A Detailed Comparison of the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog.

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Mountain Cur Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog.

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 Shetland Sheepdog.

Mountain Cur versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mountain Cur is a large-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mountain Cur to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Mountain Cur Shetland Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Height 16 to 26 inches 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds Starts at 20 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 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $550 $1590
Price Range $350 – $800 $1000 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:

  • Mountain Curs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Mountain Curs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Mountain Curs are not easy to train. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mountain Cur versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog.

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

    On the other hand, Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mountain Cur versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.

    Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Mountain Curs.

    Price of Mountain Cur versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    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 a Mountain Cur can be as low as $100 and as high as $1000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 40 Mountain Cur puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Shetland Sheepdog puppy is $1590. The price of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of the Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shetland Sheepdog is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.

    Mountain Cur Shetland Sheepdog
    Average Price $550 $1590
    Price Range $350 to $800 $1000 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Mountain Curs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Mountain Curs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Mountain Cur puppy or the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Mountain Cur versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Mountain Curs and many Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Lester that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Mountain Curs like Lester on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Mountain Curs, Shetland Sheepdogs are also available for adoption. For example, Cj & Brodie is a Male Shetland Sheepdog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shetland Sheepdogs like Cj & Brodie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Mountain Cur and the Shetland Sheepdog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Scooter is an adorable Male Shetland Sheepdog on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Mountain Curs and Shetland Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Mountain Cur versus Shetland Sheepdog

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mountain Curs shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Mountain Cur or the Shetland Sheepdog

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mountain Cur or the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Mountain Cur Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    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.

    Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Mountain Curs Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mountain Cur vs. Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog?

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mountain Curs good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mountain Curs and Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Mountain Cur Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Mountain Cur Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mountain Cur or the Shetland Sheepdog?

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

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog:

  • Collie (81 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus Toy Fox Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Kooikerhondje     Mountain Cur versus Gordon Setter     Mountain Cur versus Biewer Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Miniature Poodle     Mountain Cur versus Beagle     Mountain Cur versus Yorkipoo     Mountain Cur versus Irish Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Saint Berdoodle     Mountain Cur versus Tibetan Mastiff     Mountain Cur versus Boykin Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus French Bulldog     Mountain Cur versus Karelian Bear Dog     Mountain Cur versus Great Dane     Mountain Cur versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Mountain Cur versus Australian Cattle Dog     Mountain Cur versus Sheepadoodle     Mountain Cur versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Mountain Cur versus Berger Picard     Mountain Cur versus Golden Retriever     Mountain Cur versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Mountain Cur versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Mountain Cur versus Mal Shi     Mountain Cur versus Manchester Terrier     

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje     Shetland Sheepdog versus Gordon Setter     Shetland Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel     Shetland Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Bulldog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Swedish Vallhund     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano     Shetland Sheepdog versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Brittany     Shetland Sheepdog versus Lakeland Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Biewer Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bolognese     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bernedoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Whippet     Shetland Sheepdog versus Dalmatian     Shetland Sheepdog versus Chinook     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff     Shetland Sheepdog versus Cockapoo     Shetland Sheepdog versus Border Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua     Shetland Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Barbet     Shetland Sheepdog versus Bulldog     

    Conclusion: Mountain Cur versus Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.