Lhasa Apso vs Mountain Cur
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lhasa Apso
Non-Sporting Group
Mountain Cur
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lhasa Apso Overview
Lhasa Apsos feature a long, dense double coat flowing to the ground, with a distinctive beard and fall of hair over the eyes. Their compact, sturdy build belies their agile nature. Distinguished by an alert, lion-like expression and well-feathered tail carried over the back, these dogs combine regal bearing with a mischievous charm. Their confident yet reserved demeanor reflects their ancient heritage as Tibetan sentinels.
Mountain Cur Overview
Mountain Curs are muscular, agile dogs with a strong, athletic build and distinctive treeing instincts. Their medium-length coat comes in various colors including brindle, yellow, and black. Alert ears, keen eyes, and a powerful muzzle reflect their hunting heritage. Their temperament combines intelligence and determination with a reserved nature towards unfamiliar faces.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lhasa Apsos are less energetic than Mountain Curs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lhasa Apsos require more grooming attention compared to Mountain Curs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lhasa Apsos tend to be more reserved with strangers than Mountain Curs.
- Trainability: Mountain Curs may be slightly easier to train due to their Mountain Cur's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lhasa Apsos adapt better to apartment living, while Mountain Curs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lhasa Apso and Mountain Cur, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 16-26 inches 41-66 cm |
| Weight | 12-18 lbs 5-8 kg | 30-60 lbs 14-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Comical | Intelligent, Strong-Willed, Reserved with Strangers |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lhasa Apso Temperament
The Lhasa Apso is known for being confident, smart, comical, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Mountain Cur Temperament
The Mountain Cur is characterized by being intelligent, strong-willed, reserved with strangers, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Lhasa Apso and Mountain Cur, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 2/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 4/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Lhasa Apso Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lhasa Apsos require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Lhasa Apsos require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Mountain Cur Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Mountain Curs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Mountain Curs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Lhasa Apso Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cherry Eye
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Mountain Cur Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Disease
- Skin Allergies
Pros & Cons
Lhasa Apso
Pros
- Loyal and devoted
- Good apartment dog
- Long lifespan
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent watchdog
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
- Frequent barking
- Independent nature
Mountain Cur
Pros
- Excellent hunting abilities
- Loyal family companion
- Low grooming needs
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Reserved with strangers
- Strong prey drive
- May be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lhasa Apso and Mountain Cur, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.