Black Mouth Cur
Also called Southern Cur, Southern Black Mouth Cur, Yellow Black Mouth Cur
From Southern United States; accounts differ between the Tennessee mountains and southern Mississippi as the starting point.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
The UKC standard sets only minimums: at least 40 lb for males and 35 lb for females. No upper limit is given.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, dense coat
A strong, nimble, medium-sized working dog with a broad head, drop ears and a square or slightly long body. The close-lying short coat can range from coarse to very fine, and many dogs wear a dark muzzle or mask.12
Personality what they are like
A devoted, hard-working all-rounder that is quick and determined in the field and protective of its family, especially children. It can be reserved with people it does not know.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Bred as a hunting, herding and guarding farm dog, it thrives with a job and plenty of daily activity.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, dense coat is easy to keep; a regular brush-down is enough.1
Home where they are happiest
Best suited to an active, rural or outdoorsy home with space to work and run.1
Company who they like around
Forms a close bond with its family and likes to be part of daily life.12
The story where it all began
Early settlers in the American South relied on this cur as a jack-of-all-trades for hunting, herding and guarding the homestead. As families moved west, the dogs went with them, and the breed spread through states such as Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri and Texas.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- UKC
- Scenthound Group; recognised 1 November 1998.1
- FCI
- Not an FCI breed in the sources consulted.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Black Mouth Cur. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Black Mouth Cur, and at what times?
Feed your adult Black Mouth Cur at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can vary, but a consistent schedule helps. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3
What should a Black Mouth Cur eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet for specific dietary needs.4
How often should I bathe a Black Mouth Cur?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The short coat is easy to maintain.5 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Black Mouth Cur need brushing?
Brush your Black Mouth Cur once a week to keep its short coat healthy and remove loose hair. That is enough for this easy-care breed.15 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Black Mouth Cur's nails, and how often?
Trim your dog's nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain.5 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Black Mouth Cur need?
This active breed needs plenty of daily exercise, including walks and playtime. It thrives when given a job or purpose, so aim for at least an hour of vigorous activity each day.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Black Mouth Cur's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check its floppy ears weekly for moisture and dirt, and dry them gently without pushing anything into the ear canal.5 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Black Mouth Cur live?
Lifespan varies for this breed; please ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations.
Is a Black Mouth Cur good with children and other pets?
This breed is devoted and protective of its family, especially children, and forms a close bond. It can be reserved with strangers, so early socialisation is important. For other pets, consult a breeder or trainer.12
Can a Black Mouth Cur be left alone?
This breed bonds closely with its family and prefers to be with them. It may not do well if left alone for long periods; consider a routine with company or a dog walker.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- UKC Black Mouth Cur breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, temperament, size, coat, colours
- Black Mouth Cur, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, height range, fun facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.