Is the Australian Cattle Dog Better than the Black Mouth Cur as a Pet? Our Answer.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Australian Cattle Dog Versus Black Mouth Cur: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Cattle Dog and for the Black Mouth Cur. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Cattle Dog or the Black Mouth Cur.

Australian Cattle Dog versus Black Mouth Cur: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Black Mouth Cur is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Australian Cattle Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Black Mouth Cur belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Australian Cattle Dog versus Black Mouth Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Cattle Dog to the Black Mouth Cur based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur

Factor Australian Cattle Dog Black Mouth Cur
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 18 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 25 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 50 pounds 40 to 95 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Average Price $840 $320
Price Range $500 – $996 $300 – $300
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia (evaluation at two years or older)
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy RCD4
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Cattle Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Black Mouth Cur. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Australian Cattle Dog is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Black Mouth Cur is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Australian Cattle Dog is a better pet than the Black Mouth Cur. So, you should get the Australian Cattle Dog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur

    The Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Cattle Dog versus Black Mouth Cur

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur.

    Australian Cattle Dogs weigh 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Australian Cattle Dogs are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Black Mouth Curs weigh 40 to 95 pounds when fully grown. Black Mouth Curs are 16 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog versus Black Mouth Cur

    The lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Black Mouth Curs is between 12 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Black Mouth Curs is 15.0 years.

    Black Mouth Curs live longer than Australian Cattle Dogs.

    Price of Australian Cattle Dog versus Price of Black Mouth Cur

    The average price of the Australian Cattle Dog puppy is $840. The price of the Australian Cattle Dog typically ranges from $500 – $996. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 692 Australian Cattle Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Black Mouth Cur puppy is $320. The price of the Black Mouth Cur typically ranges from $300 – $300. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 5 Black Mouth Cur puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Australian Cattle Dog is more expensive than the Black Mouth Cur.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Cattle Dog and Black Mouth Cur. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Cattle Dog puppies or how many Black Mouth Cur puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Mouth Curs

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Mouth Curs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Cattle Dog puppy or the Black Mouth Cur puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Cattle Dog versus Black Mouth Cur

    Australian Cattle Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Black Mouth Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Cattle Dogs shed more than Black Mouth Curs?

    Australian Cattle Dogs shed moderately.

    Black Mouth Curs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Black Mouth Cur

    Australian Cattle Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Black Mouth Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Black Mouth Cur?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Black Mouth Curs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Black Mouth Cur?

    Australian Cattle Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Black Mouth Curs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Australian Cattle Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Black Mouth Curs?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Black Mouth Curs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Black Mouth Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Black Mouth Curs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Cattle Dog vs. Black Mouth Cur

    Australian Cattle Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Black Mouth Curs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Black Mouth Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Black Mouth Curs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Black Mouth Cur?

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Black Mouth Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family dogs? What about Black Mouth Curs?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Black Mouth Curs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Cattle Dogs and Black Mouth Curs?

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Black Mouth Curs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Easier to Train than the Black Mouth Cur?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train.

    Black Mouth Curs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Black Mouth Cur?

    Australian Cattle Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Black Mouth Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Black Mouth Cur?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Black Mouth Curs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Cattle Dog versus Black Mouth Cur. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Black Mouth Cur better suits you and your family.