Which is Better between the German Shepherd Dog and the Mountain Cur? A Very Detailed Review.

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German Shepherd Dog Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog or the Mountain Cur.

German Shepherd Dog versus Mountain Cur: Overview

Both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mountain Cur are similar in size. The German Shepherd Dog and the Mountain Cur are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the German Shepherd 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 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.

German Shepherd Dog versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Mountain Cur

Factor German Shepherd Dog Mountain Cur
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall 16 to 26 inches
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
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
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 95 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1280 $550
Price Range $800 – $1500 $350 – $800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annually until age 6, every 2 years thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Temperament Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shepherd 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 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 German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mountain Cur is 76 out of 125.

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

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

  • German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Mountain Curs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train. However, Mountain Curs are not easy to train.
  • German Shepherd Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Mountain Curs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Mountain Cur

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

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

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

    German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall 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 German Shepherd Dog versus Mountain Cur

    The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.

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

    Mountain Curs live longer than German Shepherd Dogs.

    Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Mountain Cur

    The average price of the German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a German Shepherd Dog can be as low as $195 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.

    German Shepherd Dog Mountain Cur
    Average Price $1280 $550
    Price Range $800 to $1500 $350 to $800

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

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs. 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog versus Adopting the Mountain Cur

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dog named Rocky that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Shepherd Dogs like Rocky on pefinder.com.

    Also, like German Shepherd Dogs, Mountain Curs are also available for adoption. For example, Dennis is a Male Mountain Cur that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Mountain Curs like Dennis that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The German Shepherd Dog and the Mountain Cur can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Diesel is the name of another German Shepherd Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Buck is an adorable Male Mountain Cur on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    German Shepherd Dogs and Mountain Curs are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more German Shepherd Dogs and Mountain Curs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Shepherd Dog versus Mountain Cur

    German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Mountain Curs?

    German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Mountain Cur

    German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

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

    German Shepherd 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.

    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 German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?

    German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Mountain Cur

    German Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

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

    German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?

    German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dogs and Mountain Curs?

    German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?

    German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Is the German Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Mountain Cur?

    German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog:

  • American Pit Bull Terrier (77 percent match with German Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs American Pit Bull Terrier.
  • Belgian Malinois (74 percent match with German Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Belgian Malinois.
  • Entlebucher Mountain Dog (74 percent match with German Shepherd Dog). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog.
  • 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 German Shepherd Dog vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (77 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the German Shepherd Dog vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Shepherd Dog versus Scottish Deerhound     German Shepherd Dog versus Maltese     German Shepherd Dog versus Border Collie     German Shepherd Dog versus Pekingese     German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Retriever     German Shepherd Dog versus Sealyham Terrier     German Shepherd Dog versus Dalmatian     German Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff     German Shepherd Dog versus Canaan Dog     German Shepherd Dog versus Siberian Husky     German Shepherd Dog versus Basenji     German Shepherd Dog versus Field Spaniel     German Shepherd Dog versus Bracco Italiano     German Shepherd Dog versus Lhasapoo     German Shepherd Dog versus Norwegian Buhund     German Shepherd Dog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Retriever     German Shepherd Dog versus Affenhuahua     German Shepherd Dog versus Cockalier     German Shepherd Dog versus Bich Poo     German Shepherd Dog versus Scottish Deerhound     German Shepherd Dog versus Pomeranian     German Shepherd Dog versus Alaskan Malamute     German Shepherd Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     German Shepherd Dog versus Border Collie     

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus French Bulldog     Mountain Cur versus Lhasapoo     Mountain Cur versus Karelian Bear Dog     Mountain Cur versus Fila Brasileiro     Mountain Cur versus Australian Kelpie     Mountain Cur versus Chow Chow     Mountain Cur versus Miniature Pinscher     Mountain Cur versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Mountain Cur versus Brittany     Mountain Cur versus Schnoodle     Mountain Cur versus English Setter     Mountain Cur versus Spanish Mastiff     Mountain Cur versus Bearded Collie     Mountain Cur versus Affenpinscher     Mountain Cur versus Labrador Retriever     Mountain Cur versus Cockapoo     Mountain Cur versus Korean Jindo Dog     Mountain Cur versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Mountain Cur versus Boston Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Pekingese     Mountain Cur versus Tibetan Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Afghan Hound     Mountain Cur versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Mountain Cur versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Saint Berdoodle     

    Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Mountain Cur better suits you and your family.