 25 in with individual dogs known to reach 28 in, the breed standard mandates a minimum height of 18 in for dogs and 16 inches for females. The breed typically weighs between 45 and 100 lb, with the breed standard allowing for significantly lighter animals than is typical, stating a minimum 40 lb for mature male dogs and 35 lb for mature female dogs. The Black Mouth Cur has a short, dense coat that is typically yellow, fawn or light brown in color, although dark brown, brindle and black individual animals are known. The breed's head is broad and flat, they have drooped ears and a powerful, distinctively melanistic black muzzle. They have a broad chest, long legs and a long tail that is typically left undocked.

Character
The Black Mouth Cur is an extremely active breed which requires a great deal of exercise. The breed is wary of strangers and known to be very protective of children, sometimes to the point of objecting to parents disciplining their children. Many are known to respond better to female handlers.

These are powerful dogs that are multi-talented as a guardian, herder, hunter, and homestead watchdog. By their nature, they are highly independent, and need an owner who will lead them.

Uses
The Black Mouth Cur is used extensively for hunting throughout the Southern United States, the breed is also used as a herding dog. The breed is used to hunt a broad variety of game including bear, feral pig, raccoon, deer and squirrel; the breed has a reputation as a voracious hunter that usually catches and kills game on the ground, although it does tree and bay game as well.