The Black Mouth Cur and German Shepherd Mix is a highly unusual and rare breed of dog combining the Black Mouth Cur – a dog reared exclusively in the US – with the German Shepherd, a creation of German dog breeder Max von Stephanitz who was searching for the perfect herding dog at the turn of the 19th century.
Photo credit: abe_and_rose
Given the German Shepherds’ extensive history as a hunting dog and the Black Mouth Cur’s creation in the southern United States in the 20th century – being used for much the same purpose – the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix is perhaps the ultimate hunting dog!
Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 45–85 pounds |
| Height: | 19–20 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Coat colours: | Black, brown, fawn, brindle, black & tan. |
| Temperament: | Active, energetic, playful, protective & affectionate. |
| Suitable For: | Active families with or without children, active single individuals. |
What Does the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Look Like?
The Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix is a fairly new mixed-breed dog that comes from a line of two dogs that are both energetic and initially bred for hunting. You’ll likely find that the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix will inherit some of its physical characteristics from both parent breeds – however, there is often a predominance of the German Shepherd.
Most Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mixes will have the signature curved back of the German Shepherd with a wedge-shaped head and a longer tail, along with triangular ears that flap down and to the side. They may have longer legs than most German Shepherds, with a black snout and muzzle and a black nose, characteristic of the Black Mouth Cur.
The History of the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix
The Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix is a relatively new mixed-breed of dog, thus there’s not much historical information available. In order to get a better idea of where these two breeds come from and why they might have been mixed initially, let’s take a look at their parent breeds.
The History of the Black Mouth Cur
The Black Mouth Cur is an exclusively American dog of mysterious origins, though thought to have been developed in the Mid-west. Thought to have been used by early settlers to the United States, the Black Mouth Cur is thought to have been developed by crossing a Mastiff-type dog with various types of hounds and terriers, to develop the ultimate hunting companion with the stamina, agility and speed to help hunters fetch or take down small game.
How Popular Are Black Mouth Curs?
Given that Black Mouth Curs are exclusively American, you’d think that the American Kennel Club would have recognized them as a breed a long time ago – alas, that isn’t the case. They have been recognized by the United Kennel Club since 1998, though unfortunately the UKC doesn’t keep popularity records for breeds.
All of this is to say that it’s difficult to determine exactly how popular Black Mouth Curs are in the United States, though they are frequently found as companion pets and working dogs in the Midwest.
Who Are Black Mouth Curs a Good Dog For?
Black Mouth Curs were designed to be energetic and active hunting companions. This makes them perfect dogs for those who lead an active lifestyle with plenty of hiking, walking or indeed hunting! Their energy requirements make them less than ideal for the elderly, or those who live in small spaces or apartments.
How Did The Black Mouth Cur Come About?
The Black Mouth Cur’s exact origins are unknown, though they were initially used by the earliest settlers to the United States, for whom they were hunting companions. Beyond that basic history, very little is known about the Black Mouth Cur.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Black Mouth Cur?
The history of crossbreeding the Black Mouth Cur is even more elusive than the history of the breed itself. Though crossbreeding dogs became popular in the United States in the 1960s, before soaring in the 1990s and early 2000s, so it is entirely likely that some of the first instances of crossbreeding the Black Mouth Cur happened during this time period.
Some of the most popular Black Mouth Cur mixes include:
- Black Mouth Cur Pitbull Mix (Black Mouth Pit)
- Black Mouth Cur Lab Mix (Black Mouth Lab)
- Black Mouth Cur Husky Mix (Siberian Black Mouth Cur)
- Black Mouth Cur Basset Hound Mix (Cursset)
The History of the German Shepherd
The German Shepherd has a history that stretches back to the turn of the 20th century, when German farmer and former cavalry Captain, Max von Stephanitz created the German Shepherd to aid him in herding his sheepdogs, he wanted to create something that was fast and agile, but had greater size and strength than the native German sheepdogs of the time.
The first German Shepherd dog was actually purchased by von Stephanitz from a dog show that he had attended, its name was Hektor Linkrshein. Hektor was exactly the type of dog that von Stephanitz had been searching for. Von Stephanitz quickly changed Hektor’s name and founded the Society of German Shepherd dogs – thus making ‘Hektor’ the first German Shepherd.
How Popular Are German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are outrageously popular in the United States – not only are they used a companion pets for active families, but they’re also used as working dogs in the military and police, mostly as drug-detecting dogs. Given their size and perceptive abilities, German Shepherds are also used as disability guide dogs.
This makes the GSD a very popular dog in the United States, ranking fourth in the American Kennel Club’s most-popular dog rankings of 2021.
Who Are German Shepherds a Good Dog For?
