If you’re looking for the perfect combination of tough, muscular, hard-working, good looks, along with loyalty, tenacity, energy, and confidence, you’ve got it all right there in the Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix.
This combo ticks all the right boxes if you’re the kind of dog enthusiast who doesn’t really care for cute and fluffy lap dogs that hate to put a foot outdoors.
This choice is ideal when your to-do list includes long, brisk walks, fun with the family, rough and tumble games laced with gentleness and sensitivity.
This mix is a masterly blend of all that makes the classic black mouth cur such a well-loved dog in the South, plus the qualities of the pit bull that make it a feisty, tenacious, and faithful ally.
Mixed breeds are gaining enormous popularity among breeders and pet owners alike. They are healthier, live longer, and usually get the best of both genetic ancestors.
This is because they’re much more resilient and hardy. Having a diverse gene pool gives them more resistance to genetic diseases.
Why Mixed Breeds Such As Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix Are Becoming More Popular
A study conducted in 2013 on more than 27,000 dogs found that the incidence of certain types of genetic disorders (10 main types) is 42% higher in purebred dogs.
Certain conditions such as cataracts and epilepsy were found to be more in pure breeds. As the authors of the study suggest, when related animals are bred, the chances of expressed genetic disorders get increased, and the chances of producing offspring that inherit these issues are higher.
Mixed breeds are popular because:
Affordable: Mixed breeds are sold at much lower rates than purebreds, and you can get one for free from a rescue or shelter. This is because the costs involved are only for the vaccinations and spaying/neutering.
However, certain “designer” mixes can cost you an arm and a leg too! There are cases where some intentionally bred mixed breeds, such as the Plott Hound Pit Bull Mix, or even the Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix, could cost you in the range of $300-1200.
More Humane: Many true canine enthusiasts prefer mixed breeds because they’re more “natural” and less genetically engineered. You can also find them more easily, in shelters and rescues.
Lower Health Risks: Mixed breeds have fewer chances of developing inherited congenital diseases and conditions.
Longevity: Mixed breeds are known to live longer than purebreds, but this is, of course, based on the kind of care you give them.
Temperament and Intelligence: Many dog owners feel that mixed breeds are less temperamental and difficult to handle.
They also feel that qualities such as intelligence are more apparent in these dogs, perhaps because they get the best of both parents.
They are usually multi-faceted and are happy to be your ally in whatever sport or pastime you’re in the mood for.
Not For Competitions: If you simply want a companion or a lovable, friendly, and loyal family member, choose a mixed breed.
However, if you’re planning to enter competitions, or are particular about pedigree, you would rather choose a purebred.
However, certain clubs and associations do register mixed breeds in obedience and skill competitions. For instance, agility, flyball, dancing, rally, dock diving are some of the competitions open to mixed breeds.
Know More About The Black Mouth Cur
The term cur usually refers to a mixed breed dog and is synonymous with an unfriendly, aggressive, and mean-tempered canine today. It comes from the word “cur-tailed” because of their naturally occurring bobtails.
However, in real terms, curs are short-haired dogs that are bred for hunting and herding. They locate game through sight and scent, making them invaluable assets for herding livestock and trailing and finding lost cattle. They may vary greatly in size, height, weight, and coloration.
In 1956, American author and screenplay writer Fred Gipson wrote a children’s book titled Old Yeller. It was immensely popular among kids and adults alike and won the Newbery Prize.
Set in the American Civil War, it featured a courageous dog who helps a young boy protect their family home while his father is out on the battlefield.
It was made into a Disney film in the following year and followed by two sequels. The protagonist, Old Yeller, is a Black Mouth Cur,
though in the film, a Mastiff/Labrador mix was used.
The true ancestry of the Black Mouth Cur is still being speculated, but there’s evidence that it was bred as a farm dog cum watchdog in the South during the 19th century.
Some of the famous lines of this breed are the Ladner line which the family has bred for more than a century. This breed with yellow and red color variations is bred in Alabama and Florida as well.
The term “black mouth” comes from their distinctive dark pigmentation on the lips, roof of the mouth, gums, and cheeks.
Their temperament is generally sociable if they’ve lived in a sensitive and caring environment. They are highly territorial and make great watchdogs but can get aggressive with visitors and unfamiliar people on your property. Being highly intelligent, they can find their way out of your yard when in pursuit of prey.
They’ll often bring you “gifts” of dead prey much like cats, so make sure you accept the presents with respect, so as not to offend! Watch out for their clumsiness around small children, as they don’t realize how huge and heavy they are.
Main Characteristics:
- Purebreed of the hound/cur working dog category
- Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a “rare” breed
- Distinctive black mouthparts
- Broad chest, square muzzle, low-hanging ears
- Lifespan average between 12 and 16 years
- Weighs in between 50-100 lbs
- Medium height between 16-25”
- Coat short-haired
- Committed, loyal, highly intelligent, hard-working, loving, dependable, protective and kind-hearted, good with kids
- Moderate barking
- Need lots of exercise and family playtime to keep them mentally and physically fit
- Not suitable for small apartments
- Sensitive and doesn’t like to be yelled at
- Responds well to proper training, especially agility training
- High preying instinct, so not suitable for households with other smaller, non-canine pets
Know More About the Pit Bull
Descended from Old English bulldogs and terriers, the American Pit Bull has always suffered from the bad press!
