Otterhound 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.
Otterhound
Hound Group
Mountain Cur
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Otterhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Otterhound stands out with its rough double coat and impressive webbed feet. Their large, athletic build features a broad head, substantial bone structure, and loose-hanging skin that creates distinctive facial expressions. Possessing keen swimming abilities and an exceptional nose, these hounds combine strength with agility, while their waterproof coat protects them in various weather conditions.
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: Otterhounds are less energetic than Mountain Curs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Otterhounds require more grooming attention compared to Mountain Curs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Otterhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Mountain Curs.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Mountain Curs adapt better to apartment living, while Otterhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Otterhound and Mountain Cur, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Otterhound | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Otterhound | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 16-26 inches 41-66 cm |
| Weight | 80-115 lbs 36-52 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 | Otterhound | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous | Intelligent, Strong-Willed, Reserved with Strangers |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Otterhound | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Otterhound Temperament
The Otterhound is known for being even-tempered, amiable, boisterous, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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 Otterhound 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
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Otterhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Otterhounds 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, Otterhounds 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
Otterhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
Mountain Cur Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Disease
- Skin Allergies
Pros & Cons
Otterhound
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Friendly temperament
- Good with families
- Strong tracking abilities
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Rare and expensive
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 Otterhound and Mountain Cur, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.