Differences and Similarities between the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur.

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Labrador Retriever Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction

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

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

Labrador Retriever versus Mountain Cur: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Labrador Retriever 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.

Labrador Retriever versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur

Factor Labrador Retriever Mountain Cur
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 16 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder 16 to 26 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 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
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 80 pounds 30 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1290 $550
Price Range $850 – $1500 $350 – $800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Labrador Retrievers 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.
  • Labrador Retrievers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Mountain Curs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Mountain Curs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Labrador Retrievers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Mountain Curs are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train. However, Mountain Curs are not easy to train.
  • Labrador Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Mountain Curs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Mountain Cur are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Mountain Cur

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

    Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labrador Retriever versus Mountain Cur

    The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers.

    Price of Labrador Retriever versus Price of Mountain Cur

    The average price of the Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of a Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.

    Labrador Retriever Mountain Cur
    Average Price $1290 $550
    Price Range $850 to $1500 $350 to $800

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers. 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever versus Adopting the Mountain Cur

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

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

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

    Riley is the name of another Labrador Retriever (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Labrador Retriever versus Mountain Cur

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Mountain Curs?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever or the Mountain Cur

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Mountain Cur?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mountain Cur?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?

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

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Mountain Cur

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever or the Mountain Cur?

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers and Mountain Curs?

    Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Is the Labrador Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Mountain Cur?

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever

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

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • 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 Labrador Retriever vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (77 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Labrador Retriever versus Border Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Doberman Pinscher     Labrador Retriever versus Pomeranian     Labrador Retriever versus Gordon Setter     Labrador Retriever versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Labrador Retriever versus Redbone Coonhound     Labrador Retriever versus Giant Schnauzer     Labrador Retriever versus Tibetan Spaniel     Labrador Retriever versus Lhasapoo     Labrador Retriever versus Siberian Husky     Labrador Retriever versus Barbet     Labrador Retriever versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Labrador Retriever versus Canaan Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Catahoula Bulldog     Labrador Retriever versus Saint Berdoodle     Labrador Retriever versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Irish Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Azawakh     Labrador Retriever versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Bullmastiff     Labrador Retriever versus Irish Setter     

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus Saint Bernard     Mountain Cur versus Pointer     Mountain Cur versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mountain Cur versus Tibetan Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Maltese     Mountain Cur versus German Pinscher     Mountain Cur versus Harrier     Mountain Cur versus Fila Brasileiro     Mountain Cur versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Mountain Cur versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Mountain Cur versus Mastiff     Mountain Cur versus Puli     Mountain Cur versus Berger Picard     Mountain Cur versus Giant Schnauzer     Mountain Cur versus Mudi     Mountain Cur versus Finnish Lapphund     Mountain Cur versus Brussels Griffon     Mountain Cur versus Newfoundland     Mountain Cur versus Shetland Sheepdog     Mountain Cur versus Cocker Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Border Collie     Mountain Cur versus German Shepherd Dog     Mountain Cur versus Dalmatian     Mountain Cur versus Barbet     Mountain Cur versus Chi-Poo     

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