Breed Comparison: Irish Water Spaniel Versus Mountain Cur

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Irish Water Spaniel Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction

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

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

Irish Water Spaniel versus Mountain Cur: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur

Factor Irish Water Spaniel Mountain Cur
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 16 to 26 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 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
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 65 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
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
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel is a better pet than the Mountain Cur. So, you should get the Irish Water Spaniel!

    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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers. However, Mountain Curs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train. However, Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur are very playful.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Water Spaniel and the Mountain Cur require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Mountain Cur

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

    Irish Water Spaniels weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Irish Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet 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 Water Spaniel versus Mountain Cur

    The lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniels.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Mountain Cur

    Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Mountain Curs?

    Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good 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 Water Spaniel or the Mountain Cur

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel or the Mountain Cur?

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?

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

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Mountain Cur

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels and Mountain Curs?

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

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

    Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Mountain Cur?

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel

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

  • Kerry Blue Terrier (78 percent match with Irish Water Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Kerry Blue 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 Water Spaniel vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (77 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel vs Karelian Bear Dog.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Water Spaniel versus Saluki     Irish Water Spaniel versus Kooikerhondje     Irish Water Spaniel versus Chinese Crested     Irish Water Spaniel versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Puli     Irish Water Spaniel versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Shiranian     Irish Water Spaniel versus Vizsla     Irish Water Spaniel versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer     Irish Water Spaniel versus Boxerdoodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Belgian Tervuren     Irish Water Spaniel versus Black Russian Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Morkie     Irish Water Spaniel versus Aussiedoodle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Stabyhoun     Irish Water Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Irish Water Spaniel versus Cesky Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound     Irish Water Spaniel versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Irish Water Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Irish Water Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear     Irish Water Spaniel versus Golden Retriever     Irish Water Spaniel versus Kerry Blue Terrier     

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Mountain Cur versus Belgian Malinois     Mountain Cur versus Dalmatian     Mountain Cur versus Weimaraner     Mountain Cur versus Shiranian     Mountain Cur versus Cockalier     Mountain Cur versus Affenpinscher     Mountain Cur versus Boerboel     Mountain Cur versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Mountain Cur versus Leonberger     Mountain Cur versus English Cocker Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Labrador Retriever     Mountain Cur versus Irish Water Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Shihpoo     Mountain Cur versus Shiba Inu     Mountain Cur versus Shiranian     Mountain Cur versus Scottish Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Stabyhoun     Mountain Cur versus Akbash     Mountain Cur versus Dutch Shepherd     Mountain Cur versus Manchester Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Harrier     Mountain Cur versus Sussex Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Barbet     Mountain Cur versus Xoloitzcuintli     

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