Breed Comparison: Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus Mudi

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Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus Mudi: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Mudi

Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Mudi: Overview

A very important difference between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 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.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Mudi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier Mudi
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 18 to 24 pounds 18 to 29 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 20 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • WSU VCPL
  • *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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Mudi is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Dandie Dinmont Terrier!

    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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi

    Below is a list of where the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi are most different:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not easy to train. However, Mudis are very easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi

    The Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi are most similar:

  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi are very playful.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Mudi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi.

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers weigh 18 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are 8 to 11 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

    2 health tests are recommended for Dandie Dinmont Terrier while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dandie Dinmont Terriers and in Mudis.

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Problems

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terriers for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dandie Dinmont Terriers 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:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • WSU VCPL
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Mudis here.

    Which one drools more, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Mudi

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Mudi

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Mudi?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Easier to Train than the Mudi?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not easy to train.

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Mudi?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed more than Mudis?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed moderately.

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs. Mudi

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Mudi?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

    How Kid-friendly are Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Mudis?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Does the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers 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.

    Are Dandie Dinmont Terriers good family dogs? What about Mudis?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier:

  • Cavapoo (79 percent match with Dandie Dinmont Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Cavapoo.
  • Shih Tzu (79 percent match with Dandie Dinmont Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Shih Tzu.
  • 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:

  • Alaskan Klee Kai (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs German Pinscher.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and of the Mudi to other breeds:

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Shichon     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Greyhound     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Mal Shi     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog     Mudi versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Mudi versus Standard Schnauzer     Mudi versus Tibetan Mastiff     Mudi versus American Bulldog     Mudi versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Mudi versus Pharaoh Hound     Mudi versus Aussiedoodle     Mudi versus Labradoodle     Mudi versus Canaan Dog     

    Conclusion: Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Mudi better suits you and your family.