The Black Mouth Cur Pitbull Mix: A Complete Guide to This Protective Hybrid

With their imposing muscles, loyal spirit, and keen intelligence, Black Mouth Cur Pit mixes demonstrate the best traits of both their parent breeds.

This increasingly popular hybrid blends the strong work ethic and herding instincts of the Black Mouth Cur with the trainability and athleticism of the Pitbull.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll gain expert insights into the origins, physical features, personality, exercise needs, health concerns, and costs of bringing home a BMC Pit mix.

By the end, you’ll be fully prepared if one of these powerful yet family-friendly dogs seems like the right fit for you! Let’s dive in.

Where Did the Black Mouth Cur Pitbull Mix Originate?

To fully appreciate the Black Mouth Cur Pitbull cross, it helps to first understand the background of each parent breed:

History of the Black Mouth Cur

• Developed as an all-purpose farm and hunting dog in the rural Southern United States in the 1800s. Their exact origins are murky.
• Prized by settlers for treeing wild game, herding livestock, and protecting homesteads thanks to their versatility and working abilities.
• Believed to descend from European and Asian cur-type herding dogs brought to the Americas by early colonists and pioneers.
• Remained isolated rural working dogs across the region until the rise of spaying/neutering caused their numbers to dwindle by the mid-1900s.

History of the American Pit Bull Terrier

• Descended from bulldogs and terriers originally bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting in England starting in the 1800s.
• Crossed with local terriers, they were smaller and more agile than the bulldog ancestors. Known for bold “gameness” and refusal to surrender even when outmatched.
• Brought to America, they transitioned into prized all-purpose farm dogs, benefitting from their intelligence, athleticism, stamina, and loyalty.
• Sadly an exploitative underground dog fighting culture caused them to unfairly develop a reputation as dangerous, though they can excel as therapy dogs when properly trained and socialized.

The Black Mouth Cur Pitbull mix first emerged when breeders combined these two trainable, energetic, and protective working dogs for their shared abilities. Let’s look closer at the result.

Appearance and Temperament of BMC Pitbull Mixes

This mix blends the muscular build and loyalty of the Pitbull with the herding instincts of the Black Mouth Cur. Typical traits include:

• Size: 18-25 inches tall at shoulder; 35-90 lbs depending on Pitbull parent used
• Body: Dense, muscular and athletic with broad chest. Lightning-fast reflexes.
• Coat: Smooth, glossy and short. Wide variety of colors like brindle, brown, black, white, or a mix. Many have the signature black mouth and muzzle.
• Eyes: Oval eyes ranging from deep brown to amber in color. Intelligent, attentive expression.
• Energy Level: Extremely high energy and needs vigorous daily exercise and activity. Best for energetic owners.
• Temperament: Intelligent, bonds very closely with all family members, can be aloof with strangers unless properly socialized. Confident and needs a dedicated trainer able to instill manners in this powerful breed. Strong prey drive makes them a poor match for homes with small pets.

With the right handling, training regimen, attention and outlets for their energy, a Black Mouth Cur Pitbull mix can make a fun-loving, athletic and loyal companion. Next, let’s go over their care needs.

Exercising a Black Mouth Cur Pitbull Mix

This athletic hybrid absolutely requires vigorous exercise daily to prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors:

• Activity Duration: 60-90 minutes daily minimum of intensive activity
• Good Activities: Jogging, hiking, swimming, retrieving, agility courses, fly ball, frisbee
• Mental Stimulation: Advanced obedience training, scent work, agility skills, interactive food puzzle toys
• Leash Manners: Leash training is essential for manageable walks. Teach focus and proper heel position. Use no-pull harness initially.
• Recall Skills: Strong recall foundation prevents taking off after other dogs, people or small critters. Maintain reliable response even with high distractions.
• Activity Level: Require strenuous exercise daily, once maturity is reached around 2 years old. Not suited for sedentary owners or small living spaces.
• Playtime: Should be Aerobic activity for at least 20-30 minutes daily to prevent behavior issues. Avoid roughhousing due to their power.

