The Blackmouth Cur

The Blackmouth Cur, otherwise known as Red Blackmouth Cur or Ladner Blackmouth Cur, is a hunting dog with its origin in the United States. These dogs are well muscled and are found in different colours and shades varying from red, yellow, fawn and buckskin. Weighing around 45 to 95 pounds these dogs live up to 12 to 16 years. The male species often weigh more than the females. They are called hunting dogs because of their capability to smaller preys by themselves and larger ones in a small group. The appearance of the dog is very attractive with a square shaped muzzle and large webbed feet. The tail is of medium length and in many places the owners clip the tails to a bob. 'Blackmouth Curs' got their name because of the dark pigmentation around the lips that also extends into the interior of the mouth.

These dogs usually bred in the mountains have either heavy or light coats depending on the place. Blackmouth Curs are very social if trained properly. These types of breed are family loving and are found to be very loyal to the owner. They are also great towards kids once they are trained well. The dogs become much laid back once they grow older.

Blackmouth Curs are used to various kinds of outdoor activity and can be referred to being a hardy breed. Hunting small animals such as squirrels and raccoons and larger ones like bears and mountain lions are a leisure pursuit for these dogs. Other manners include herding cattle and baying hogs when trained properly. Though a specific dog is trained to perform one activity, many are talented enough to be used for many activities at once such as hunting, treeing, baying and herding. These dogs are very talented and have excellent jumping and climbing abilities. These skills come in use in the field of treeing and hunting. A sturdy fence of 6 feet or more is needed to enclose the living area of this well built breed. Some of these dogs are also distinguished enough to be trained for search and rescue programmes in cases of emergency. They being a very active breed of dogs and are prone to a few health issues such as torn ligament, pulled muscles or a curable disease called entropion which is a slight turning of the eyelids.

Blackmouth Curs have varied places of origin. They are now found across a vast region stretching from the west to the east coast and as far north to the boundaries of Canada. The Ladner Blackmouth Curs are also found in Mexico, Argentina and some places in Europe. The Blackmouth Curs are said to be closely related to the mountain Curs and were first mentioned in a book called Old Yeller. The National Kennel Club was the first to register the Ladner Blackmouth cur in April 1964. The breed was actually recognised by the thorough documentation of the dog’s behaviours and habits when they were bred by Mr L.H. Ladner and his family.