The black mouth cur pit mix dog is a cross between two popular and energetic working breeds – the Black Mouth Cur and the American Pit Bull Terrier. This mixed breed dog tends to be highly energetic, loyal, and intelligent, inheriting the best traits from both parent breeds.
This article will explore this crossbreed dog in detail – its history, appearance, temperament, grooming needs, exercise needs, trainability, and health issues. Read on to learn all about this powerful and affectionate canine crossbreed that makes for a delightful pet in active households.
Background and History
The black mouth cur originated as a working dog in the southern United States, utilized for herding livestock, hunting wild game, and guarding homesteads.
They were bred to be muscular, courageous, and energetic. Pit bulls were initially bred for bull baiting and dog fighting (now illegal), but have transitioned into being popular companion dogs prized for their affection, loyalty, and athleticism.
Crossing a black mouth cur with an American pit bull terrier combines the alertness and high energy of both breeds into one powerful canine hybrid.
While the origin of purposefully crossing black mouth curs with pit bulls is unclear, this crossbreed has started gaining popularity among dog lovers who want a robust and lively adventure companion.
Being a fairly new mixed breed, the black mouth cur pit mix is not recognized by major kennel clubs as a standardized breed. But it’s an appealing crossbreed for people looking for an active and hardworking canine friend.
Appearance and Size
Since the black mouth cur pitbull mix is a cross between two pure breeds, their appearance can vary dramatically depending on which parent breed they take after.
They tend to be medium to large sized dogs, ranging from 30 to 100 pounds at maturity, measuring between 18 to 25 inches tall at the shoulders.
Coat colors common in black mouth cur pit mixes include:
- Black
- Fawn
- Red
- Brindle
- Buckskin
- Brown
These hybrids usually have a short, dense coat which lies flat. Their coat can be either smooth or rough. They tend to shed moderately.
Distinctive physical features inherited from the Black Mouth Cur parent usually include:
- Long muzzles
- Droopy ears
- High-set tails
Whereas features from their American Pit Bull Terrier lineage can include:
- Box-shaped heads
- Rose or half-pricked ears
- Muscular frames
Overall these crossbreeds have a strong and athletic physique. Despite their brawniness, their eyes convey a sense of warmth and loyalty.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium to Large |
| Height | 18-25 inches tall |
| Weight | 30-100 pounds |
| Coat Type | Short and dense |
| Coat Colors | Black, fawn, red, brindle, buckskin, brown |
| Ears | Long, droopy or half-pricked |
| Tail | High-set |
Temperament and Personality
Since both parent breeds were bred for hunting and guarding duties, black mouth cur pitbull mixes make excellent watch dogs. They form very strong bonds with their owners and are highly protective of them.
These hybrids are bursting with energy. They relish having a job or activity that allows them to productively spend their enthusiasm and use their powerful bodies.
Black mouth cur pitbull mixes are extremely loyal and intensely devoted. They crave human companionship and don’t like being isolated from their family. They will follow their owners everywhere around the house and adamantly insist on sleeping on your bed!
While territorial and cynical of strangers, these mixed breed dogs are usually even tempered with the family and children they have been raised with. However, their herding instincts mean they may try to herd kids by gently bumping or nipping at them.
This loyal mix will be your best adventure buddy! But their vigor means they are better suited as family pets for experienced dog owners used to high activity breeds.
Exercise Needs
Black mouth cur pit mixes have bountiful energy reserves! They need 60 to 90 minutes of intense exercise every day.
As working dog hybrids bred for action, they thrive when given a job or vigorous activity such as:
- Long runs
- Sprinting
- Hiking
- Agility training
- Fieldwork
They particularly excel at canine sports like flyball and disc dog thanks to their athleticism and eagerness to please their handler.
These energetic mixes enjoy having access to a securely fenced yard where they can burn off some of their exuberance through self-directed play. However, they should not be left unsupervised or unattended outdoors for long periods.
Mental stimulation through interactive dog toys and food puzzle games is also important to prevent boredom and destructive tendencies from developing.
Without adequate outlets for their energy, black mouth cur pitbull mixes are prone to developing nuisance behaviors like excessive barking, digging up your flower beds, or chewing up furniture. An tired dog is a good dog!
Grooming Requirements
The short dense coat of black mouth cur pitbull mixes requires minimal grooming to keep tidy. Occasional brushing using a stiff bristle brush helps remove loose fur and distribute skin oils.