Meeting the demanding exercise requirements for a Black Mouth Cur Pitbull mix does require commitment. But the payoff is getting to enjoy an incredibly athletic and energetic canine companion!

Training Your Black Mouth Cur Pitbull Mix

Proper training and socialization is essential to shaping this intelligent yet protective dog into a family-friendly pet:

• Start Early: Begin socialization and training the moment you bring home your puppy to build critical foundations. Attend regular puppy obedience classes.
• Be Consistent: Schedule daily 15 minute focused training sessions using positive reinforcement methods. Practice basic commands and proper leash manners until mastered.
• Socialize Extensively: Ensure your BMC Pit mix gets exposure to a wide variety of people, places, animals, sights and sounds starting early to prevent guarding behavior or fear. Use high value treats and praise to create positive associations.
• Obedience Training: Formal obedience classes are highly recommended for the lifespan to continue reinforcing commands and social skills. Seek a trainer experienced with protective, high drive breeds. Avoid punishing methods.
• Prevent Rehearsal: Stop any unwanted guarding, nipping, or reactive behaviors before they become ingrained habits. Redirect attention and reward calm responses.

A properly trained Black Mouth Cur Pitbull mix excels as a people-friendly, trustworthy companion. Putting in the hard work upfront prevents problem behaviors from developing.

Grooming a Black Mouth Cur Pitbull Mix

The grooming needs of a BMC Pit mix are relatively minimal:

• Coat Type: Smooth, short, glossy coat ranging from fine to medium thickness. Sheds moderately year-round.
• Bathing: Bathe only when needed using a gentle dog shampoo. Overbathing strips healthy oils.
• Brushing: Brush weekly using a short bristle brush or rubber grooming glove to remove dead hairs.
• Nails: Trim nails at least monthly to avoid cracks or painful splitting. Introduce handling paws early.
• Ears: Check and wipe out ears weekly to prevent infections. Avoid swabbing too deep into ear canal.
• Teeth: Brush teeth ideally daily, or at minimum several times per week.

While not high maintenance grooming, staying consistent with brushing and hygiene helps keep your Black Mouth Cur Pitbull mix looking and feeling their best.

Feeding Your BMC Pit Mix

These energetic, athletic dogs require a high protein diet:

• Diet Type: Nutritionally balanced commercial dog food formulated specifically for high energy, active breeds. Avoid filler-heavy foods.
• Calories: 900-1700 calories daily depending on age, size and activity level. Growing puppies need more.
• Portions: 2-4 cups daily split into 2-3 meals when young. Adjust portions based on build and weight maintenance. Don’t free feed.
• Supplements: Glucosamine/chondroitin to support joint health. Probiotic digestive enzymes. Fish oil for skin and coat.
• Nutrients: Animal sourced protein as the first ingredient. Higher fat from avocado, fish or flax for energy. Limited carbs or grain-free.

Providing excellent nutrition in the right portions prevents obesity and fuels their active lifestyle. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions.

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Housing Your Black Mouth Cur Pitbull Mix

This energetic hybrid does best with room to roam in securely fenced spaces:

• House Training: Crate train initially until housetrained. Use positive reinforcement and set a clear schedule. Limit access until fully trustworthy.
• Fencing: Fences should be reinforced, at minimum 6 feet tall, with anti-dig barriers. Electric fence unlikely to contain them.
• Shelter Needs: Access to shaded shelter and fresh water outside when in fenced yards or on outings. Vulnerable to heat stroke.
• Climate Care: Prefers temperate climates. Need access to cooling shade and hydration in heat. Cold weather limits outdoor time.
• Contained Spaces: Can do well in apartments/homes but require vigorous daily exercise. Size may limit housing options.

With proper training, oversight and activity outlets, a Black Mouth Cur Pitbull mix adapts well to any living situation. They crave being constantly near their beloved people.

