Russell Terrier vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison

This feisty little dog was developed in England a couple of centuries ago. He has a well documented history. An interesting aspect with this dog is that the very name ‘Jack Russell’ became a common name for predominantly white terriers after the death of clergyman Jack Russell.

The Russell Terrier was developed from Jack Russell working terrier strains that were used in the 19th century for hunting fox. The dog has been standardized by Kennel Club recognition. The Fedédération Cynologique Internationale also recognizes the breed.

It was in the early 1970s that the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Great Britain was formed.

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.

The Russell Terrier has a weatherproof coat that is mainly white with patches of tan or black or maybe even both. You get the smooth haired type, the broken type- as well as the rough haired Russell Terrier. All these coats shed.

He is a small dog standing at between 20-35cm in height and weighing between 7 and 12kg.

Temperament:

Your Russell Terrier is a jaunty, fearless, confident little dog with a powerful personality. The bright face with alert eyes are constantly telling you that he is just ready to spring into action when you’re ready.

He just loves games and sports and you won’t have to ask him twice to join in. Happy and energetic, you could say it's his desire to hunt as well as his high energy levels that make it necessary for him to be trained and socialized It is of particular importance because he is so strong willed. Super smart, you won't have any trouble teaching him some basic commands.

He also makes a good watch dog and while he can be aggressive towards other dogs, he is prepared to get along with children in the house who have been disciplined and who know how to treat animals with respect and kindness.

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.

It is true that this very active, very 'in-your-face' dog may not be everybody’s cup of tea. He will be discontent if not given the chance to run and be active.

If you’re a super active family who loves swimming, going on hikes or you enjoy sports such as cycling and horse riding, you can count the Russell Terrier in every time.

These dogs make a loving, loyal companion. They'll make you smile and be amused by their antics, bringing you lots of joy and entertainment.

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 Russell Terrier is a robust little dog who can lead a good, healthy life of 13, 14 or 15 years if well cared for. There are however, a number of common dog ailments that he can succumb to. Some of these are cataracts, deafness and myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia Gravis:

This disorder is caused by a breakdown of the transmission of impulses from the nerves to the muscles. The muscles can’t contract and the dog becomes weak. It’s a disease that can be an inherited congenital defect, and the Russell Terrier is at risk of getting this disease. Symptoms do vary from dog to dog but a common symptom is muscle weakness.

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.

Exercise:

This little dog needs plenty of exercise, and being lazy yourself and not exercising him will lead to him becoming destructive through no fault of his.

He will need walks every day as well as runs in the park off his leash. Ball- and frisbee games fill him with delight and he gives chase every time. Even though he is small, he isn’t recommended for life in the city and small properties as he is a small dog with high energy needs and requires a lot of room to run.

Grooming:

The weatherproof coat isn’t going to require much grooming apart from a brushing twice week. Regular checking of the teeth, checking the eyes, looking inside the ears and checking for lumps will be required. He will also need to have his nails trimmed.

Provide him with nice, warm, dry place to sleep.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date and get him to a vet if you see his is lethargic, miserable and in pain.

Provide him with top quality food, whether it is commercially manufactured food or homemade food.

Your Russell Terrier will be relying on you for good food. Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the kibble twice a week which is easy to prepare and totally uncomplicated.

You can add everything together in one big pot -chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week.

Simple and tasty, your Russell Terrier will love tasty treats like this. Ensure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

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.