Black Mouth Cur Shepherd Mix
You may have heard of the Black Mouth Cur Shepherd mix and wonder if it’s the type of breed you are looking for. The name of this breed tells exactly what it’s a mix between, German Shepherds and Black Mouth Curs.
German Shepherds are known for their diligence while a Black Mouth Cur is known for their hard-working willingness. Each is a beautiful dog that many people look to bring into their family when searching for a good family dog. If you are on the hunt for a dog that is right for you, the Black Mouth Cur Shepherd may be the one you didn’t know you needed!
Let’s take a closer look into this mixed breed, where they come from, and what it takes to care for them.
Breed History
When looking back at the origin and history of a Black Mouth Cur Shepherd, we must look into the history of the parent breeds. Because of the crossing of this breed, we aren’t able to know the exact history and origin, but we can look back at the German Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur.
The purebred German Shepherd originated in… you guessed it, Germany, in the late 1800s. They were bred to be working dogs and eventually made their way into America in the early 1900s.
The Black Mouth Cur is said to have been bred in the southern part of America, though this is still unclear. This breed of dog was bred to herd, help on the farm, and protect their owner’s home.
Both dog breeds were meant to be working dogs that herd and work for long periods of time. That being said, the offspring aka Black Mouth Cur Shepherd, gained the same qualities from both parties.
Facts About the Black Mouth Cur Shepherd Mix
The Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix is a medium to a large-sized dog. They have a muscular build and tend to be highly protective of their owners. Many times, this breed is used for herding purposes and for hunting different types of game from big to small. These dogs have their very own club that was started in 1987 and went on to be recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1998.
Considering they have traits from the German Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur, they have guard dog tendencies over their home but are affectionate and loving to everyone in their family.
What Does a GSD Black Mouth Cur Look Like?
As mentioned, the GSD Black Mouth Cur has a muscular build given to them by the traits of their parents. Of course, the appearance typically depends on which breed is more dominant in the particular dog in question.
You can usually find them with a broad chest like a German Shepherd and a square head like the Black Mouth Cur. They can come in many different colors and their coat can be a short, single-layered coat, or a thick double-coat.
They are known to stand roughly 18 to 20 inches tall and can weigh between 45 to 85 pounds. The size, of course, is determined by how big or small the German Shepherd from which they were bred.
Is Shedding a Problem?
In this cross breed, shedding is definitely a concern. Both parent breeds have coats that are heavy shedding year round. They also blow their coats two times per year.
While black mouth curs have a dense coat that is very short, the German Shepherd breed has a thicker double coat that is short and dense as well. Because the long hair gene is recessive, it is rare to see a purebred shepherd dog with longer hair.
Regular brushing and grooming are required to keep the shedding at a lower rate but even then, they will leave fur behind everywhere they go.
Diet and Nutrition
Proper diet and nutrition are the most important part of caring for a dog. Knowing the breed and energy levels can help determine the type of feeding routine they should have.
The GSD Black Mouth Cur mix has higher energy levels and was made to work. Between that and their muscular build, they should be fed a well-balanced diet containing a decent amount of protein.
This breed does well being fed two to three times a day and providing them with other types of vitamins and supplements can be helpful to their overall health as well. You can always double-check with your regular vet to see what type of food will be best for your pooch.
Like any dog, they love table scraps such as fruits, seafood, and even tamales! Other food can be used for the occasional treat, but 90% of their diet needs to come from high-quality dog food without fillers.
How Do You Groom Them?
The grooming needs of this mixed breed greatly depends on which coat type they take on. If they have a shorter coat like the Black Mouth Cur, it may be easier to care for rather than having a thicker, double coat like the German Shepherd. Either way, brushing them daily will help lessen the amount of hair that is shed throughout the home.
If they have a thicker coat, regular brushing is also needed to keep the fur from becoming matted. When it comes to bathing, this pup should be bathed once a month or more as needed.
