Which is Better between the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur? A Very Detailed Review.

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Cairn Terrier Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier or the Mountain Cur.

Cairn Terrier versus Mountain Cur: Overview

A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Mountain Cur is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cairn Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Cairn Terrier versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur

Factor Cairn Terrier Mountain Cur
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 26 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1600 $550
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $350 – $800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mountain Cur is 76 out of 125.

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

    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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur

    Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur are most different:

  • Cairn Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Mountain Curs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cairn Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur are not easy to train.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Mountain Cur

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur.

    Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Cairn Terrier versus Mountain Cur

    The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers 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.

    Cairn Terriers live longer than Mountain Curs.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Mountain Cur

    The average price of the Cairn Terrier puppy is $1600. The price of the Cairn Terrier typically ranges from $1475 – $1750. However, the price of a Cairn Terrier can be as low as $650 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 132 Cairn Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Mountain Cur puppy is $550. The price of the Mountain Cur typically ranges from $350 – $800. However, the price of the Mountain Cur can be as low as $100 and as high as $1000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 40 Mountain Cur puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cairn Terrier is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.

    Cairn Terrier Mountain Cur
    Average Price $1600 $550
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $350 to $800

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cairn Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cairn Terriers. 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 Cairn Terrier 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.

    Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Mountain Cur

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cairn Terriers and many Mountain Curs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Cairn Terrier named Riley Boy In Nv that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cairn Terriers like Riley Boy In Nv on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cairn Terriers, Mountain Curs are also available for adoption. For example, Lester is a Male Mountain Cur that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Mountain Curs like Lester that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Toto is the name of another Cairn Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Cairn Terriers and Mountain Curs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Mountain Cur

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Mountain Curs?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Mountain Cur

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Mountain Cur?

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mountain Cur?

    Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?

    Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Mountain Cur

    Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Mountain Cur?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?

    Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers and Mountain Curs?

    Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Mountain Cur?

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Mountain Cur?

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cairn Terrier:

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (81 percent match with Cairn Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mountain Cur

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Mountain Cur that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Mountain Cur:

  • Black Mouth Cur (80 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (77 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Mountain Cur compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Mountain Cur to other breeds:

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Cairn Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Cairn Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Cairn Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Cairn Terrier versus Leonberger     Cairn Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Boston Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Cairn Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Cairn Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Cairn Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Cairn Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Goldendoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Kuvasz     Cairn Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     Cairn Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Cairn Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Cairn Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Cairn Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Cairn Terrier versus Plott     Cairn Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus Tibetan Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Samoyed     Mountain Cur versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Mountain Cur versus Doberman Pinscher     Mountain Cur versus Skye Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Mountain Cur versus Mudi     Mountain Cur versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Mountain Cur versus French Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Boerboel     Mountain Cur versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Mountain Cur versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Mountain Cur versus Shichon     Mountain Cur versus Beaglier     Mountain Cur versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Mountain Cur versus Afador     Mountain Cur versus Airedale Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Sloughi     Mountain Cur versus American Foxhound     Mountain Cur versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Mountain Cur versus American Water Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Mountain Cur versus German Shepherd Dog     Mountain Cur versus Afghan Hound     

    Conclusion: Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Mountain Cur better suits you and your family.