Kars Dog vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

The Kars Dog is found in Turkey, hailing more specifically from the Kars province, after which it is named. He actually has a long history of at least 600 years.

Referred to as a Molosser, the dog is still used to this day for shepherding livestock. There are many varieties and sizes of the dog, with the most common Kars type being similar to the Nagazi variant of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

The Black Mouth Cur was developed in the southern United States but comes from a long line of Curs and Cur type dogs that date back to pre-Christian times as herding and hunting dogs, protectors and guard dogs. The breed itself is not officially recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club). No dog with the word Cur in its name is recognized by the AKLC. However, the Black Mouth Cur is absolutely considered a purebred dog expected to be a working dog and protect its family. The Cur is recognized by the United Kennel Club as a scent hound. The spelling of the Cur line might include Curre, Cu, and Kurre. All these dogs were hardworking herders, guard dogs, and hunters. Most of European herding dogs have their roots in the Cur lines. This is true as well for the Australian and American herders as well. Although all these herding dogs have common roots in the Cur, they do not necessarily have common ways of herding. Some harass individuals and others circle the herd and bark, still others like the Border Collie, control the herd with their eyes. The original Curs were responsible for herding a non-docile flock of tough, resilient animals three thousand years ago in Asia and Europe. The Cur would be responsible for rounding up any stray animal and brining it back to the herd.

The ancient Cur line developed into the many different herding breeds we know today, as well as into several different kinds of hunters and guard dogs in different areas of the world, and in different climates. Many different countries and cultures aided in the development of the Curs. Probably the group with the most influence into this breed were the Celts. Just as they were with breeds of livestock, cattle and horses, they were instrumental in the breeding the best dogs to the best dogs to get the best dogs. Needing a dog that would be gentle enough to be around their children and family, yet aggressive and tough enough to dominate semi-feral livestock and assist in hunting, the Celts mix a variety of dogs together to get the earliest Cur. They particularly crossed their dogs with the herding dogs of the Greeks and the Molosssi barbarians. Since the Celts were spread out across Europe each community had their own version of a Cur based on what functions they needed the dog to do. They would breed their best dogs with the best dogs of visitors or during raids. These dogs would then be treated better than the other and the best workers had the best food, the best resting places and more. Their lines were continued and expanded. Eventually the Celtic people and their dogs were confined to Great Britain, Wales and Ireland.

Finally, the Industrial Age began, and the Curs’ numbers diminished. They noticed the success of the dog shows such as Crufts. They set out to save the European Curs and increase their usefulness. Director Prof. Adolphe Reul, Clinical Director of the Club du Chien de Berger Belge developed the Belgium standard for the Cur in the late 1800’s. There were three types of coats allowed in the standard – long, short and rough. They started out with bob tails but soon developed the more protective full, long tail. When the Anglo-Saxons took over England and pushed the Celts into Cornwall and Wales, the Curs were crossed with Spizts and creating a less aggressive, long haired dog that worked well in that climate and controlling sheep with their eyes. These were the Shepard’s Cur. This led to a variety of Irish breeds by 800AD. There were guard dogs known as Archu. The hunting dogs were called Milchu and there were three types of herding dogs, depending upon who they herded. The Irish also had a pet dog that might catch vermin. Thus, the Cur became divided not by ancestry or breeding but by function – hunting, herding and guarding. Pets often fell into the guard dog group.

