Munchkin

Australian Shepherds are a beautiful breed with merle coats, high energy, and and an obsession with being close to their families. These dogs are wonderful family companions, but be prepared to keep them active and occupied to avoid having a sad, destructive Aussie. Full-grown, they typically weigh 40-65 pounds and stand 18-23 inches tall.

Australian Shepherds are generally excellent with children of all ages. Australian Shepherds are great companion for kids and other pets, especially if they’re socialized as puppies. These dogs can be happy in warm or cool climates, but they need plenty of space to run and play and should have their primary living space indoors. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Aussies need a lot of high-energy activities and mental stimulation to keep them happy. They’re the perfect exercise buddies, especially for families that like being outdoors. Take your Australian Shepherd for a run, hike, or a long play session in a big backyard to keep their hearts soaring and their minds sharp. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

The Australian Shepherd has a dense undercoat and outer coat with medium to long hair that’s straight or slightly wavy. Aussies’ fur is short and soft on their head and legs, with a thick mane around the neck. These dogs can be black, red, red merle (dark patches on a light background), or blue merle, and some may have white markings or tan points too. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Australian Shepherds are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. These dogs can be happy in warm or cool climates, but they need plenty of space to run and play and should have their primary living space indoors. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

The Mountain Cur is a courageous hunter and protector. They are loving and affectionate toward their owners, but are very strong-minded when it comes to doing what they want. Mountain Curs can become over-protective and require an assertive, experienced owner. Full-grown, they typically weigh 30-60 pounds and stand 16-26 inches tall.

Mountain Curs are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Mountain Curs can adapt to life indoors or outdoors and generally get along well with children and other animals when raised together. However, they do have a tendency to see cats and other small furry critters as something to chase. They're very vocal and bark quite a lot.

The Mountain Cur’s heart sings when working a game trail for its master. They live for the thrill of the hunt and the adventure of chasing down a scent. You’ll need to plan intense daily activity for your Mountain Cur and frequent trips to areas where they are safe to roam free and follow their nose. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

Mountain Curs have a short, easy-care coat. They range in color from tan, to red, to dark brown and brindle. An occasional brushing to remove dead and loose hair is all they need to keep their coat in tip-top shape. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Mountain Curs are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. Mountain Curs fit best in rural homes where they have plenty of safe space to play and are happiest in families that will take them hunting. They need plenty of time outdoors every day, as well as lots of interaction with humans. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.