Also called Southern Cur, Southern Black Mouth Cur, Yellow Black Mouth Cur
A devoted, hard-working all-rounder that is quick and determined in the field and protective of its family, especially children.
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Weight | 16 to 18 kg (35 to 40 lb)males from 18 kg, females from 16 kg12 |
| Height | 41 to 64 cm (16 to 25 in)males 46 to 64 cm, females 41 to 64 cm12 |
| Coat | Short, dense coat |
| Origin | Southern United States; accounts differ between the Tennessee mountains and southern Mississippi as the starting point.12 |
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
A typical home-care rhythm for a Black Mouth Cur. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
No breed-specific rule names the Black Mouth Cur in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
High. Bred as a hunting, herding and guarding farm dog, it thrives with a job and plenty of daily activity.1
The short, dense coat is easy to keep; a regular brush-down is enough.1
Best suited to an active, rural or outdoorsy home with space to work and run.1
Forms a close bond with its family and likes to be part of daily life.12
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
The breed's name comes from the black mask on the muzzle and the dark pigment of the lips and gums, which appear brownish pink to dark grey, giving them their 'black mouth' moniker.3
I wake up with the sun, stretch my legs, and give the kids a good morning lick. After a quick patrol of the yard, I help Dad round up the chickens. Then it's off to the field with him, I flush a few quail and feel my heart race. Back home, I curl up on the porch and watch over the little ones as they play. At night, I sleep by the door, one ear open for any strange sound. It's a good, full life.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
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.4
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.5
Pet Wiki'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.6 Pet Wiki plan
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.16 Pet Wiki plan
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.6 Pet Wiki plan
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 Pet Wiki plan
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.6 Pet Wiki plan
Lifespan varies for this breed; please ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations.
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
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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Mountain Cur
Treeing Tennessee Brindle
Florida Brown Dog a/k/a Florida Cracker Cur