Cattle dogs were developed into their own special breeds. They had to obey people yet dominate an animal much larger than themselves without injuring the animals. They developed into Herders and Heelers. Heelers had to work alone and drive the herd out of the grain fields, while the Herders clumped the herd into a group and moved it as the shepherd wanted. Heelers were known to nip the heels of the herd without getting hurt themselves because of size. From these groups came dogs like the Welsh Corgis. Next came the Norman influence on the Cur dogs when they conquered England. The Normans had hounds used for hunts. These hounds bayed and howled while hunting while the Curs were silent hunters. The Cur dog did not chase the prey and therefore they really were not “sporting” dogs. The Normans killed off any guard dogs and derided the non-attacking Curs. They began to call all mixed breed dog “Cur”. Thus, the name came to mean a mutt instead of the noble purebred dog the Cur had been. During this time there were additional curs coming in from Ireland that were more aggressive than the short haired English Curs. “Warners” were Curs that would only bark when there was a stranger or intruder. They would not attack. Then there were the toyish curd who were named dancers and were more or less pets that did tricks for money.

With all this mixture of the different kinds and lines of Curs the British Cur declined. By 959 they were being replaced by the Scotch Colley or Border Collie and breeding Curs to Collies became the rage. Soon the British Curs were extinct in the British Isles. Laws were passed that eventually led to thousands of workers and their Curs to leave Britain. Selective breeding also produced more docile breeds of cattle and sheep. Smaller dogs like the Corgi were efficient at herding these animals,. So, in Britain the Curs died out but they continued to live in America. This is where the Black Mouth Cur came into being. Within the American Curs there are a variety of line dependent upon location and function. There were the n Black Mouth Cur, the Foundation Black Mouth Cur, The Lander Yellow Mouth Cur and the Florida Black Mouth Cur. In 1964 the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the Black Mouth Cur. They were classified as herders. The Black Mountain Cur got its start in Alabama.

Large and heavy, the Kars Dog is strong, with a large head and broad chest. The height of the dog at the withers is 60 to 90cm and he weighs in at roughly 60 - 80kg.

At one time the ears were cropped but they are left these days and then they are of medium length and floppy. The coat varies too in terms of length and color - short to longer variety coats. The coat can be a solid color or it can have patterns. You’ll find reddish brown dogs, grey and black dogs as well as dogs with a mix of colors.

Temperament:

The Kars is an aggressive, territorial dog, but with the correct training, socialization and upbringing, it can be a loving, amicable family pet.

Known also as the Kars Turkish Shepherd or Kars shepherd, he makes an ideal guarding dog as he is brave and devoted to those he is protecting. He is cautious and even unfriendly towards people he doesn’t know, and it is thought that because of his robustness, it might not be a good idea to leave him unsupervised with small children.

Nonetheless with training and socialization, the Kars is capable of being a super pet for all members of the family. Training him won’t be that easy as he is large and strong-willed, but the training will provide him with some basic good manners.

He will require a firm, confident owner and will require living in a home with a big garden or in the countryside as he requires a good amount of exercise.

This is a typical larger working dog of the herding and hunting type. The Black Mouth Cur is a rugged, well-muscled dog that has a coat of various colors and mostly fawn or mahogany. According to the UKC (United Kennel Club) standard piebald or white is not accepted. The AKC does not recognize the Black Mouth Cur so they do not have a standard. Any dog with “Cur” in their name should fit the description of a general, drop-eared, short-coated, ranch or farm working dog – herding dog. The Black Mouth Cur fits this description and is a family dog as well. The coat can be fine or coarse, less than 10% of the coat is white and it cannot be spotted, merle, mottled or albino. There eyes can be yellow, green or brown and the they should have black mask. They have a square muzzle with black around the lips and the mouth including inside the mouth, cheeks and gum. Unlike the chow however, they do not have a black tongue. The have medium sized ears, that hang down and can either match the muzzle or the coat in color. Their tail can be docked, bobbed, medium or long. Their feet are compact and the pads tough, large and well-cushioned. They might have webbed toes though not all do.

The Kars is a large dog and because of his past where he used to guard livestock, he is a dog used to wide open spaces. He will require a home with a good sized garden and a family who exercises him frequently.

With the right kind of care, the Kars is able to strongly bond with his human family, taking his role as guardian and protector very well. He is alert and smart and that is why he will need training and socialization and a firm, fair human owner. He will then become a loving, devoted companion.

