Labrador Retriever Black Mouth Cur Dog Breed

A Lab-Black Mouth Cur mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' origin; while a Labrador Retriever and Black Mouth Cur mix has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Lab-BMC hybrid, like many mixed breeds, likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. These active, intelligent hybrids are quite versatile, and are suitable as working dogs, hunters, or as family pets--but in any case, they'll need owners willing to give them plenty of physical and mental activity.

A few BlackMouth Cur-Lab mix facts: they're medium- to large-sized, averaging 22 inches at the shoulders in height and 65 pounds in weight; they have short, double-layered coats that shed seasonally; and they're highly energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Black Mouth Cur mixed with Lab:

The Lab-Black Mouth Cur hybrid is the offspring of two breeds that are very much alike in some ways, yet vastly different in others: both are fairly large, and they're athletic and versatile. And while both parents are sensitive, too, the Lab is friendly to one and all--while the BMC is usually standoffish and suspicious around those the dog doesn't know. This makes for an interesting mix, one that can sometimes be hard to predict.

Lab-BMC mix size, can vary quite a bit, too, anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds--but big or small, one thing's for sure: this hybrid will be as energetic as they come! Especially during puppyhood and adolescence, their energy can border on hyperactivity, so they'll need early obedience training to help them learn to remain calm. Lab-BMC mixes are just too active for apartments; they do best in homes, preferably with large, securely fenced yards that give them plenty of room to run. Owners say that without consistent exercise, a Lab-BMC mix will become anxious and frustrated--which inevitably leads to plenty of destructive behavior.

On the flip side, these hybrids are loyal and willing to please--which, when mixed with their intelligence, makes them excellent competitors in canine sports like obedience and agility trials.

Energetic, friendly, intelligent, sensitive, protective, and at times stubborn, the Lab-Black Mouth Cur temperament is one of activity and loyalty. These hybrids will be extremely affectionate with their loved ones, and will usually be protective of them as well. In fact, sometimes the Black Mouth Cur-Lab personality will tend more toward the Cur traits--so the dog will be defensive and suspicious around strangers. Even so, these hybrids make great playmates for children, and they mostly socialize well with other household pets--but again, they may take after the BMC and try to challenge other dogs (especially those of the same sex). Owners and experts say it's best if a Lab-BMC mix grows up alongside any kids or other pets, so they learn to be accustomed to one another.

In regards to training: these hybrids are very smart, and will often learn commands and tasks with few repetitions--but they might inherit the BMC's stubbornness and make the training a bit more difficult. It's also important for trainers to use gentle (never harsh) training methods with these dogs. In any case, utilizing consistent techniques--including tasty treats as rewards!--will be best.

The Lab-BMC mix often inherits the Cur's protective instincts, too, which makes it a good watchdog. These loyal, attentive dogs are sure to bark at and investigate unknown sights or sounds, and they have the physical ability to neutralize potential threats like intruders as well.

A Lab-Black Mouth Cur mix, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is pretty healthy. Even so, these hybrids might suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and cataracts; larger, deeper-chested Lab-BMC mixes may also be prone to gastric torsion (or bloat) if they consume their food too quickly. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Lab-Black Mouth Cur mix is 11-15 years.