Is the Black Mouth Cur or the Hovawart better for families with children?

Both the Black Mouth Cur and the Hovawart are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Black Mouth Cur or the Hovawart?

The Black Mouth Cur and Hovawart shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Black Mouth Cur or the Hovawart?

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

Is Black Mouth Cur or Hovawart bigger?

Black Mouth Cur and Hovawart are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Black Mouth Cur or Hovawart?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Black Mouth Cur or Hovawart?

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

Black Mouth Cur vs Hovawart: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Black Mouth Cur vs Hovawart: full comparison

Trait	Black Mouth Cur	Hovawart
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Very High	Very High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Black Mouth Cur is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Hovawart is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. 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 Black Mouth Cur is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Hovawart demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Black Mouth Cur needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Hovawart needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Black Mouth Cur takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Hovawart takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Black Mouth Cur is a formidable natural guardian with a strong protective drive, whereas Hovawart is a formidable natural guardian with a strong protective drive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Hovawart has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Black Mouth Cur and Hovawart are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Black Mouth Cur and Hovawart are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Black Mouth Cur and Hovawart are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Black Mouth Cur and Hovawart are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Black Mouth Cur if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Hovawart if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Black Mouth Cur or the Hovawart better for families with children?: Both the Black Mouth Cur and the Hovawart are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Black Mouth Cur or the Hovawart?: The Black Mouth Cur and Hovawart shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Black Mouth Cur or the Hovawart?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Black Mouth Cur or Hovawart bigger?: Black Mouth Cur and Hovawart are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Black Mouth Cur or Hovawart?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Black Mouth Cur or Hovawart?: For apartment or apartment living, Hovawart has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Black Mouth Cur vs Hovawart