Because of their long history of being used in dog-fighting, bull-baiting, and bear-baiting, and several attacks by these dogs being hyped in the media, aggressive instincts to latch on to the target while biting, several states have enacted breed-specific legislation, banning or restricting their rearing, owning and breeding.
Some insurance companies in the US refuse to provide policies to owners of this breed, while many airlines have an embargo on some of these breeds.
However, there are little evidence that they are inherently aggressive or attackers. One of the most famous Pit Bulls was Daddy, owned by Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan, who used him specifically because of his calm temperament, empathy, and tolerance of other dogs, especially smaller ones.
The Pit Bull itself is an umbrella term that can refer to many breeds. They include the American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bulldog.
Today, more dog owners are coming out in defense of this much-maligned breed. These animals are quite healthy, enjoy a long life, don’t need much grooming, and are lovable, friendly, and eager to please.
They are loyal, energetic, affectionate, protective, and great with kids. Known for their courage and characteristic “smile,” and lolling tongue, they are irresistibly charming and great stress busters to welcome you at the end of a hard day.
Main Characteristics:
- Muscular, rectangular body shape
- Medium-sized with powerful head and jaws
- Strong neck and hind-quarters
- Hardy and agile
- The average male weighs about 35-60lbs, females weigh 30-50lbs
- Head is broad and flat, small ears
- When excited, they raise their ears, creating the characteristic wrinkled forehead
- Tail upright and wider at base
- A smooth, glossy coat that doesn’t need much grooming
- Powerful, confident, and alert gait
- Naturally friendly
- Excellent sense of smell
- Active and need lots of exercises
- Eager to please, inquisitive
- Highly intelligent
- Patient and very fond of small kids
- Excel in obedience training and scent work
- Love attention and crave approval
- Often used in search and rescue operations
- Agencies use them for bomb and drug detection
- The average life span is around 12 years
All You Need To Know About Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix
If you’ve seen one of these attractive dogs, you’re certainly thinking of owning one! However, you may also have concerns about whether this is the right dog for you, your home, and your family.
Also known as the Pitbull Cur, the parent breeds are both pure, and depending on the genotype, the offspring could look more like a Black Mouth Cur or a Pitbull.
These are “designer” dogs, intentionally bred for their distinct qualities and looks. Breeders have attempted to blend the best traits and characteristics of the parent breeds.
Black Mouth Curs were originally reared for protecting the home and to help in hunting. Pit Bulls were bred for their aggressiveness and fighting ability.
As people migrated from rural areas to the cities, many of these dogs were unsuitable for such environments. As a result, there was a significant decline in their numbers.
The Original Mountain Cur Breeders Association began to work at preserving the cur breeds from extinction in 1957.
As a result, breeders began to take note of this unusual, beautiful breed. Crossbreeding and designer breeding resulted in the birth of the Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix.
You can expect to pay between $300-1200, with extra expenses for immunization, spaying/neutering. Training can also cost you a significant amount.
Food expenses increase as the dog grows older. You may also have to spend money to exercise and groom the dog regularly if you cannot do it yourself.
Another problem that could result in high expenses is if the dog becomes aggressive or bites other people.
The breed is recognized by the Dog Registry of America Inc. but not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Before you Get Your Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix
- Ensure you select a reputed breeder.
- If it’s a rescue/shelter dog, get as much information as possible.
- Ask for the latest veterinary records.
- If you’re buying from a breeder, ask them to present the parents for inspection.
- Get a genetic test done to rule out hereditary illnesses.
- Get in touch with a good trainer and sign up for classes.
- Find out about housing, feeding, and exercise requirements and assess whether you’re able to match these.
- Keep your family informed about the characteristics of the dog.
- If you have small children, ensure that they’re safe around the dog, unless it’s a puppy.
- These dogs are independent and don’t demand attention. They can be reserved around strangers but make loving companions for families they are comfortable with.
Physical Characteristics of Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix
This is a large-sized dog, so unless you’re prepared to accommodate their needs for space, it’s wise to keep that in mind.
Since the parent breeds also weigh on the heavy side, the mix generally weighs in at about 80-95 lbs. The height when standing measures about 17-25” from shoulder to toes. However, there are significant variations in height based on genetic make-up.
Since both parent breeds are short-haired, the offspring inherits these traits. You don’t need to worry too much about grooming and shedding. They need to be with people who can spend time with them and lead an active lifestyle.
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It has a large and well-muscled body, with long legs and wide paws, making it a great companion on hikes and runs. The tail is short and bobbed.
