Breed Comparison: Irish Terrier Versus Mountain Cur

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Irish Terrier Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction

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

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

Irish Terrier versus Mountain Cur: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish 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.

Irish Terrier versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table

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

Factor Irish Terrier Mountain Cur
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 16 years
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 26 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Weight 25 to 27 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1280 $550
Price Range $1000 – $1500 $350 – $800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish 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 Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mountain Cur is 76 out of 125.

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

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

  • Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Mountain Curs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur are not easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish 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 Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Mountain Cur are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Mountain Cur

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

    Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Mountain Cur

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

    Irish Terriers live longer than Mountain Curs.

    Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Mountain Cur

    The average price of the Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of a Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 26 Irish 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 Irish Terrier is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.

    Irish Terrier Mountain Cur
    Average Price $1280 $550
    Price Range $1000 to $1500 $350 to $800

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish 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 Irish 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Mountain Cur

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Terriers shed more than Mountain Curs?

    Irish Terriers 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 Terrier or the Mountain Cur

    Irish 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 Irish Terrier or the Mountain Cur?

    Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

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

    Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?

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

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Mountain Cur

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

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

    Irish 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 Irish Terriers and Mountain Curs?

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

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

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

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

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

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier

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

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • 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 Terrier vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (77 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Hovawart     Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi     Irish Terrier versus Chow Chow     Irish Terrier versus Whoodle     Irish Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Akbash     Irish Terrier versus Plott     Irish Terrier versus Puggle     Irish Terrier versus Mountain Cur     Irish Terrier versus Chinook     Irish Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Irish Terrier versus Irish Setter     Irish Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Irish Terrier versus French Bulldog     Irish Terrier versus Pointer     Irish Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Irish Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Irish Terrier versus Pomeranian     Irish Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Irish Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Irish Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Irish Terrier versus Greyhound     Irish Terrier versus Boxer     

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus Yorkshire Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Shiba Inu     Mountain Cur versus Airedale Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Mountain Cur versus Yorkipoo     Mountain Cur versus Great Pyrenees     Mountain Cur versus Pomapoo     Mountain Cur versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Mountain Cur versus Kooikerhondje     Mountain Cur versus Portuguese Pointer     Mountain Cur versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Norwegian Buhund     Mountain Cur versus American Water Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Bracco Italiano     Mountain Cur versus Japanese Spitz     Mountain Cur versus Saint Berdoodle     Mountain Cur versus Miniature Schnauzer     Mountain Cur versus Fila Brasileiro     Mountain Cur versus Boykin Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Toy Poodle     Mountain Cur versus Standard Schnauzer     Mountain Cur versus King Shepherd     Mountain Cur versus Italian Greyhound     Mountain Cur versus Yorkshire Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Cavapoo     

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