Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Black Mouth Cur

Photo credit: Still frame from “Hernando DeSoto in America.” Original video provided courtesy of the DeSoto National Memorial.

There is well documented history to show us that European horses, dogs and hogs were not native to the Americas or the native American people. In the 1500’s the Spanish Conquistadores and Hernando de Soto was one of the first European explorers that landed in the Americas. They brought with them horses, dogs and hogs. Explorers used the horse to travel further and run down their enemies. Dogs were used to hunt game for the armies, as well as hunting the enemy Native Americans. Landing in what is known as modern day Tampa Bay, Florida and the Alabama area; they moved throughout the southern USA covering over 4000 miles through GA, AL, FL, MS, LA and TN.

As the explorers roamed the land in search of gold and silver, dogs and hogs were lost along the way. The American Indians admired the horses and dogs and therefore adapted them into their culture. The wild hogs in the United States that are known as the Razorback are descendents of the hogs that were brought by the Europeans. Several dogs migrated here with the European explorers and settlers; here are a few:

• Wolfhound
• Greyhound
• Lurchers
• Pitbulls
• Molossers
• Giant Mastiffs similar to the Rottweilers of today

LURCHERS PICTURE

Catahoula Leopard Dogs and the European Explorers

Hernando De Soto died in the state of Louisiana and was know to have brought war dogs with him in the 1500s. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is currently the state dog of Louisiana and it is believed that they are also descendents of a type of dog that was brought with the Europeans. The name Catahoula comes from the name of a Native American lake in Louisiana, where it is believed to have been originated.

When the French brought a dog type known as the Beauceron in the 1500’s it is believed that a Red Wolf/wardog mix bred to a Beauceron made the Catahoula. The Catahoula Leopard dog is used for hog hunting, rough cattle hunting and gathering. These dogs will hunt a wide variety of game. Catahoula’s are high energy as well as independent and intelligent; with a strong prey drive.

Black Mouth Curs and the Early Southern U.S.A

Hernando de Soto landed in modern day Tampa Bay Florida, moving through the Alabamas, GA, TN, MS, AR and Louisiana covering 4000 miles of territories of the Southern USA. In 1805 the Spanish crown sold all of the territories to America! This is from the Mason Dixon line to the west coast. There are two well known families that have developed Black Mouth Curs dating back to the 1800’s. Both the Southern BMC from Alabama and the Ladner BMC are native to the AL, MS territory of the southern US. These dogs are known to be great tree dogs, hog dogs working dogs and protectors of the land.

Trait and Talent Comparison of The Catahoula and BMC

Catahoula’s are known for their working abilities, hunting hogs, herding cattle and treeing game. The Catahoula is a very independent and intelligent stubborn Cur. They will do best with an experienced hunter or cattle hand.

The Black Mouth Cur is a hog hunter, bear hunter, lion hunter; the BMC is a squirrel and coon champion. Both of these dog breeds are very high energy and need a job for best results. The Black Mouth Cur is known to be very trainable; used for decoy dogs and even service dogs.

Although both dogs are great working/hunting Curs we think the edge goes to the BMC for the sheer versatility and desire to please his master; thus making him easier to train.

For the preservation of pure bred American Curs….

References:

-Google history of the Louisiana Catahoula

-“What did the Spanish bring to the Americas”

-We’d like to thank the Catahoula Houndsman for their insight!

-Black Mouth Curs from personal experience and other owners of both breeds