The eyes are usually almond-shaped, with amber or brown coloration.
The coat may vary in different shades of fawn, red, yellow, brown, brindle, buckskin-and-white, and the forehead is big and broad.
If you’re a first-time dog owner, avoid this breed. They need experienced pet parents who can ensure that they are socialized and trained properly.
Their natural aggression has to be kept in check, failing which could become attacking dogs and a hazard to friends, family, neighbors, visitors, and yourself.
These dogs are quite long-lived and generally live healthy lives up to 12-16 years. Regular visits to the vet can take care of problems before they become major issues.
The Temperament of Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix
Both sets of ancestors don’t enjoy a particularly good reputation! Black Mouth Curs are highly territorial, aggressive, and domineering, while Pit Bulls are tenacious and aggressive.
However, the right training and socialization, love, and care can make a difference in controlling their inherent traits. It can become bossy and dominating if you don’t set the boundaries early on.
They don’t enjoy being alone for long, as they are basically “pack” dogs. They are playful, love attention, and are highly protective of their pet parents, homes, and family. They are eager to please, reliable, very obedient, and make wonderful companions.
However, they are not very friendly towards strangers or other animals, especially small, non-canine ones.
The best environment for this breed is as a working dog, involved in protection, hunting, herding in rural settings, and drug/bomb detection.
They are ideal for families that love strenuous activities, plenty of things to do out of doors, and would enjoy a canine companion to share their enthusiasms.
Feeding and Care of Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix
This dog has very high energy levels, and when it’s not exercising, it plays around, so the main requirement is lots of space, preferably outdoors in a safe, protected yard.
Food served should be high-calorie food rich in minerals, iron, protein, carbs, vitamins, and fiber. Raw food is a good choice and helps to provide immunity.
Home-made food is a great option, and you can add salmon for extra calcium to protect bones and teeth.
Fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin supplements can be added after consulting your vet.
These dogs are relatively low maintenance, being short-haired. A weekly brushing will keep their short, glossy fur looking smooth and shiny.
A bath once or twice a month with a vet recommended anti-bacterial, anti-pest shampoo keeps their coats in top condition.
Exercise Routine for Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix
Never allow energy build-up in your dog because this can translate to aggression and annoying mischief such as shredding carpets, pillows, and rugs around the house.
Daily exercise should consist of an hour’s walk at least and an average of 14 miles in the week.
Running in open spaces helps to keep muscles strong.
You can enjoy various simple games with your dog and regularly take them to a dog park for socialization and learning to be calm and comfortable around other dogs and people.
This dog may not thrive in an apartment unless you take enough time out to exercise. They are too large, territorial, and high energy to confine within the four walls of an apartment.
These dogs are bred for hunting and sailing and are generally obedient, loyal, confident, and protective. They are great as working dogs, and it’s important to recognize these qualities in them.
Training Tips For Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix
Inherited traits from both parents make this a confident, energetic, dominant, and often stubborn animal.
Being high energy and agile, they can be trained well, provided you start early and with the right training.
The right time to start training is when they are a puppy so that you can mold the dog’s personality the way you want.
The brain develops very fast in dogs, and this breed is a quick learner and grasps training exercises quickly and easily.
Aggression can be controlled with adequate socialization and being around family more often.
The domineering personality has to be channeled correctly, and the dog must understand that you are the leader of the pack.
Positive rather than negative reinforcement works better to avoid aggressive responses and frustration.
Start training as early as possible so that the dog and the owner benefit more. If it’s a rescue adult dog, get professional help rather than try to train it yourself.
Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix Health Issues
These are usually quite healthy and long-lived, sturdy dogs. However, they can inherit certain health problems from their ancestral breeds.
Like other large breeds, they are prone to hip dysplasia, though joint problems are relatively few in the Pit Bull strain. Kneecap dislocation could be a problem in older dogs after heavy exercising.
Pit Bull genes also flag cardio issues. Cardiomyopathy and thickening of the heart muscle are common. Congestive heart failure and thyroid problems may also occur. The Mix may also be prone to skin allergies, but simple medication can be sorted out.
The breed may also be prone to cancers of different types.
Ensure that your Mix doesn’t become overweight, as the Pit Bull genes could enhance this tendency. Obesity can lead to many other health problems, so it’s important to give the right amount of food and exercise.
In Conclusion
This beautiful, loving, playful, powerful, and confident dog will protect you, your home, and your family to the last stand. This is because of its lineage, with two lines of ancestors who were bred to protect and save.
Black Cur Pit Mix breed dogs make delightful companions and great allies in hiking, sailing, hunting, and more. They are fun to own and keep you on your toes. It is agile, learns easily, and can be a friendly and fun friend to your kids if trained well.
However, it is a high-energy dog, demanding plenty of exercise, food, and care. That is why it’s wiser to avoid this breed if you’re not an experienced dog owner, live in an urban apartment, don’t have the time or inclination for an outdoorsy life, and can’t afford the cost of training and maintenance.