German Shepherds can perform a variety of different tasks and have been used as service dogs and working dogs in the police and armed forces. However, they also make fantastic family pets, with their ‘gentle giant’ nature. German Shepherds are wonderful dogs for the active family unit, or active single individual.
How Did The German Shepherd Come About?
The German Shepherd was first documented in 1899, and was purchased by Max von Stephanitz, a retired cavalry captain who was looking for a hunting dog, but didn’t fancy of the native German hunting dogs that he’d come across so far. The German Shepherd was originally named Hektor Linkrshein, but was quickly renamed and was the first German Shepherd dog in the newly-created (by von Stephanitz), German Shepherd Society.
When Did First Cross-Breed The German Shepherd?
The German Shepherd has a century and more of history between it and the present day. It’s characteristics of being an active, intelligent, powerful and protective breed make it a very desirable dog to those who crossbreed.
While we don’t have any documented on when crossbreeding of the German Shepherd first occurred, we do know that crossbreeding, particularly in the United States, was popularized in the 1960s and piqued in the 1990s and early 2000s. We can surmise that the bulk of crossbreeding of dogs like the GSD took place during that time period.
Some popular German Shepherd mixes include:
- Corgi German Shepherd Mix (Corman Shepherd)
- Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix (Shepmatian)
- Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix (Shepherd Inu)
- German Shepherd Dachshund Mix (Shepshund)
- German Shepherd Pug Mix (Shug)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
A dog’s temperament is often decided by a few critical factors – lifestyle, upbringing and environment, and genetics – though their temperaments can change over time (with age and experience), many temperamental tendencies are hard-wired into the genetics of a dog.
You’re unlikely to find a Siberian Husky that isn’t capable of running long distances, for example. A dog’s temperament is what sets it apart from the pack. For your family, this could mean a long and happy life with your new dog, or it could mean disaster and rehoming your new dog.
You must do ample research on the temperamental tendencies of the breed that you seek to adopt before you decide to go forward with the adoption. You want to make sure that you have a temperamental match with the breed that you’ve chosen. Furthermore, you don’t want to put a Siberian Husky in a small apartment where they rarely get exercise, for example.
Temperamental mismatches can result in extra money and time spent on re-training your dog, or simply not being able to keep the dog and having to go through additional trauma (for you and the dog) when you’re forced to re-home or return the dog to the vets/kennel/breeder.
What is the Temperament of the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix?
The Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix is generally a friendly, excitable dog as a puppy, eventually growing into a fiercely loyal, protective and active companion. They’re great with kids and a little aloof with other animals, but nothing that training can’t fix. In general, if you’re an active and outdoorsy person, then the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix is going to find a good home with you.
Is The Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Friendly?
The Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix is generally a friendly and loving animal towards everyone!
Is The Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Easy to Train?
Both of their parent breeds have long histories of being used to following commands, so you can expect your Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix to be easier to train than some other dogs.
How Much Can The Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix is between 45 and 85 pounds.
How Tall Can The Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Get?
The average of the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix is between 19 and 20 inches.
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix. They include: the Rottweiler, the Golden Retriever, the Standard Poodle (at the taller end), and the Collie.
Does the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Shed?
Yes! Black Mouth Cur German Shepherds will typically have a medium-length coat that will likely be a double-coat that they’ll ‘blow’ twice a year. Once in the Spring, before summer starts, and once in the fall, before winter starts.
This dog will require plenty of brushing throughout the year to keep the fur at bay and lessen the shedding that you’ll have to deal with when they ‘blow’ their coats.
How Much Exercise Does A Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Require?
The Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix is a hugely active dog. Expect to need to walk the dog for at least 45 minutes per day, with (if possible) a free-roaming run on the weekends.
How Long Can a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Live?
The average life of a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix is between 12 and 14 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Have?
- Bloating (GDV)
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
How Can You Find a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Puppy For Sale?
While it is possible for find a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix puppy for sale, we initially recommend that you try adopting a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd first.
You can first try visiting your local vets or animal shelter to see if anyone has dropped off a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd puppy. Alternatively, you can look online at https://www.petfinder.com/, which allows you to search for adoptees in your local area.
How Much Does a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix Puppy Cost?
The cost of purchasing a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd puppy can run anywhere from $800 to $2000. Yet another reason to consider adoption.
If you do still wish to purchase a Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd, we highly recommend that you read and follow the American Kennel Club guidelines on finding and working with a reputable breeder.
Is the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you enjoy an active, outdoorsy lifestyle and are looking for the perfect companion pet for that lifestyle, then the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix might just be the right fit. Likewise, if you’re looking for a working dog or a guardian-type dog, the GSD’s protective nature often comes to the fore. If you have the space, time and energy to devote to such an active breed, then the Black Mouth Cur German Shepherd mix might be the dog you’ve been looking for.