Is the Italian Greyhound Better than the Mountain Cur as a Pet? Answer…

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Italian Greyhound Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction

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

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

Italian Greyhound versus Mountain Cur: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Italian Greyhound belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Italian Greyhound versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur

Factor Italian Greyhound Mountain Cur
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 26 inches
Life Span 14 to 15 years 10 to 16 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Weight 6 to 15 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1930 $550
Price Range $1500 – $2250 $350 – $800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination at 36 months, recommend annual testing to age 10
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mountain Cur is 76 out of 125.

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

    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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Italian Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Mountain Curs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Italian Greyhounds adapt well to apartment living. However, Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Italian Greyhounds are good for new dog owners. However, Mountain Curs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • The Similarities Between the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur are very playful.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mountain Cur have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Italian Greyhound versus Mountain Cur

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

    Italian Greyhounds weigh 6 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Italian Greyhounds are 13 to 15 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 Italian Greyhound versus Mountain Cur

    The lifespan of Italian Greyhounds is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Italian Greyhounds is 14.5 years.

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

    Italian Greyhounds live longer than Mountain Curs.

    Price of Italian Greyhound versus Price of Mountain Cur

    The average price of the Italian Greyhound puppy is $1930. The price of the Italian Greyhound typically ranges from $1500 – $2250. However, the price of a Italian Greyhound can be as low as $750 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 141 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.

    Italian Greyhound Mountain Cur
    Average Price $1930 $550
    Price Range $1500 to $2250 $350 to $800

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Italian Greyhounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Italian Greyhounds. 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound versus Adopting the Mountain Cur

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound named Beamer (Houston) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Italian Greyhounds like Beamer (Houston) on pefinder.com.

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

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

    Massimo (Houston) is the name of another Italian Greyhound (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Italian Greyhound versus Mountain Cur

    Italian Greyhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Italian Greyhounds shed more than Mountain Curs?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound or the Mountain Cur

    Italian Greyhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Italian Greyhound or the Mountain Cur?

    Italian Greyhounds are very easy to groom.

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Italian Greyhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mountain Cur?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?

    Italian Greyhounds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Italian Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Italian Greyhound vs. Mountain Cur

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound or the Mountain Cur?

    Italian Greyhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Italian Greyhounds good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?

    Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds and Mountain Curs?

    Italian Greyhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Italian Greyhound Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?

    Italian Greyhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Is the Italian Greyhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Mountain Cur?

    Italian Greyhounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Italian Greyhounds are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Italian Greyhound

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

  • Whippet (78 percent match with Italian Greyhound). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Whippet.
  • 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 Italian Greyhound vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (77 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the Italian Greyhound vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Italian Greyhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Italian Greyhound versus Pomchi     Italian Greyhound versus Scottish Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Papillon     Italian Greyhound versus Ibizan Hound     Italian Greyhound versus English Setter     Italian Greyhound versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Italian Greyhound versus Yorkshire Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Maltese     Italian Greyhound versus Bulldog     Italian Greyhound versus Akita     Italian Greyhound versus Samoyed     Italian Greyhound versus Saluki     Italian Greyhound versus Norwegian Lundehund     Italian Greyhound versus Frenchton     Italian Greyhound versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Italian Greyhound versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Italian Greyhound versus German Pinscher     Italian Greyhound versus Briard     Italian Greyhound versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Italian Greyhound versus Bich Poo     Italian Greyhound versus American Hairless Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus Golden Retriever     Italian Greyhound versus Weimaraner     Italian Greyhound versus Miniature Schnauzer     Italian Greyhound versus Manchester Terrier     

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus Peek A Poo     Mountain Cur versus Pomapoo     Mountain Cur versus Bluetick Coonhound     Mountain Cur versus Sussex Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Shiba Inu     Mountain Cur versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Mountain Cur versus Rottweiler     Mountain Cur versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Mountain Cur versus Kuvasz     Mountain Cur versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Mountain Cur versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Mountain Cur versus Standard Poodle     Mountain Cur versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Mountain Cur versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Mountain Cur versus Boerboel     Mountain Cur versus Dalmatian     Mountain Cur versus Bluetick Coonhound     Mountain Cur versus Cavapoo     Mountain Cur versus Briard     Mountain Cur versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mountain Cur versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Mountain Cur versus Basset Hound     Mountain Cur versus Beagle     

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