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

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

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

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

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

The Australian Cattle Dog is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Australian Cattle Dog or Stephens Stock Mountain Cur bigger?

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

Which barks more, Australian Cattle Dog or Stephens Stock Mountain Cur?

Stephens Stock 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 Stephens Stock 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 Stephens Stock Mountain Cur

Australian Cattle Dog vs Stephens Stock Mountain Cur: full comparison

Trait	Australian Cattle Dog	Stephens Stock Mountain Cur
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	High
Protectiveness	High	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 is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Stephens Stock Mountain Cur is a moderately built dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Stephens Stock 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 Australian Cattle Dog needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Stephens Stock Mountain Cur needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Australian Cattle Dog learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Stephens Stock Mountain Cur trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Australian Cattle Dog keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Stephens Stock Mountain Cur keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

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 Stephens Stock 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, Stephens Stock Mountain Cur has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Australian Cattle Dog and Stephens Stock Mountain Cur are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Australian Cattle Dog if you want an easier dog to train or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Stephens Stock Mountain Cur if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Australian Cattle Dog on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Australian Cattle Dog or the Stephens Stock Mountain Cur better for families with children?: Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Stephens Stock Mountain Cur are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Stephens Stock Mountain Cur?: The Australian Cattle Dog and Stephens Stock Mountain Cur shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Stephens Stock Mountain Cur?: The Australian Cattle Dog is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Australian Cattle Dog or Stephens Stock Mountain Cur bigger?: Australian Cattle Dog and Stephens Stock Mountain Cur are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Australian Cattle Dog or Stephens Stock Mountain Cur?: Stephens Stock 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 Stephens Stock Mountain Cur?: For apartment or apartment living, Australian Cattle Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.