Which is Better between the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur?

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022

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Australian Shepherd Versus Black Mouth Cur: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth Cur.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth Cur.

Australian Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur

Australian Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth Cur

FactorAustralian ShepherdBlack Mouth Cur
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Easy To Groom1/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 18 years
Height18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder16 to 25 inches
Good For Novice Owners2/52/5
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
General Health2/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
Does NOT Shed3/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Kid-Friendly4/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/54/5
Does NOT chew on things2/53/5
Low Prey Drive2/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/53/5
Weight40 to 65 pounds40 to 95 pounds
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Dog Friendly5/53/5
Easy To Train5/53/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years15.0 years
Average Price$1180$720
Price Range$800 – $1500$400 – $1350
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    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 Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth Cur is 74 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Black Mouth Cur, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Black Mouth 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!

    Australian Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur

    Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur are most different:

  • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Black Mouth Curs are very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur

    The Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur are most similar:

  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth Cur weighs 40 to 95 pounds when fully grown. The Black Mouth Cur is 16 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Australian Shepherd versus Size of Black Mouth Cur

    Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth 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)

    Black Mouth Cur Colors

    The Black Mouth Cur comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Sable
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Bicolor
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Golden

    The Black Mouth Cur comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Sable
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Golden

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth Cur is between 12 to 18 years. The average lifespan of the Black Mouth Cur is 15.0 years.

    The Black Mouth Cur live longer than the Australian Shepherd.

    Australian Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur

    Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth Cur puppy is $720. The price of the Black Mouth Cur typically ranges from $400 – $1350. However, the price of the Black Mouth Cur can be as low as $200 and as high as $1450. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 27 Black Mouth Cur puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the Black Mouth Cur.

    Australian Shepherd Black Mouth Cur
    Average Price $1180 $720
    Price Range $800 to $1500 $400 to $1350

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Black Mouth Cur. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Black Mouth 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 Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Mouth Curs

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Mouth Curs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Black Mouth 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.

    Australian Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur

    Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Black Mouth Cur

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Shepherds and many Black Mouth 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 Alonzo that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Shepherds like Alonzo on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Australian Shepherds, Black Mouth Curs are also available for adoption. For example, Chub Chub is a Male Black Mouth Cur that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Black Mouth Curs like Chub Chub that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Australian Shepherd and the Black Mouth Cur can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    22-096 Rescue Only is the name of another Australian Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Australian Shepherds and Black Mouth Curs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Black Mouth Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Black Mouth Curs?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

    Black Mouth Curs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Black Mouth Cur?

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Black Mouth Curs are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Black Mouth Cur?

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Black Mouth Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Black Mouth Curs?

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

    Black Mouth Curs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Black Mouth Cur?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Black Mouth Curs are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Black Mouth Cur

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Black Mouth Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Black Mouth Curs?

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

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

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Black Mouth 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.

    Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth Curs?

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

    Black Mouth Curs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Black Mouth Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Black Mouth Curs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Black Mouth Cur

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

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

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Black Mouth Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Black Mouth Curs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Black Mouth Cur?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Black Mouth Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Black Mouth Cur?

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

    Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth Cur. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:

    Australian Shepherd versus Saint Berdoodle     Australian Shepherd versus Kishu Ken     Australian Shepherd versus Basset Hound     Australian Shepherd versus Vizsla     Australian Shepherd versus Tibetan Terrier     Australian Shepherd versus Bolognese     Australian Shepherd versus Yorkipoo     Australian Shepherd versus Morkie     Australian Shepherd versus Gordon Setter     Australian Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel     Australian Shepherd versus Finnish Lapphund     Australian Shepherd versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Australian Shepherd versus American Water Spaniel     Australian Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel     Australian Shepherd versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Australian Shepherd versus Chow Chow     Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi     Australian Shepherd versus Kai Ken     Australian Shepherd versus Berger Picard     

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Black Mouth 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 Black Mouth Cur better suits you and your family.

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