Differences and Similarities between the Harrier and the Mountain Cur.

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Harrier Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction

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

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

Harrier versus Mountain Cur: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Harrier versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Mountain Cur

Factor Harrier Mountain Cur
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 16 years
Height 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 26 inches
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
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
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 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 45 to 60 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
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 11.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $350 – $800
Average Price No Data $550
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mountain Cur is 76 out of 125.

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

    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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Harriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Mountain Curs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur are not easy to train.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Harrier and the Mountain Cur are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Mountain Cur

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

    Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Mountain Cur

    The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 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 Harriers.

    Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Mountain Cur

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers 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 Harrier named Pilot that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Harriers like Pilot on pefinder.com.

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

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

    Bailey is the name of another Harrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Harriers and Mountain Curs are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Mountain Cur

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Harriers shed more than Mountain Curs?

    Harriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Mountain Cur

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Mountain Cur?

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mountain Cur?

    Harriers 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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?

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

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Mountain Cur

    Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?

    Harriers 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 Harriers and Mountain Curs?

    Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Mountain Cur?

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:

  • American Foxhound (82 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • 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 Harrier vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (77 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Pekingese     Harrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Harrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Harrier versus Bulldog     Harrier versus Chihuahua     Harrier versus Maltipoo     Harrier versus Scottish Terrier     Harrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Harrier versus Shiranian     Harrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Harrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Harrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Harrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Harrier versus Goldador     Harrier versus Border Terrier     Harrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Harrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Harrier versus Siberian Husky     Harrier versus Samoyed     Harrier versus Afghan Hound     Harrier versus German Shepherd Dog     Harrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Harrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Harrier versus Bloodhound     Harrier versus Samoyed     

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus Irish Wolfhound     Mountain Cur versus Australian Cattle Dog     Mountain Cur versus Fila Brasileiro     Mountain Cur versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Mountain Cur versus Boxer     Mountain Cur versus English Toy Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Mountain Cur versus Skye Terrier     Mountain Cur versus English Toy Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Doberman Pinscher     Mountain Cur versus Bullmastiff     Mountain Cur versus Siberian Husky     Mountain Cur versus Yorkshire Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Samoyed     Mountain Cur versus American Foxhound     Mountain Cur versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Mountain Cur versus Bullmastiff     Mountain Cur versus Chinese Crested     Mountain Cur versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Mountain Cur versus Shihpoo     Mountain Cur versus Korean Jindo Dog     Mountain Cur versus Biewer Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Bloodhound     Mountain Cur versus Frenchton     Mountain Cur versus Bulldog     

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