Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dachshund Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Dachshund versus Mudi: Overview
- Dachshund versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dachshund and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Mudi
- Health Problems of Dachshund versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Mudi
- Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Mudi
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dachshund or the Mudi?
- Do Dachshunds shed more than Mudis?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Mudi?
- Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Mudis?
- Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Mudi
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dachshund versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dachshund Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dachshund and the Mudi? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dachshund and the Mudi 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 Dachshund and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dachshund and the Mudi 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 Dachshund and for the Mudi. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dachshund and the Mudi.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dachshund or the Mudi
Dachshund versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the Dachshund and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dachshund is a tiny-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Dachshund belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
On the other hand, the Mudi belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Dachshund versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dachshund to the Mudi 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.
| Factor | Dachshund | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Weight | 16 to 32 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1730 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 69.4 percent | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
*Data from 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 Dachshund 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 Mudi. 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 a Dachshund is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Mudi is 76 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mudi is a better pet than the Dachshund. So, you should get the Mudi!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Dachshund and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dachshund and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Dachshund and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Mudi
The Dachshund and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dachshund and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dachshund and the Mudi.
Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds when fully grown. Dachshunds are 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.
Health Problems of Dachshund versus Health Problems of Mudi
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Dachshund and the Mudi are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Mudi is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dachshund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Dachshund.
5 health tests are recommended for Dachshund while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dachshunds and in Mudis.
Dachshund Health Problems
Dachshunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dachshund puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Dachshund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dachshund breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Dachshunds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dachshunds here.
Mudi Health Problems
Mudis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Mudi puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Mudi puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Mudi breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Mudis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Mudis here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Dachshunds and Mudis
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dachshund Breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Dachshund ranks 6 out of 32 dog breeds for Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 175 Dachshunds, 2 of them had Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dachshunds, and how common these diseases are in Dachshunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Mudi Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Mudi ranks 38 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 87 Mudis, 4 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Mudis, and how common these diseases are in Mudis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Dachshund and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dachshund and the Mudi:
| Disease | Dachshund Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 6 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 27 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 30 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 42 out of 145 dog breeds | 38 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 65 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 106 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 160 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 161 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Mudi
Dachshunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Dachshunds are not easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Mudi
Dachshunds can be left alone only for a short time.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dachshunds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dachshund or the Mudi?
Dachshunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Do Dachshunds shed more than Mudis?
Dachshunds shed moderately.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Mudi?
Dachshunds are moderately easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dachshund or the Mudi?
Dachshunds are very good for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Dachshunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Dachshund Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Dachshunds adapt very well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Mudis?
Dachshunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Dachshunds 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.
Mudis 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 Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Dachshunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Mudi
Dachshunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dachshund that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dachshund:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Mudi that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Mudi:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Dachshund and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dachshund and of the Mudi to other breeds:
Dachshund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dachshund versus Braque du Bourbonnais Dachshund versus American Bulldog Dachshund versus Pyrenean Shepherd Dachshund versus Chihuahua Dachshund versus Afghan Hound Dachshund versus Toy Fox Terrier Dachshund versus Toy Poodle Dachshund versus Labradoodle Dachshund versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Dachshund versus Field Spaniel
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Rottweiler Mudi versus Cavachon Mudi versus Boykin Spaniel Mudi versus Borzoi Mudi versus Affenpinscher Mudi versus Dalmatian Mudi versus Kishu Ken Mudi versus Bull Terrier Mudi versus Aussiedoodle Mudi versus Neapolitan Mastiff
Conclusion: Dachshund versus Mudi. 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 Dachshund and the Mudi better suits you and your family.