Pet Wiki

Black Mouth Cur

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.

SizeLarge
Weight16 to 18 kg (35 to 40 lb)males from 18 kg, females from 16 kg12
Height41 to 64 cm (16 to 25 in)males 46 to 64 cm, females 41 to 64 cm12
CoatShort, dense coat
OriginSouthern United States; accounts differ between the Tennessee mountains and southern Mississippi as the starting point.12
Recognised breedShort profile
loyal to family
courageous
eager to work
1

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

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

Coloursredyellowfawnbuckskinbrownblackbrindle12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Black Mouth Cur. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

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

  1. 1

    The dog in Fred Gipson's novel Old Yeller is often said to have been a Black Mouth Cur.2

  2. 2

    The UKC standard puts function first: the breed should look like a working dog with nothing exaggerated.1

  3. 3

    Despite the name, the black mask is optional; the standard allows dogs with or without it.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BelleBlueBuckDixieHickoryMaggieMooseRangerSawyerScoutSkeeterTater

A day in the life told by a Black Mouth Cur

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.

Recognised by the official bits

UKC
Scenthound Group; recognised 1 November 1998.1
FCI
Not an FCI breed in the sources consulted.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

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.4

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.5

How often should I bathe a Black Mouth Cur?

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

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.16 Pet Wiki 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.6 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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.6 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. UKC Black Mouth Cur breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, temperament, size, coat, colours
  2. Black Mouth Cur, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, height range, fun facts
  3. ckcusa.com ckcusa.com
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.