Bathe only when dirty – over bathing can dry out their skin. Their nails should be trimmed every few weeks using proper nail clippers to avoid painful cracking and splitting.
Brush their teeth a few times per week using veterinarian-approved dog toothpaste. Checking and wiping their floppy ears every week will prevent infections from developing.
Trainability
Both the black mouth cur and American pit bull terrier are intelligent breeds who aim to please their owners, so this hybrid usually inherits devoted attentiveness.
Black mouth cur pit mixes tend to have a high degree of trainability when positive reinforcement methods are used. Their sensitivity means yelling or punishment can cause them to shut down.
These dogs need early socialization with many people, animals, places and experiences to prevent wariness from developing into aggression or fearfulness. Attending organized puppy socialization classes is highly beneficial.
Due to their instinct for chasing anything that moves quickly, even well-trained black mouth cur pitbulls should never be let off leash in unfenced areas. Their hunting drive may override any recall cues!
Consistency and firm leadership are key when training this hybrid. Once properly trained, they thrive when given a job or purposeful commands to follow.
Health Concerns
As a cross between two generally healthy breeds, black mouth cur pit mixes usually enjoy good health into their senior years. Nevertheless, prospective owners should be aware of few inherited conditions seen in the parent breeds:
- Hip dysplasia – Malformed hip sockets lead to osteoarthritis over time.
- Hypothyroidism – Inadequate thyroid hormone production causes obesity, lethargy, and hair loss. Easily managed with oral medication.
- Heart disease – Enlarged heart muscle (dilated cardiomyopathy) causes weakness and potential heart failure.
- Allergies – Inhalant or food allergies trigger itchy skin and ear infections.
Reputable breeders screen their breeding dogs for hip dysplasia, heart conditions, eye issues, and genetic problems to minimize chances of offspring inheriting defects.
With good nutrition and adequate exercise, black mouth cur pitbull mixes typically enjoy a life expectancy between 10 to 16 years.
Dietary Needs
These active hybrids need a high quality protein-rich diet to fuel their energy needs and maintain lean muscle mass.
Feeding an age appropriate dry dog food formulated for medium to large energetic breeds is recommended as the dietary foundation. Include some canned food or raw meat to add taste variety and hydration.
Two or three meals spaced throughout the day prevents gorging their entire day’s ration in one go – which can contribute to gastric torsion.
Always provide access to fresh clean water. Change water at least once daily. Limit food and water intake before strenuous exercise to avoid bloat risk.
Temperament and Behavior FAQs
Are black mouth cur pit mixes good family dogs?
Yes, with proper training and socialization from a young age, black mouth cur pitbulls can be great family companions. They deeply bond with all household members and are protective of kids. But their herding background means they could nip the ankles of small children. Always supervise interactions.
Do black mouth cur pit mixes bark a lot?
They can be quite vocal and are inclined to bark warnings when suspicious. However their barking tendency can be tempered through training. Ensure they get adequate exercise and stimulation. Leaving them isolated for long hours can exacerbate barking and separation anxiety.
Are black mouth cur pit mixes easy to train?
This hybrid is usually focused and willing to train. However, their intelligence means they can have a stubborn streak. Use motivational techniques, establishing yourself as a pack leader. Their sensitivity makes them unsuitable for overly harsh methods involving yelling or physical corrections.
Can black mouth cur pitbulls live in apartments?
Black mouth cur pit mixes need more space than an apartment can provide. They require vigorous daily exercise and don’t do well left alone for extended stretches. A house with a securely fenced yard works better for this energetic hybrid breed.
“A tired dog is a good dog! Ensure your black mouth cur pit mix gets adequate outlets for their exuberance each day.”
Is the Black Mouth Cur Pit Mix the Right Dog For You?
Before deciding to get a black mouth cur pitbull mix puppy, carefully consider if they suit your lifestyle and experience level.
This crossbreed thrives with active owners able to dedicate substantial time exercising them both physically and mentally. If you lead a fairly sedentary life, this vigor-filled hybrid will likely develop problem behaviors without productive outlets.
Black mouth cur pit mixes need training, socialization, leadership and TLC. While rewarding companions for families, they are better suited for homes with older considerate children. Always supervise young kids to prevent accidental injury from their boisterousness.
Without channeling their energy, these clever dogs can become demanding and destructive. But for an individual or family able to fully engage with them, the loyal black mouth cur pit mix will return your efforts with unwavering affection!
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