Black Mouth Cur and German Shepherd Mix: Everything You Need to Know About This Mix

If you want a dog that is smart enough and active enough to help with your daily work, look no further than the black mouth cur and German shepherd mix. This hybrid breed – a German shepherd black mouth cur or GSD black mouth cur – is a spirited pup. With the ability to tackle nearly any task, these high-energy dogs bring a smile to many faces, and they thrive on accomplishing tasks set in front of them. If you have experience with working dogs, training them is quite easy. Plus, with no purebred genetics recognized, they tend to be quite affordable.

Bringing these two breeds together was serendipitous. If not for their accidental pairing, you could miss out on one of the most loving dogs to ever grace your presence. Taking care of them properly is the best way to bring out their personality, especially when it comes to their diet and exercise requirements. Learn more about this breed by continuing below.

History of the German Shepherd Black Mouth Cur

The German shepherd black mouth cur is the result of crossbreeding between two of the most diligent and smart dogs around. While the black mouth cur works to help with many farm and ranch jobs, the main reason that breeders developed the German shepherd was to hunt. Between these two dogs, the pup from their genetics is quite passionate, energetic, and hard-working.

While many hybrid dogs have a unique background to explain how they came to be, this species seems to be accidental. Seeking out this German shepherd mix is often fruitless because they aren’t a recognized breed of the AKC. Most people only breed them as a single generation, discovering that they have a litter of cross-bred puppies after their dog comes home pregnant.

Since this breed doesn’t have a pure bloodline, they don’t come with nearly the same cost as either of their parents. With intermittent breeding, finding this pup is a matter of luck, but it is a good option for anyone who wants to have a helper on hunting or farming excursions. Based on the limited history available about it, most experts assume that it first occurred in the United States. Today, many of these dogs work on large properties to help their owners with various tasks.

Size and Appearance of the German Shepherd Black Mouth Cur

Most German shepherd black mouth curs stand about 20 inches tall. As adults, they weigh 45-85 pounds, and they live 7-13 years. Like their parents, they have variations of brown, black, and white across their coats. This goal helps them stay concealed while hunting, but it is a distinct advantage when it comes to baths. The thick coat helps to keep them warm, but it requires a lot of care to avoid becoming a nuisance.

While many black mouth curs have a black patch around their mouth, it sometimes blends with the rest of their coat. Even if one of the parents has this marking, there’s no guarantee that your GSD black mouth cur will have it.

The German Shepherd Black Mouth Cur’s Personality

If you want a vivacious and excited breed, the German shepherd black mouth cur couldn’t be a better option. They have a stubborn personality, but they pair well with an owner who loves hunting dogs. You have to be patient as you train them because they are quite intelligent. With a little time to get their free spirit under control, you easily create the perfect balance in your home for harmony.

Much like the parent breeds, this pup is highly protective of its family. You need to supervise your children with your dog to teach them proper interactions. As trustworthy and loyal as this breed is, learning to expect a kind hand from its family members helps with their disposition.

Both of the species that make up the German shepherd black mouth cur are working dogs. German shepherds often receive training to work with the police because of their precision and intelligence. They even have been used as search and rescue dogs and as support for military forces. Both the German shepherd and the black mouth cur worked on farms, setting the genetic tone for how hard this breed works.

Their protectiveness for their family easily becomes aggressive if left unchecked. Socializing with outdoor activities, trips to the dog park, and short playdates with other dogs teach them social cues. Training them with basic commands also helps to manage their behavior in public, rather than allowing them to dart away and indulge their curiosity. As puppies, their energy is even higher, so these efforts should start early.

Major Health Concerns for the German Shepherd Black Mouth Cur

Taking care of your dog means understanding the health risks that it faces. With German shepherd black mouth curs, both of their parents have certain health risks that it inherits. By being a hybrid dog, they reduce the likelihood of developing them, but knowing each condition allows you to screen early. Some of the biggest health issues for the German shepherd black mouth cur include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Von Willebrand’s disease
• Ear infections
• Twisting of the stomach (gastric dilation)
• Hemophilia

Hip dysplasia is the most common condition among these health risks that the breed shares with both parents. Dogs with this pain tend to limp or become more physically lethargic, which are signs that it is time to visit a vet.

Caring for a German Shepherd Black Mouth Cur

Grooming

The biggest concern for the German shepherd mix is its shedding. With two fairly lush parent breeds, both are prone to losing their hair, even though they both have different lengths. If you give your dog a quick brushing session when shedding season nears, that’s enough to manage it for a short time.

Getting a full brushing session once a week should be enough when shedding season ends. Pair this weekly attention with cleaning their ears, though floppier ears need more frequent cleaning. Since this breed is known for sensitive skin, bathing is not a daily necessity. Instead, they only need a bath every 2-3 months. Make sure to gently scrub and fully rinse out the soap because the dense coat easily traps it.

Maintain a short length with this breed’s nails to avoid scratching and walking issues. Brushing teeth should happen at least 3 times a week to avoid plaque buildup on their enamel.

Exercise and Social Interactions

If you aren’t ready for a dog with a lot of energy, the black mouth cur mix might not be a good fit. They love a big family, but they need to be trained and properly socialized to make the experience good. They are protective and loving, making them excellent dogs for children. Unfortunately, they don’t always know their size. Getting regular exercise and going on walks helps with their behavior.

Taking your dog out for at least 2 hours of exercise a day is the best way to satisfy them. While an old-fashioned walk on a leash works, intense exercise helps them to activate muscles and get their blood moving. They compete well in canine sports, so teaching them how to jump, race, and catch all gives them great physical stimulation. This is not an apartment-friendly dog unless you have the time to take him outside frequently.

Training

The bond between the German shepherd black mouth cur and its owner sets the tone for the entire household. Due to their intelligence and keen ability to tune into their master, your mindset during training decides how well it goes. Training while young stops bad habits while they still can be changed. Even as young as a few months old, these dogs understand enough to learn how to sit, stay, and come. Consistency is the key to housebreaking as well, which is a much different form of training.

Once you have the basics down, find something for your German shepherd black mouth cur to do. They like to take on a job, even if the task is as simple as helping with groceries and bringing in the mail. Even with great training, German shepherd black mouth curs like to use their mouth. They don’t attack unprovoked, but they like to chew and nibble to get their way. The instinct to herd is easy to get ahead of if you start training at the right time.

Diet

German shepherd black mouth curs aren’t picky about what they eat, but you need to be. Since these dogs naturally have a substantial amount of energy, they need a diet that works for their working breed. For dry food, expect to provide them with 3 cups of high-quality food daily. Canned food, however, includes directions for your dog’s breed and weight on the packaging.

Giving your dogs treats intermittently helps with training and trust. However, if you give them treats often, you need to reduce the amount of food that they get in their bowl. Having too many treats without this balance gives this dog major digestive pain.