Which is Better between the Mountain Cur and the Pyrenean Shepherd? A Very Detailed Review.

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Mountain Cur Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mountain Cur and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Mountain Cur and for the Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Mountain Cur and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Mountain Cur or the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Mountain Cur versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Pyrenean Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Mountain Cur versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mountain Cur to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Mountain Cur and the Pyrenean Shepherd

Factor Mountain Cur Pyrenean Shepherd
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 16 years 15 to 17 years
Height 16 to 26 inches 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 25 to 30 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 16.0 years
Average Price $550 No Data
Price Range $350 – $800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Mountain Cur 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Mountain Cur is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mountain Cur is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Mountain Cur and the Pyrenean Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mountain Cur and the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Mountain Cur and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:

  • Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Shepherds adapt well to apartment living.
  • Mountain Curs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Pyrenean Shepherds have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Mountain Cur and the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mountain Cur and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    Mountain Curs weigh 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Mountain Curs are 16 to 26 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mountain Cur versus Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.

    Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Mountain Curs.

    Adopting the Mountain Cur versus Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Mountain Curs and many Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Mountain Cur named Ohar-Stray-Oh75 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Mountain Curs like Ohar-Stray-Oh75 on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Mountain Curs, Pyrenean Shepherds are also available for adoption. For example, Boone is a Male Pyrenean Shepherd that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Pyrenean Shepherds like Boone that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Mountain Cur and the Pyrenean Shepherd can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Mountain Curs and Pyrenean Shepherds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Mountain Cur versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mountain Curs shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Mountain Curs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Mountain Cur or the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mountain Cur or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Mountain Cur Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    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.

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Mountain Curs Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mountain Cur vs. Pyrenean Shepherd

    Mountain Curs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

    Pyrenean Shepherds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mountain Cur or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Mountain Curs good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Mountain Curs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mountain Curs and Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Mountain Cur Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Is the Mountain Cur Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mountain Cur or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Pyrenean Shepherd vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (77 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd:

  • Cairn Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus Bolognese     Mountain Cur versus Boykin Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Mountain Cur versus Cockapoo     Mountain Cur versus Fila Brasileiro     Mountain Cur versus Bouvier des Flandres     Mountain Cur versus Tibetan Mastiff     Mountain Cur versus Bedlington Terrier     Mountain Cur versus German Longhaired Pointer     Mountain Cur versus Boxer     Mountain Cur versus Skye Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Mountain Cur versus Collie     Mountain Cur versus Australian Cattle Dog     Mountain Cur versus Afador     Mountain Cur versus Cairn Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Doberman Pinscher     Mountain Cur versus Maremma Sheepdog     Mountain Cur versus Borzoi     Mountain Cur versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Mountain Cur versus Newfoundland     Mountain Cur versus Kishu Ken     Mountain Cur versus Tibetan Mastiff     Mountain Cur versus Pomsky     Mountain Cur versus Labradoodle     

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Rottweiler     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kai Ken     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Havanese     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bordoodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kai Ken     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sealyham Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shichon     Pyrenean Shepherd versus French Bulldog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Beaglier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Puggle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Berger Picard     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Belgian Tervuren     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Japanese Chin     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Saluki     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Miniature Poodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Belgian Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: Mountain Cur versus Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Mountain Cur and the Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.