Is the Australian Cattle Dog or the Mountain Cur better for families with children?

Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Mountain Cur are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Mountain Cur?

The Australian Cattle Dog and Mountain Cur shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Mountain Cur?

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

Is Australian Cattle Dog or Mountain Cur bigger?

Australian Cattle Dog and Mountain Cur are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Australian Cattle Dog or Mountain Cur?

Mountain Cur tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Australian Cattle Dog is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog or Mountain Cur?

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Mountain Cur: Which Is Quieter?

Australian Cattle Dog vs Mountain Cur: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Australian Cattle Dog is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Mountain Cur is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. 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 Australian Cattle Dog requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Mountain Cur requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Mountain Cur is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Australian Cattle Dog keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Mountain Cur is a formidable natural guardian with a strong protective drive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Australian Cattle Dog and Mountain Cur are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Australian Cattle Dog 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, Australian Cattle Dog and Mountain Cur are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Australian Cattle Dog if you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Mountain Cur if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Australian Cattle Dog or the Mountain Cur better for families with children?: Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Mountain Cur are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Mountain Cur?: The Australian Cattle Dog and Mountain Cur shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Mountain Cur?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Australian Cattle Dog or Mountain Cur bigger?: Australian Cattle Dog and Mountain Cur are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Australian Cattle Dog or Mountain Cur?: Mountain Cur tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Australian Cattle Dog is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog or Mountain Cur?: For apartment or apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Australian Cattle Dog vs Mountain Cur