Scottish Deerhound 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.
Scottish Deerhound
Hound Group
Mountain Cur
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Scottish Deerhound Overview
Majestic and noble, Scottish Deerhounds possess a commanding presence with their tall, lean build and rough coat. Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, these graceful giants combine strength with elegance. Their dignified bearing reflects their aristocratic heritage, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reveal their characteristically kind nature.
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: Scottish Deerhounds are less energetic than Mountain Curs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Scottish Deerhounds require less grooming attention compared to Mountain Curs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Scottish Deerhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Mountain Curs.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Scottish Deerhounds 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 Scottish Deerhound and Mountain Cur, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 16-26 inches 41-66 cm |
| Weight | 75-110 lbs 34-50 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 | Scottish Deerhound | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Dignified, Polite | Intelligent, Strong-Willed, Reserved with Strangers |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Mountain Cur |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is known for being gentle, dignified, polite, 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 Scottish Deerhound 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
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
Mountain Cur
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds 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, Scottish Deerhounds 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
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
Mountain Cur Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Dental Disease
- Skin Allergies
Pros & Cons
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
- Gentle and dignified temperament
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Requires large living space
- High exercise needs
- Short lifespan
- Strong prey drive
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 Scottish Deerhound and Mountain Cur, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.