The Black Mouth Curs are very social and very good family dogs. They are very smart but need to bond with their owner before you can begin training them. They are sensitive and don’t respond well to negative training techniques or even being yelled at. They need humans to spend their time with. They get depressed and anxious if they do not get enough exercise. They are protective of their family and their home, as they are territorial. For hunters this is the dog – there is none better. They can hunt squirrel and deer, or they can hunt bears, racoons and boar. If they catch the prey, they will instantly kill it if it isn’t too large. With very large prey they will corner or tree it and bay at it. They are fearless and loyal and good with children. Training is vital though they will train themselves if you do not. They need a strong person to take charge and they will do anything to please them. The Cur needs to be convinced that the human is the pack leader and is above him in rank. Never allow them to walk ahead of you on a leash. They are very predictable if you understand them, intelligent and even tempered. Do not leave them alone with pets other than dogs. Be careful with young children as these guys play rough.

The Kars is generally healthy and long-lived, being able to reach 12 years of age with ease if cared for properly. Every dog, even the most healthiest ones, will have some health issues, and with a large dog like this, it is hip dysplasia, obesity, cancer and heart problems.

Heart Problems:

Coughing is a symptom of different illnesses, with one of them being heart disease. If your dog is still coughing after several days, its time to see the vet.

When your dog hasn’t exercised, you’ll see him battling to breathe or the breathing will be rapid. He’ll be reluctant to walk and play too and may be disinterested in his food. Edema, the swelling of body tissues is also a sign of heart disease.

Once again, this is an ancient breed with an extremely good health record. They are prone to ear infections and should be watched and cleaned especially when wet. They might be affected by other issues such as mange, cataracts, epilepsy and hip dysplasia. Though these conditions are possible they are unlikely. Puppies can be tested for hip dysplasia and eye issues.

Your Kars dog can be a wonderful addition to your home, but you need to know how to care for a big dog before you get carried away and add a large puppy breed to your family.

Too many people buy a cute bundle of fur and get rid of it when he is no longer a cute puppy. Before you bring a giant breed dog into your home, take note of some useful tips to keep him in tip top condition -

Diet:

If you bring a puppy home, he’ll need to be fed 4 times a day with special puppy food. There are excellent commercially manufactured puppy foods on the market and you will need to get the one that caters for ‘large- or giant puppy breeds’, as the Kars is a very big dog.

As your dog reaches adulthood you’ll feed him less. If in any doubt as to the kind of food to give your dog to maintain good health, speak to your vet.

Exercise:

Every dog will need exercise to keep him trim and fit but to also stimulate their minds. Providing your Kars dog with exercise such as walks and ball games will also ensure he doesn’t become bored.

General Care:

Your pet will need a nice quiet, warm, dry place to sleep and rest. If he is an outdoor dog during the day, make sure that he has a place to rest in the shade. Make sure he has a non-stop supply of fresh, cool water too that is placed in a cool, reachable spot.

Grooming:

Your large pet is an average shedder and to keep his thick coat in tip top condition, you want to be sure to brush him at least twice a week.

Feeding

This is a working dog, so they will need nutritious meals with plenty of good calories. On the other hand, do not overfeed or free feed them Puppies should eat 3 times a day, 6-month olds should eat twice a day and adults once a day. Some adults will prefer to eat twice a day, smaller amounts as well.

Health issues

The biggest concern has to be the ears. If they get wet the Black Mouth Cur can get ear infections very easily. They are open to but not especially prone to hip dysplasia, mange, epilepsy and cataracts.

Exercise and games

These are very energetic and athletic dogs. They are good at every possible athletic event and activity. They obviously like to herd but they also excel at things like weight pulls, coursing events, tracking, agility and Search and Rescue. At the very least they must have long energetic walks once or twice a day and a yard to run in would be best. They are smart and need physical exercise to keep them occupied. They love to run with you if you jog.