Differences and Similarities between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur.

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Miniature Schnauzer Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Miniature Schnauzer and for the Mountain Cur. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mountain Cur.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Mountain Cur

Miniature Schnauzer versus Mountain Cur: Overview

A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Mountain Cur is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Mountain Cur belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Miniature Schnauzer versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Mountain Cur based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur

FactorMiniature SchnauzerMountain Cur
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Weight11 to 20 pounds30 to 60 pounds
Life Span12 to 14 years10 to 16 years
Height13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder16 to 26 inches
Does NOT Shed4/54/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Good For Novice Owners3/51/5
Kid-Friendly3/54/5
Dog Friendly3/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/52/5
General Health3/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/51/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/55/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/51/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Tolerates Being Alone5/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Average Lifespan13.0 years13.0 years
Average Price$1950$470
Price Range$1400 – $2500$250 – $800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Miniature Schnauzer in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Mountain Cur. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mountain Cur is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Mountain Cur. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Mountain Cur

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur

    Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur are most different:

  • Miniature Schnauzers adapt well to apartment living. However, Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Miniature Schnauzers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Mountain Curs are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.
  • Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train. However, Mountain Curs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur

    The Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur are most similar:

  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur are very playful.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Mountain Cur

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur.

    The Miniature Schnauzer weighs 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Schnauzer is 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Mountain Cur weighs 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown. The Mountain Cur is 16 to 26 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Miniature Schnauzer versus Size of Mountain Cur

    Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur

    Miniature Schnauzer Colors

    The Miniature Schnauzer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Bicolor
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn

    The Miniature Schnauzer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Black
    • Gray / Blue / Silver

    Mountain Cur Colors

    The Mountain Cur comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Brindle
    • Black
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Bicolor
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Golden

    The Mountain Cur comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Black
    • Harlequin
    • White / Cream
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Golden
    • Brown / Chocolate

    Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Mountain Cur

    The lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of the Mountain Cur is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Mountain Cur is 13.0 years.

    The Mountain Cur live as long as the Miniature Schnauzer.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Mountain Cur

    Price of Miniature Schnauzer versus Price of Mountain Cur

    The average price of the Miniature Schnauzer puppy is $1950. The price of the Miniature Schnauzer typically ranges from $1400 – $2500. However, the price of a Miniature Schnauzer can be as low as $500 and as high as $8500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 913 Miniature Schnauzer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Mountain Cur puppy is $470. The price of the Mountain Cur typically ranges from $250 – $800. However, the price of the Mountain Cur can be as low as $100 and as high as $1000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 61 Mountain Cur puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Miniature Schnauzer is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.

    Miniature Schnauzer Mountain Cur
    Average Price $1950 $470
    Price Range $1400 to $2500 $250 to $800

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Miniature Schnauzer and Mountain Cur. For different price points, the charts show how many Miniature Schnauzer puppies or how many Mountain Cur puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Schnauzers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Schnauzers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Mountain Curs

    A breakdown of the prices of Mountain Curs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Miniature Schnauzer puppy or the Mountain Cur puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Mountain Cur

    Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Mountain Cur

    Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Mountain Curs?

    Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Mountain Curs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mountain Cur?

    Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mountain Cur?

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?

    Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Mountain Curs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mountain Cur

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Mountain Curs?

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Mountain Curs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mountain Cur?

    Miniature Schnauzers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Mountain Curs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Mountain Cur

    Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Mountain Curs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Mountain Cur?

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mountain Cur?

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Mountain Curs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Miniature Schnauzer compares to other breeds aside from the Mountain Cur. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:

    Miniature Schnauzer versus Tibetan Mastiff     Miniature Schnauzer versus American Foxhound     Miniature Schnauzer versus Sheepadoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Bolognese     Miniature Schnauzer versus King Shepherd     Miniature Schnauzer versus Japanese Spitz     Miniature Schnauzer versus Aussiedoodle     Miniature Schnauzer versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Miniature Schnauzer versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Plott     Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomeranian     Miniature Schnauzer versus Akbash     Miniature Schnauzer versus Papillon     Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwich Terrier     Miniature Schnauzer versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     

    Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Mountain Cur. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mountain Cur better suits you and your family.