Just like pedigree dogs, mixed breed dogs are absolutely good pets. It’s just much harder to predict their temperament because their character traits are inherited from a broad range of breeds.
The black mouth cur Catahoula mix is one of the most popular combinations of these two exotic breeds: The black mouth cur and the Catahoula leopard dog.
In this article, we’ll know more about the black mouth cur Catahoula mix and how they make wonderful pets at home.
Table of Contents
An Overview Of The Black Mouth Cur Catahoula Mix
The black mouth cur Catahoula mix is an energetic dog. It’s also a hard-working kind of dog that you can easily train to do different jobs. However, this mixed-breed dog does a great job when it comes to hunting and treeing games.
If you live in an apartment, it’s better to avoid having this kind of mixed breed as your companion. Living a busy life won’t also work when you have a black mouth cur Catahoula mix. These dogs require you to spend a lot of time and energy to keep them happy and healthy.
The Origin
The black mouth cur and Catahoula leopard dog have so many things in common. They can grow from 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm) in height. These dogs can also weigh from 35 to 90 pounds (16 to 40 kgs).
Both of these breeds have similar temperaments too. They’re loyal, protective, and alert when there are strangers around.
Personality
The black mouth cur Catahoula mix dogs make a reliable companion at home. These dogs are known to bark quite a bit. As a protector of their family, they tend to alert their owners anytime they sense something suspicious.
These mixed-breed dogs are also friendly and outgoing pets so it’s perfectly fine to have them even if you have kids at home.
One of the things to keep in mind if you’re planning to have a black mouth cur Catahoula mix is that the dog doesn't do well when it’s left alone. Just like other dogs, leaving the Catahoula mix for a long time can lead to separation anxiety.
It’s also vital that you’re always attentive when your dog is playing outside. Since this breed has a strong urge to hunt for prey, it usually doesn’t get along with other dogs.
Grooming
Just like its parents, the black mouth cur Catahoula mix has a short coat that requires minimal grooming. It sheds moderately all year round so brushing its coat once a week would be enough.
Cleaning its ears and brushing its teeth weekly is also recommended. It’s essential to bathe the mixed breed regularly as well. This way, you’ll be able to avoid giving them fleas. Besides, they can get sick when infected with this pest.
Weather Tolerance
The good thing about the black mouth cur Catahoula mix is that it can tolerate both hot and cold water well. However, you should still be mindful of their situation.
When you’re experiencing warm weather, make sure to provide shade and water for your dog. If you’re going to walk your dog in the park, do it in the morning or late afternoon when the temperature’s cooler.
On top of that, don’t let your dog walk on pavements when the weather is hot. If it’s scorching for your hands to touch, then it’s too hot for their paws as well.
Health Concerns
The black mouth cur Catahoula mix dogs are generally healthy dogs and they don’t easily get infected with common diseases.
However, due to their large genetic pool, this mixed breed is prone to a few health problems including:
1. Hip Dysplasia
This is a skeletal disorder commonly diagnosed in large breed dogs. Several factors can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia but the number one cause is genetics.
This disease is hereditary and can worsen when there’s excessive growth rate and unbalanced nutrition.
2. Ear Infections
Did you know that dogs are more prone to ear infections than humans? This is due to the J or L shape of their ear canals which traps debris more easily.
If your dog is showing any signs of ear infection, it’s essential to have them checked immediately by your veterinarian. In most cases, a simple ear infection may lead to deafness.
3. Eye Problems
Eye diseases are also one of the most common health concerns of dogs. Some of these diseases can be cured without professional help, but others may need to be examined and treated by a vet.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy of a black mouth cur Catahoula mix is between ten to sixteen years. If they’re properly cared for and have regular checkups, they can reach the end of their lifespan without major health problems.
Training
Owners of Catahoula mixes should allow their pets to do strength exercises regularly. It’s essential to drain their excess energy to prevent dog hyperactivity and destructive behavior.
If your catahoula puppy loves to play-bite, teach your pet that biting means game-over. Train your puppy that biting you would give an initial reaction which is a positive punishment.
You can also give your puppy a toy to chew. This way, your pet will know what it can chew and what isn’t allowed. If it starts nibbling at your fingers, offer the toy instead.
Diet
It’s recommended to feed your black mouth cur Catahoula mix dog with high-quality dog food twice daily.
An amount of 3⅜ to 5⅛ cups would be enough. Restrain from giving your pet water and food for at least an hour after active exercise to avoid bloating.
Pricing and Expenses
The price of a black mouth cur Catahoula dog depends on where you get it from. Breeders might give you a higher price because they invest a lot of time and money in their puppies.
Owning a Catahoula dog is expensive in its first year. Catahoula puppies will need more medical care which means you may have to spend as much as $3,000 on its first year.
FAQs
1. Is A Black Mouth Cur The Same As A Catahoula?
No, they’re different breeds. Even though these dogs are both hog hunters, the Catahoula leopard dog does an excellent job when it comes to hunting and gathering cattle.
2. What Is The Reason Why Black Mouth Cur Is Not Recognized By The AKC?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize the black mouth cur because its origins are unknown. Even if it’s believed that this breed originated from Asia and Europe, they’re still unique.
Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament.com readers with the best answers to their questions.