Norfolk Terrier 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.
Norfolk Terrier
Terrier Group
Mountain Cur
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Norfolk Terrier Overview
Norfolk Terriers are compact, sturdy dogs with a hard, wiry coat and expressive dark eyes. Their small, well-balanced frame carries a dignified bearing despite their diminutive size. Distinguished by their broad skull, short back, and well-sprung ribs, these terriers possess strong hunting instincts wrapped in an affectionate, spirited personality.
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: Norfolk Terriers are less energetic than Mountain Curs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norfolk Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Mountain Curs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norfolk Terriers tend to be more outgoing 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: Norfolk Terriers 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 Norfolk Terrier and Mountain Cur, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 16-26 inches 41-66 cm |
| Weight | 11-12 lbs 5-5 kg | 30-60 lbs 14-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Alert, Fun-Loving | Intelligent, Strong-Willed, Reserved with Strangers |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Norfolk Terrier Temperament
The Norfolk Terrier is known for being fearless, alert, fun-loving, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 Norfolk Terrier 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
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Norfolk Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norfolk Terriers 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, Norfolk Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Norfolk Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Problems
- Eye Issues
- Hip Problems
Mountain Cur Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Disease
- Skin Allergies
Pros & Cons
Norfolk Terrier
Pros
- Good with families
- Compact size
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May bark frequently
- Prey drive
- Occasional health issues
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 Norfolk Terrier and Mountain Cur, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.