Cursset

The Black Mouth Cur is a medium to large-sized working breed that displays remarkable athletic ability and a muscular frame built for power and endurance. Males typically stand at least 18 inches at the shoulder and weigh 40 pounds or more, while females measure at least 16 inches and weigh a minimum of 35 pounds. In practice, these dogs commonly range from 16 to 25 inches in height and 45 to 100 pounds in weight, with most individuals falling in the 50 to 80 pound range. The breed possesses a square to slightly rectangular body with a broad, flat head, deep chest, and powerful, well-muscled build that reflects its heritage as a versatile hunter and all-around farm dog. The most distinctive feature of the Black Mouth Cur is the dark pigmentation around its muzzle that gives the breed its name, though the intensity of this melanistic marking can vary from subtle dark shading to a pronounced black mask. The breed's coat is short, dense, and close-lying to the body, providing excellent protection in rough terrain and harsh weather conditions while requiring minimal grooming. Coat colors include yellow, fawn, light brown, red, brindle, black, and dark brown, with up to ten percent white markings acceptable on the chest, feet, tail, and nose according to the United Kennel Club breed standard. The Black Mouth Cur's head is large but proportionate to the body, with a broad, flat skull that tapers slightly toward a powerful muzzle. The muzzle itself is slightly shorter than the skull and quite broad, providing the dog with both a large area for scent receptors and powerful jaws suited for hunting work. The eyes are medium to large in size and may be green, brown, or yellow in color, conveying an alert and intelligent expression. The ears are medium-sized with a drop or pendant carriage and high skull placement. Some Black Mouth Curs possess webbed toes, which aid in swimming. The tail is long and tapering, carried naturally. Overall, the breed presents as a solid, athletic working dog with the substance and stamina required for demanding physical tasks.

The Basset Hound is an immediately recognizable scent hound that combines a long, low body with substantial bone and a distinctive appearance that has made it one of the most beloved breeds in the canine world. Standing no more than 14 inches at the shoulder, with 15 inches being a disqualification, the Basset Hound is heavier in bone relative to its size than any other breed of dog. Despite their short stature, these are substantial dogs weighing between 40 and 65 pounds, with some males reaching 80 pounds. The breed's short legs are the result of a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, which was deliberately selected to create a slow-moving hound that hunters could follow on foot. The Basset Hound's head is large, lean, and well-proportioned, featuring a domed skull with a pronounced occipital protuberance and a moderately defined stop. The breed's most famous features include its long, pendulous ears that can reach beyond the end of the nose when pulled forward, helping to stir up ground scent during tracking. The loose, wrinkled skin around the face creates the breed's characteristic sad, dignified expression, while the dewlap, or loose skin around the neck, is another distinctive feature. The eyes are dark brown and lozenge-shaped, with a calm, serious expression and visible third eyelid. The nose is large with wide-open nostrils, providing exceptional scenting ability second only to the Bloodhound. The Basset Hound's coat is hard, smooth, and short, providing sufficient density to protect the dog in all weather conditions. Any recognized hound color is acceptable, with the most common being tricolor combinations of black, tan, and white, or red and white, and lemon and white. The tail is set in continuation of the spine, carried gaily in hound fashion, and is never docked. The forelegs are short, powerful, and heavy in bone with wrinkled skin, while the massive paws are well-rounded with tough, heavy pads. The breed moves with a smooth, powerful, and effortless gait, holding its nose low to the ground as befitting a scenting dog.