Breed Comparison: Mountain Cur Versus West Highland White Terrier

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Mountain Cur Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier? 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 West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier.

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 West Highland White Terrier.

Mountain Cur versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mountain Cur is a large-sized dog while the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Mountain Cur versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mountain Cur to the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier

Factor Mountain Cur West Highland White Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 16 years
Height 16 to 26 inches 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 60 pounds 13 to 22 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 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $550 $2220
Price Range $350 – $800 $1600 – $2700
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams until at least age 8yrs (96mo)
  • 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 West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the West Highland White Terrier is a better pet than the Mountain Cur. So, you should get the West Highland White Terrier!

    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 West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier are most different:

  • Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, West Highland White Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Mountain Curs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, West Highland White Terriers are good for new dog owners.
  • Mountain Curs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, West Highland White Terriers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.

    • The Similarities Between the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier

    The Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Mountain Cur versus West Highland White Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier.

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

    On the other hand, West Highland White Terriers weigh 13 to 22 pounds when fully grown. West Highland White Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mountain Cur versus West Highland White Terrier

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

    The lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is 14.0 years.

    West Highland White Terriers live longer than Mountain Curs.

    Price of Mountain Cur versus Price of West Highland White Terrier

    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 West Highland White Terrier puppy is $2220. The price of the West Highland White Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2700. However, the price of the West Highland White Terrier can be as low as $600 and as high as $3999. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 103 West Highland White Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The West Highland White Terrier is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.

    Mountain Cur West Highland White Terrier
    Average Price $550 $2220
    Price Range $350 to $800 $1600 to $2700

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Mountain Cur and West Highland White Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Mountain Cur puppies or how many West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of West Highland White Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Mountain Cur puppy or the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Mountain Curs and many West Highland White Terriers 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, West Highland White Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Bogey is a Male West Highland White Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more West Highland White Terriers like Bogey that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Mountain Cur and the West Highland White Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Asner In Tx is an adorable Male West Highland White Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Mountain Curs and West Highland White Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Mountain Cur versus West Highland White Terrier

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    West Highland White Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mountain Curs shed more than West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Mountain Cur or the West Highland White Terrier

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    West Highland White Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mountain Cur or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Mountain Cur Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White Terrier?

    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.

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terriers?

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    West Highland White Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mountain Cur vs. West Highland White Terrier

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

    West Highland White Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terrier?

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    West Highland White Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mountain Curs good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mountain Curs and West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Mountain Cur Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Mountain Cur Better for Apartment Owners than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    West Highland White Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mountain Cur or the West Highland White Terrier?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are very good 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 West Highland White Terrier vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Karelian Bear Dog (77 percent match with Mountain Cur). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Karelian Bear Dog.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the West Highland White Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier:

  • Bearded Collie (82 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Bearded Collie.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (84 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mountain Cur vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Mountain Cur and how the West Highland White Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Mountain Cur and of the West Highland White Terrier to other breeds:

    Mountain Cur Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mountain Cur versus Cavapoo     Mountain Cur versus Sussex Spaniel     Mountain Cur versus Kai Ken     Mountain Cur versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Tibetan Mastiff     Mountain Cur versus Schnoodle     Mountain Cur versus Afghan Hound     Mountain Cur versus Biewer Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Dachshund     Mountain Cur versus Australian Kelpie     Mountain Cur versus American Foxhound     Mountain Cur versus Valley Bulldog     Mountain Cur versus Boxerdoodle     Mountain Cur versus Yorkshire Terrier     Mountain Cur versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Mountain Cur versus Coton de Tulear     Mountain Cur versus Saint Berdoodle     Mountain Cur versus Yorkshire Terrier     Mountain Cur versus American Eskimo Dog     Mountain Cur versus Pomsky     Mountain Cur versus Keeshond     Mountain Cur versus Samoyed     Mountain Cur versus Greyhound     Mountain Cur versus Harrier     Mountain Cur versus Biewer Terrier     

    West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    West Highland White Terrier versus Chinese Crested     West Highland White Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Dalmatian     West Highland White Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus American Foxhound     West Highland White Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Pomsky     West Highland White Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     West Highland White Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     West Highland White Terrier versus Schnoodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Cane Corso     West Highland White Terrier versus Basenji     West Highland White Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Irish Setter     West Highland White Terrier versus Great Dane     West Highland White Terrier versus Canaan Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     West Highland White Terrier versus Cockapoo     West Highland White Terrier versus Frenchton     West Highland White Terrier versus Mountain Cur     West Highland White Terrier versus Schnoodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     West Highland White Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Toy Poodle     

    Conclusion: Mountain Cur versus West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.