A Detailed Comparison of the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi.

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Dogo Argentino Versus Mudi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Mudi

Dogo Argentino versus Mudi: Overview

A very important difference between the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Dogo Argentino versus Mudi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino Mudi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 14 to 20 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 18 to 29 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2510 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino is 67 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 Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi

    Below is a list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi are most different:

  • Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mudis are good for new dog owners.
  • Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train. However, Mudis are very easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi

    The Dogo Argentino and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi are most similar:

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Mudi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi.

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Dogo Argentino.

    3 health tests are recommended for Dogo Argentino while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dogo Argentinos and in Mudis.

    Dogo Argentino Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos 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.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentino Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.

    This is because the Dogo Argentino ranks 3 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 105 Dogo Argentinos, 3 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dogo Argentinos, and how common these diseases are in Dogo Argentinos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 3 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 16 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 85 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Patella problems: Rank 38 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 99 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 145 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Dogo Argentino and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dogo Argentino and the Mudi:

    Disease Dogo Argentino Rank Mudi Rank
    Baer Hearing Test problems 3 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 16 out of 198 dog breeds 145 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 85 out of 144 dog breeds 99 out of 144 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 38 out of 145 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.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dogo Argentino or the Mudi?

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Mudis?

    Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Mudi

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Mudis?

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

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Mudi?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Mudi?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?

    Dogo Argentinos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Mudi

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

    Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Mudis?

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Mudi?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Mudi

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino:

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • 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 Dogo Argentino vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs German Pinscher.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Great Pyrenees     Dogo Argentino versus Toy Fox Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Welsh Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Dogo Argentino versus Bernedoodle     Dogo Argentino versus Chow Chow     Dogo Argentino versus Miniature Schnauzer     Dogo Argentino versus Lakeland Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Sheepadoodle     Dogo Argentino versus Norwegian Lundehund     

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Harrier     Mudi versus Toy Poodle     Mudi versus Clumber Spaniel     Mudi versus Bulldog     Mudi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Mudi versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Mudi versus Japanese Spitz     Mudi versus Belgian Malinois     Mudi versus Boxerdoodle     Mudi versus Mountain Cur     

    Conclusion: Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Mudi better suits you and your family.