ABOUT THE BLACKMOUTH CUR
Codex Curs is an extremely specialized, working kennel, focusing solely on the cur-most noteably the Blackmouth Cur.
We work hard to ensure understanding of our dogs and to only produce the best Blackmouths that we can. We try our very best to ensure the dogs that we have now are still working towards their oldest purpose of being an all-purpose, working utility dog.
The Blackmouth Curs has been, and still is, notoriously famous for being powerful protectors, versatile hunters, tireless cowdogs, and gentle family members who trusted with the kids. Our goal us to preserve this dog.
TYPES/LINES OF THE BMC
NOTE: This compiliation of the different Blackmouth lines to show the breed's variety is wholely of my creation as I could not find a suitable one to explain. This is not to be mistaken as to mean that these facts are "made up" or "fake," as they are not. I have simpy put forth the research to better show you. Enjoy!
Texas Wright/Weatherford's Ben
Commonly known as the Weatherford's Ben line, Texas Blackmouth Cur comes from a line of cur well-documented in the book Big Thicket Legacy. Weatherford's Ben (pictured to the left) is quite likely one of the most famous Blackmouths, still often refered to today- he was a World Champion. This line was primarily used for herding cattle but also hunted feral pigs.
General Traits
Often with a bobtail. Usually yellow or red in color.
Generally, the Wright Line is associated with the larger curs; averaging 65+ pounds.
Ladner
Probably the oldest documented line that was recognized as a breed by the National Kennel Club in April 1964, although paperwork dated back to the 1800s. These dogs were and continue to be bred to hunt various game and catch feral cattle.
L.H. Ladner and his blackmouth picture to the left.
General Traits
Most are yellow, reddish yellow, or red with a blackmouth; some will have a black mask. Recessive colors pop up occasionally.
Tend to be between 35-75 pounds, with females being noticeably smaller.
Florida "Cracker"
The Florida Black Mouth Cur, used for herding cattle, are featured in old paintings hanging in local barber shops and homes, so their existence and history in Florida is documented.
General Traits
Most often fawn, red, or brown with white, brindle, or "reverse" black and tan. Some with curtail, some without.
Generally larger- built for working cattle, similar in size to the Wright Line.
Howard's Southern/Alabama Red
Known most commonly as either the Alabama Red Blackmouth Cur or Howard's Southern Blackmouth Cur, These dogs were bred for well over 100 years prior to registration with the courthouse. They were used as multipurpose pioneer dogs that would hunt, protect the home, and gather the cattle and pigs at slaughter time.
General Traits
Usually red, brown, or gold, with mask. On rare occasions, have been known to throw pale "white" pups. Bobbed-tails are extremely rare.
Females tend to be 55-70 pounds, Males at 65+.
A Note On "Type"--
We consider all of our Blackmouth Cur dogs to be of the "Working Type/Descent," as we do not believe Blackmouth Curs should ever be considered purely as a "Show Type" and neither does the UKC standard, as it clearly states:
"The Blackmouth Cur should be evaluated as a working dog, and exaggerations or faults
should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's ability
to work. . . Blackmouth Curs are working dogs and should be presented in hard,
muscular condition."
My dogs may be of show quality and still considered here as "Working Type." That said, all the dogs bred by me are Working Type dogs and do compete in available Conformation Shows as their way of saying 'I can be working and have nice conformation.' As it was once famously stated; "Form follows function."
We have simply put the function of our dogs first.