Traveling with Your BMC Pit Mix

These family-oriented dogs despise being left behind. Here are tips for bringing them along:

• Car Travel: Get them comfortable riding in a secured crate or buckled into a canine seatbelt harness from puppyhood. Never let roam free in vehicles.
• Air Travel: Use an airline compliant crate and book direct flights on less busy travel days. Follow all vaccination, ID and advance booking rules.
• Stays Away: Scout dog friendly accommodation. Bring familiar bedding. Keep exercise and routine consistent. Provide favorite toys to ease separation anxiety.
• Day Trips: Pack collapsible bowls, poop bags, a towel or blanket, leash, waste pickup tools, chews. Maintain typical meal schedules. Bring cleaning products in case of motion sickness or potty accidents.

While strong separation anxiety tendencies make boarding ideal for only short stints, with training they can adapt to join you on many adventures.

Health Concerns for BMC Pit Mixes

As with any breed, inherited health issues are possible. Potential concerns to be aware of include:

• Joint Problems: Hip and elbow dysplasia. Keep lean, include glucosamine.
• Allergies and Skin Issues: Food allergies, contact dermatitis. Manage with diet and medicine if needed.
• Bloat: Limit food and water before and after rigorous activity. Split meals. Watch for distended abdomen.
• Heart Conditions: Level of risk depends on specific Pitbull breed lines used. Discuss with your vet.
• Hypothyroidism: Have levels checked annually and supplement if low.

With responsible breeding selection for health and temperament, the majority of Black Mouth Cur Pitbull mixes enjoy excellent lifelong health. Maintaining vet checks and preventatives helps avoid issues.

Finding a Black Mouth Cur Pitbull Mix Puppy

Searching for the perfect Black Mouth Cur Pit mix pup? Here are must-know tips:

• Find a Responsible Breeder: Seek out breeders doing health and temperament testing on all parent dogs, not just mass producing trendy mixes. Meet both parents whenever possible.
• Check Shelters and Rescues: Sometimes BMC Pit mix adults and puppies in need of adoption enter the shelter system. This route helps save a life.
• Vet Potential Breeders Extensively: Don’t support backyard breeders or pet stores. Ask to see health clearances and breeding facilities. The right breeder will welcome questions.
• Prepare Your Lifestyle: These active, protective dogs demand extensive exercise, training, socialization and supervision. Realistically assess if you can meet their needs.
• Puppy Proof: Before pickup, puppy proof your home and yard. Stock up on chew toys and enzymatic cleaners for inevitable potty mishaps at first. Crate train immediately.
• Enroll in Training: Line up professional obedience classes right away. Priority socialization as a puppy prevents problematic guarding tendencies.

Take your time finding an ethical, responsible breeder or rescue organization to start a happy lifelong partnership with your ideal Black Mouth Cur Pitbull mix!

Black Mouth Cur Pitbull Mix Ownership Costs

Here are the estimated costs associated with welcoming one of these powerful hybrids home:

One Time Initial Expenses

• Adoption fee or purchase from quality breeder: $200 to $1000
• Supplies like collar, leash, ID tag, crate: $150 to $500
• Initial vet examination fees: $300 to $500
• Spay/neuter surgery: $100 to $600
• Microchip fee: $15 to $75
• Obedience training bootcamp: $500 to $800

Annual Expenses

• Quality dog food: $400 to $1000
• Routine annual vet exams: $200 to $400
• Flea, tick and heartworm medications: $150 to $300
• Vaccinations: $100 to $250
• Miscellaneous supplies and toys: $100 to $300
• Pet insurance: $500 to $1000

Other Potential Costs

• Fencing and secure shelter: $1000+
• Dog walker or daycare fees: $15 to $50 per day
• Professional training: $100+ per session
• Boarding if traveling: $20 to $50 per day
• Medical emergencies: $500+

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Budgeting $100 to $300 monthly provides for routine Black Mouth Cur Pitbull mix expenses. But also save for unexpected vet bills or injuries.

Answers to Key BMC Pit Mix Questions

Here are quick responses to some of the most frequently asked questions about this hybrid dog:

I hope this detailed guide has provided helpful insights on the unique Black Mouth Cur Pitbull crossbreed. Let me know if you have any other questions! When paired with an active owner able to properly train their protective tendencies, this loyal canine hybrid makes an engaging, athletic pet.