Great Dane versus Mountain Cur. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2022

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Great Dane Versus Mountain Cur: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Mountain Cur.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane or the Mountain Cur.

Great Dane versus Mountain Cur

Great Dane versus Mountain Cur: Overview

A very important difference between the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the Mountain Cur is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur are Working Dogs. This means both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur 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.

Great Dane versus Mountain Cur: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Mountain Cur

FactorGreat DaneMountain Cur
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/51/5
Good For Novice Owners1/51/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Weight100 to 200 pounds30 to 60 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/55/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Height26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder16 to 26 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather3/54/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/52/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
General Health4/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/53/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Dog Friendly5/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/52/5
Does NOT Shed1/54/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Life Span7 to 10 years10 to 16 years
Average Lifespan8.5 years13.0 years
Average Price$1560$470
Price Range$1000 – $2000$250 – $800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mountain Cur is 76 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Mountain Cur, we still believe that the Great Dane is a better pet than the Mountain Cur.

    This is because Great Danes are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Great Dane will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Great Dane :-). We are for the Great Dane. So get a Great Dane!

    Great Dane versus Mountain Cur

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur

    Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur are most different:

  • Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool. However, Mountain Curs do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Great Danes are very friendly towards strangers. However, Mountain Curs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Mountain Curs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Great Danes are very easy to train. However, Mountain Curs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur

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

  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Mountain Cur

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur.

    The Great Dane weighs 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. The Great Dane is 26 to 34 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 Great Dane versus Size of Mountain Cur

    Appearance (Colors) of the Great Dane and the Mountain Cur

    Great Dane Colors

    The Great Dane comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

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

    The Great Dane comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Golden
    • Merle (Blue)
    • Harlequin
    • Brindle

    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 Great Dane versus Mountain Cur

    The lifespan of the Great Dane is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of the Great Dane is 8.5 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 longer than the Great Dane.

    Great Dane versus Mountain Cur

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Mountain Cur

    The average price of the Great Dane puppy is $1560. The price of the Great Dane typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Great Dane can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane 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 Great Dane is more expensive than the Mountain Cur.

    Great Dane Mountain Cur
    Average Price $1560 $470
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $250 to $800

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. 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 Great Dane 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.

    Great Dane versus Mountain Cur

    Adopting the Great Dane versus Adopting the Mountain Cur

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Great Danes and many Mountain Curs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Great Dane named Titan that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Great Danes like Titan on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Great Danes, Mountain Curs are also available for adoption. For example, Buddy is a Male Mountain Cur that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Mountain Curs like Buddy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Great Dane and the Mountain Cur can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Curly is the name of another Great Dane (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Snoopy is an adorable Male Mountain Cur on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Great Danes and Mountain Curs are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more Great Danes and Mountain Curs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Mountain Cur

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Mountain Curs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Great Danes shed more than Mountain Curs?

    Great Danes shed. They are not recommended 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 Great Dane or the Mountain Cur?

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Mountain Curs are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the Mountain Cur?

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Mountain Curs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Mountain Curs?

    Great Danes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Mountain Cur?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Mountain Curs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Mountain Cur

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Mountain Curs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Mountain Curs?

    Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mountain Cur?

    Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Mountain Curs?

    Great Danes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Mountain Curs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mountain Curs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Mountain Curs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Mountain Cur

    Great Danes 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 Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mountain Curs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Great Danes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Mountain Curs can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Mountain Cur?

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mountain Curs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the Mountain Cur?

    Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    Great Dane versus Goldador     Great Dane versus Mountain Cur     Great Dane versus Keeshond     Great Dane versus Shih Tzu     Great Dane versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Great Dane versus Kishu Ken     Great Dane versus Harrier     Great Dane versus Bullmastiff     Great Dane versus Berger Picard     Great Dane versus Tibetan Terrier     Great Dane versus Mudi     Great Dane versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Great Dane versus Welsh Terrier     Great Dane versus Kuvasz     Great Dane versus Pekingese     Great Dane versus Boxerdoodle     Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog     

    Conclusion: Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Mountain Cur better suits you and your family.