You will find that this breed loves playing in the water and muddy areas so bathing may be more frequent at times. As usual, always be sure to keep their nails trimmed and their ears cleaned and checked to keep away any infections.
TIP: Avoid over bathing them, because this strips their natural oils from their coats and can even dry out their skin, leading to excessive itching and biting.
Exercise and Energy Levels
These dogs were made to work so with that, they have higher energy levels. Make sure to take them on daily walks and let them out to run and play to exert the energy they have, otherwise, they may become destructive or can become overweight. You may find that this breed is more active than others solely because of their genetic makeup and what they were intended to do.
Taking time to take them on walks or to play with them will help keep them in good health, keep their energy focused on the right thing, and can help you have bonding time with your pup.
Common Health Problems in GSD Cur Mixes and Their Lifespan
When properly cared for, the GSD Cur mix can live up to 14 years. They have a long lifespan but are still likely to have health problems. Any dog is able to take on certain health issues, some more than others. The health problems to look for in this breed include the following.
Hip Dysplasia
This occurs when the hip joint isn’t properly working in conjunction with the ball and socket.
Diabetes
This is a well-known issue across the board and is diagnosed in dogs that aren’t able to keep their blood sugar regulated. Their body should naturally do this but sometimes an issue such as this arises, and they may need insulin to regulate it.
Cataracts
This issue can be caused by diabetes or may just occur over time. Cataracts form when proteins in the eyes decide to clump together and can make it hard for the dog to see.
Epilepsy
Just like humans, dogs tend to have epilepsy. Whether they are born with it, or it comes on over time, epilepsy is a condition where the dog has seizures. It is typically stemmed from a brain abnormality.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
This is a condition where the dog’s stomach rotates and cuts off the passage of food and water. It is a condition that can be life-threatening and should be taken care of immediately.
Your dog having medical problems can be a scary thought but there are ways to try to prevent these things from happening. They are still not immune to these issues, but they will have a greater chance of bypassing them when properly cared for. Making sure they are fed the proper amount and type of food, having regular vet checkups, getting proper exercise, and taking supplements are the main steps to your dog having better health throughout their life.
Training
German Shepherd mixes are extremely trainable considering as a purebred they are in the top 5 when it comes to intelligence (the poodle is #1!) Not only do they make excellent guard dogs, they are eager to please and want to work!
With some time and patience, owners can train themselves. Professional training is an option if you don’t have the time to dedicate.
How Much is a German Shepherd Black Mouth Cur?
If you get a dog of this breed from a reputable breeder you may pay anywhere between $500 to $2,500 for a shepherd cur mix puppy. This dog is a mixture of two of the highly recommended breeds and therefore they cost more money. If you find a puppy of this breed at a shelter or other rescue center, you may pay a lot less, but it is less likely to know for sure that they are solely bred from a German Shepherd and a Black Mouth Cur.
Is this breed recognized by the American Kennel Club?
The AKC does not recognize mixed breeds of any kind. However, through their Canine Partners program, they can still participate in certain events.
Even though the Black Mouth Cur is a purebred dog, it’s not recognized by the AKC either, but is in the UKC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes and they are really rare outside of the United States. This is mainly due to the poor recording keeping long ago when people were settling in the southern states.
Black mouth curs are considered purebred dogs. Some say they have the lineage of the mastiff. Obviously depending on the breed they can be mixed if bred with other dogs.
No. They really love their owners, are working dogs, and are protective of their families.
Final Thoughts
The German Black Mouth Cur mix has become more common over the years and has proven to be a well-suited family breed. They are trustworthy, loyal, fun, intelligent, friendly, and hardworking. Whether you want a dog to guard your home or just a loving companion, this breed will make the perfect fit.
Though they are susceptible to health issues, just like other dogs, they are most likely to live long, healthy lives when correctly cared for. Why settle for just a German Shepherd or just a Black Mouth Cur when you can have the best of both worlds? The mixed breed brings the beauty, personality, and other traits of both breeds and is sure to make the best friend you are looking for in a dog!
