Is the Appenzeller Sennenhund or the Mountain Cur better for families with children?

The Appenzeller Sennenhund tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Appenzeller Sennenhund or the Mountain Cur?

The Appenzeller Sennenhund and Mountain Cur shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Appenzeller Sennenhund or the Mountain Cur?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Appenzeller Sennenhund or Mountain Cur bigger?

Appenzeller Sennenhund and Mountain Cur are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Appenzeller Sennenhund or Mountain Cur?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Appenzeller Sennenhund or Mountain Cur?

For apartment or apartment living, Appenzeller Sennenhund and Mountain Cur are an even match — either can work well.

Appenzeller Sennenhund vs Mountain Cur: Better With Kids?

Appenzeller Sennenhund vs Mountain Cur: full comparison

Trait	Appenzeller Sennenhund	Mountain Cur
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	High	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	Very High	Very High
Adaptability	Low	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Mountain Cur is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Mountain Cur is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Appenzeller Sennenhund asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Mountain Cur asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Appenzeller Sennenhund takes to training fast and works willingly, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Mountain Cur takes to training fast and works willingly, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Appenzeller Sennenhund carries a powerful guarding instinct, whereas Mountain Cur carries a powerful guarding instinct.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Appenzeller Sennenhund and Mountain Cur are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Appenzeller Sennenhund has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Mountain Cur has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Mountain Cur has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Appenzeller Sennenhund and Mountain Cur are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Appenzeller Sennenhund if you want the more child-friendly companion.

Choose the Mountain Cur if you want a more adaptable dog or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Appenzeller Sennenhund or the Mountain Cur better for families with children?: The Appenzeller Sennenhund tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Appenzeller Sennenhund or the Mountain Cur?: The Appenzeller Sennenhund and Mountain Cur shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Appenzeller Sennenhund or the Mountain Cur?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Appenzeller Sennenhund or Mountain Cur bigger?: Appenzeller Sennenhund and Mountain Cur are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Appenzeller Sennenhund or Mountain Cur?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Appenzeller Sennenhund or Mountain Cur?: For apartment or apartment living, Appenzeller Sennenhund and Mountain Cur are an even match — either can work well.

Appenzeller Sennenhund vs Mountain Cur