Black Mouth Cur — breed guide
A southern US stock and hunting cur — the dog in Old Yeller. Enormously capable, and genuinely too much dog for most homes.
At a glance
- Group
- hound
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 18–43 kg (40–95 lb)
- Life span
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Short, dense coat with a dark muzzle
Living with a Black Mouth Cur
- Very high energy — built for work and long days out.
- Almost no grooming.
- Moderate shedding.
- Quick to learn.
- Vocal when there is a reason.
- Can do well with children, with care — easier with older kids than toddlers.
- Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Handles warm weather well.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Bold · Loyal · Driven · Protective
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Entropion
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Black Mouth Cur good with kids?
With care. Black Mouth Curs generally do well with older children who already know how to behave around a dog; with toddlers, supervise every interaction and give the animal somewhere it can retreat to.
Is a Black Mouth Cur good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Black Mouth Cur need?
Hours — this breed needs a job or a long day out.
Can a Black Mouth Cur handle hot weather?
It copes well with warm days.
Leash Life keeps a Black Mouth Cur's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.