A Detailed Comparison of the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur.

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Australian Shepherd Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain 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 Shepherd and the Mountain 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 Shepherd and the Mountain Cur.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain 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 Shepherd and for the Mountain 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 Shepherd and the Mountain 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 Shepherd or the Mountain Cur.

Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Mountain Cur is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd 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 Mountain 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 Shepherd versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Mountain 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 Shepherd and the Mountain Cur

Factor Australian Shepherd Mountain Cur
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Height 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 26 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1210 $680
Price Range $800 – $1500 $388 – $850
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Mountain 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 Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mountain Cur is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mountain Cur is a better pet than the Australian Shepherd. So, you should get the Mountain Cur!

    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 Shepherd and the Mountain Cur so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur

    Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur are most different:

    • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.
    • Australian Shepherds have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Mountain Curs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Australian Shepherds gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Mountain Curs are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Australian Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur

    The Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur.

    Australian Shepherds weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Australian Shepherds are 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Mountain Curs weigh 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Mountain Curs are 16 to 26 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur

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

    The lifespan of Mountain Curs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Mountain Curs is 13.0 years.

    Australian Shepherds live longer than Mountain Curs.

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Mountain Cur

    The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1210. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1764 Australian Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Mountain Cur puppy is $680. The price of the Mountain Cur typically ranges from $388 – $850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 24 Mountain Cur puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Mountain Curs

    A breakdown of the prices of Mountain Curs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Mountain 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 Shepherd versus Mountain Cur

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Mountain Curs?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

    Mountain Curs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur?

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mountain Cur?

    Australian Shepherds 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.

    Mountain 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 Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?

    Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Mountain Cur

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

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

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur?

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?

    Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Mountain Curs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Mountain Curs?

    Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Mountain Cur?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur?

    Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Mountain Curs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Mountain 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 Shepherd and the Mountain Cur better suits you and your family.