Irish Setter versus Mountain Cur. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Irish Setter Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction

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

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

Irish Setter versus Mountain Cur: Overview

Both the Irish Setter and the Mountain Cur are similar in size. The Irish Setter and the Mountain Cur are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Irish Setter belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Irish Setter versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Mountain Cur

Factor Irish Setter Mountain Cur
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 5/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 16 to 26 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
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
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1680 $550
Price Range $1200 – $2200 $350 – $800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter is 73 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 Irish Setter. 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Irish Setters 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
  • Irish Setters are very friendly towards strangers. However, Mountain Curs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Mountain Curs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Mountain Cur

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

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

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

    Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Mountain Cur

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

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

    Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Mountain Cur

    The average price of the Irish Setter puppy is $1680. The price of the Irish Setter typically ranges from $1200 – $2200. However, the price of a Irish Setter can be as low as $500 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 105 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.

    Irish Setter Mountain Cur
    Average Price $1680 $550
    Price Range $1200 to $2200 $350 to $800

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Setters. 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter versus Adopting the Mountain Cur

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter named Gordon – 831 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Irish Setters like Gordon – 831 on pefinder.com.

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

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

    Oliver & Maggie Together Only is the name of another Irish Setter (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.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Mountain Cur

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Mountain Curs?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Mountain Cur

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Mountain Cur?

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mountain Cur?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?

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

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Mountain Cur

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Mountain Cur?

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters and Mountain Curs?

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Mountain Cur?

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter

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

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs English Setter.
  • 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 Irish Setter vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (77 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Belgian Tervuren     Irish Setter versus Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier     Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier     Irish Setter versus Lancashire Heeler     Irish Setter versus Chinese Crested     Irish Setter versus German Pinscher     Irish Setter versus Bluetick Coonhound     Irish Setter versus Havanese     Irish Setter versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Irish Setter versus Toy Fox Terrier     Irish Setter versus Chinook     Irish Setter versus Miniature Poodle     Irish Setter versus Siberian Husky     Irish Setter versus Gordon Setter     Irish Setter versus Samoyed     Irish Setter versus Lowchen     Irish Setter versus Bull Terrier     Irish Setter versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Irish Setter versus King Shepherd     Irish Setter versus American Eskimo Dog     Irish Setter versus Papipoo     Irish Setter versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Irish Setter versus Aussiedoodle     Irish Setter versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus Alaskan Malamute     Mountain Cur versus American Hairless Terrier     Mountain Cur versus German Shepherd Dog     Mountain Cur versus Saint Berdoodle     Mountain Cur versus Saluki     Mountain Cur versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Mountain Cur versus Black Mouth Cur     Mountain Cur versus Xoloitzcuintli     Mountain Cur versus Shihpoo     Mountain Cur versus Redbone Coonhound     Mountain Cur versus Bordoodle     Mountain Cur versus Maltipoo     Mountain Cur versus Dutch Shepherd     Mountain Cur versus Norwich Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Clumber Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Canaan Dog     Mountain Cur versus Lowchen     Mountain Cur versus Sussex Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Plott     Mountain Cur versus Boykin Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Irish Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Spinone Italiano     Mountain Cur versus Puggle     Mountain Cur versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Mal Shi     

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