Did you know?
In the Mayan calendar the tenth day was symbolized by a dog. People born under that sign were believed to have great leadership powers.
Black Mouth Cur
Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished. – Dean Koontz
Schram’s Northern Trigger
It is believed that Cur dogs have their origins with the Celts and migrated to the United States with Irish and Scottish immigrants settling in the southeastern states. From there they spread to Florida, Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi.
While in some areas, the Cur was used for herding only, many of the Cur varieties were all purpose dogs used to hunt, for protecting the homestead, and for rounding up cattle and pigs for slaughter.
The word “Cur” means mongrel dog and reflects the fact that the Black Mouth Cur was developed from a variety of dogs.
Today there are a large number of Cur breeds of which the Black Mouth Cur is only one. Over the years, Curs have been bred for their hunting abilities rather than their appearance.
Photos displayed courtesy of Kelly Schram, Northern Black Mouth Curs, Ontario
This is an extremely rare breed in Canada and currently is recognized by the United Kennel Club whose standard for the breed describes his appearance as “a powerful, agile tree dog of medium size”.
Standing a minimum of 18 inches (45.7 cm) tall at the shoulder, the Cur has a short, close coat in all shades of red, yellow and fawn, as well as black, brown, buckskin, or brindle, with or without black muzzle or mask.
The Black Mouth Cur (BMC) is a working dog with a personality to match. These are tenacious, courageous dogs with a well-developed worth ethic.
BMCs are highly intelligent but sensitive. As such, they are very attuned to their master’s voice and should never be yelled at in anger or hit. They respond best to firm, positive training.
Schram’s Stoeger
Schram’s Renegade
The Cur makes a good family pet as he is loyal and protective. This means he is territorial by nature. That “territory” can extend beyond the family home and property to their owner’s truck, or even proximity to “their person”.
This is a very social dog who needs the company of a human companion and daily routines where he is able to run off his energy. The Black Mouth Cur is not a couch potato. He needs several hours of exercise daily to avoid anxiety and depression.
Athleticism is coded in this dog’s DNA. So is his eager to please personality. Given proper guidance and training, a BMC will excel in a variety of activities such as herding, tracking or trailing game, pulling weights, lure coursing events, Search and Rescue, etc. He is smart, athletic, and versatile.
In the 1956 book of the same name, Old Yeller is a Black Mouth Cur.
CKC Breed Standard
No Breed Standard Available
Breed Clubs