Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur
- Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Mountain Cur
- Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Mountain Cur
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Mountain Curs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Mountain Curs?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mountain Cur?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Mountain Cur
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur.
Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Mountain Cur is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Australian 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.
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.
Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 26 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 30 to 60 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $470 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $250 – $800 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mountain Cur is 76 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Mountain Cur, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Mountain Cur.
This is because Australian Shepherds are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Australian Shepherd will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Australian Shepherd :-). We are for the Australian Shepherd. So get a Australian Shepherd!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur
The Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur.
The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Mountain Cur weighs 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown. The Mountain Cur is 16 to 26 inches when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur
Australian Shepherd Colors
The Australian Shepherd comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Black
- Merle (Red)
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Harlequin
- Merle (Blue)
- White / Cream
- Apricot / Beige
- Bicolor
- Golden
- Brindle
The Australian Shepherd comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Black
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Sable
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Merle (Blue)
Mountain Cur Colors
The Mountain Cur comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Brindle
- Black
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Bicolor
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Golden
The Mountain Cur comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Black
- Harlequin
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Golden
- Brown / Chocolate
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Mountain Cur is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Mountain Cur is 13.0 years.
The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Mountain Cur.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Mountain Cur
The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1180. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a Australian Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $12009. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2674 Australian Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Mountain Cur puppy is $470. The price of the Mountain Cur typically ranges from $250 – $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 61 Mountain Cur puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.
| Australian Shepherd | Mountain Cur | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $470 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $250 to $800 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Mountain Cur. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Mountain Cur puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Mountain Curs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Mountain Cur
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherd named 0149 Vern (Aka Walter) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Shepherds like 0149 Vern (Aka Walter) on pefinder.com.
Also, like Australian Shepherds, Mountain Curs are also available for adoption. For example, Doogan is a Male Mountain Cur that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Mountain Curs like Doogan that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
You can find more Australian Shepherds and Mountain Curs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Mountain Cur
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Mountain Curs?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Mountain Curs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Mountain Curs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Mountain Curs are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Mountain Curs?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mountain Curs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mountain Cur?
Australian 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.
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 Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Mountain Cur
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Mountain Curs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Mountain Cur?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Mountain Cur?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Mountain Curs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Australian Shepherd compares to other breeds aside from the Mountain Cur. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Boxer Australian Shepherd versus German Pinscher Australian Shepherd versus Australian Shepherd Australian Shepherd versus Belgian Tervuren Australian Shepherd versus Bull Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Field Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Maltipoo Australian Shepherd versus Airedale Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Affenhuahua Australian Shepherd versus Pomsky Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi Australian Shepherd versus Vizsla Australian Shepherd versus Collie Australian Shepherd versus Bluetick Coonhound Australian Shepherd versus Boston Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Brittany
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Mountain Cur better suits you and your family.