| Black Mouth Cur | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Other names | Vermont Cur Vermont Black Mouth Cur Yellow Black Mouth Cur | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Origin | United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
TheBlack Mouth Cur, also known as theSouthern Cur,Southern Black Mouth Cur and theYellow Black Mouth Cur, is a medium to large sizedbreed ofcur-type dog from theUnited States. Originating in the south of the country, the breed is a popular hunting companion used to hunt a large variety of game.
The Black Mouth Cur's origins are in theSouthern 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.[1][2] There are a number of stories about the breed's ancestry, the most commonly held story is the breed descends from dogs brought to southernMississippi by European settlers, among these progenitor European dogs includedBelgian Malinois.[1] In this environment these dogs were bred into their current form as a popularcur-type hunting dog, and from Mississippi they spread to the mountains ofKentucky,Missouri,North Carolina andTennessee; and eventually into theBig Thicket region ofSoutheast Texas.[1] It is claimed the title character inFred Gipson's novelOld Yeller was a Black Mouth Cur.[2] 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 theUnited Kennel Club.[1][3] Northern state dog rescue organizations have been actively transportingrescue dogs of the breed from shelters in the south.[citation needed]
They are a known genetic contributor to the ubiquitous and overlooked "Florida brown dog."[4] These dogs are variously known as a Florida Cur, Florida Cow Dog, Florida/Cracker Cur and/or Florida Cracker dog.[5] 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.[A] They represent a diverse mix of heritage and characteristics Most Florida brown dogs have a mix ofLabrador Retriever, some black mouth cur, and a wisp ofhound in their ancestry.[8] "Nip" and "Tuck" were Florida Cracker Curs gifted to one of the protagonists by theIndians inA Land Remembered, a history of Florida, the best selling novel byPatrick D. Smith.
The Black Mouth Cur is a medium to large sized, athletic, muscular breed of dog.[1][9][10] The breed varies considerably in height, typically standing between 16 and 25 inches (41 and 64 cm) with individual dogs known to reach 28 inches (71 cm),[1][9][10] thebreed standard mandates a minimum height of 18 inches (46 cm) for male dogs and 16 inches for females.[3] The breed typically weighs between 45 and 100 pounds (20 and 45 kg),[9][10] with the breed standard allowing for significantly lighter animals than is typical, stating a minimum 40 pounds (18 kg) for mature male dogs and 35 pounds (16 kg) for mature female dogs.[3] 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.[1] The breed's head is broad and flat, they have drooped ears and a powerful, distinctively melanistic black muzzle.[1] They have a broad chest, long legs and a long tail that is typically left undocked.[1][9]
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.[2][9][10]
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.[11][12]
The Black Mouth Cur is used extensively for hunting throughout the Southern United States, the breed is also used as aherding dog.[1][2][9][11] The breed is used to hunt a broad variety of game includingbear,feral pig,raccoon,deer andsquirrel; 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.[1][2]
Book Features: Florida Cracker Cur Housetraining, Obedience Training, Agility Training, Behavioral Training, Tricks and More
These dogs get their name from the Florida cowboys, originally colonial British settlers. Due to the sound of their whips, they are also called "Crackers" and used to drive cattle across expansive plains.
Media related toBlackmouth Cur at Wikimedia Commons