Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Pinscher Versus Mudi: Introduction
- German Pinscher versus Mudi: Overview
- German Pinscher versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the German Pinscher and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Pinscher versus Mudi
- Lifespan of German Pinscher versus Mudi
- Temperament of the German Pinscher Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of German Pinscher versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Pinscher versus Mudi
- Do German Pinschers shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the German Pinscher or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Pinscher or the Mudi?
- Does the German Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do German Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Pinscher vs. Mudi
- Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Pinscher or the Mudi?
- Are German Pinschers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are German Pinschers and Mudis?
- Is the German Pinscher Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Pinscher versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Pinscher Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Pinscher and the Mudi? 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 German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher or the Mudi.
German Pinscher versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the German Pinscher and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Pinscher is a medium-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the German Pinscher belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs 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.
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.
German Pinscher versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Pinscher 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.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the German Pinscher and the Mudi
| Factor | German Pinscher | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 45 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2040 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1150 – $2688 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 91.9 percent | 40.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Pinscher 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 the German Pinscher is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Pinscher is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the German Pinscher!
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 German Pinscher and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the German Pinscher and the Mudi
The German Pinscher and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Pinscher and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Pinscher versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Pinscher and the Mudi.
German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers are 17 to 20 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.
Lifespan of German Pinscher versus Mudi
The lifespan of German Pinschers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Pinschers is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
Temperament of the German Pinscher Versus the Mudi
The German Pinscher has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the German Pinscher is 91.9 percent while the temperament score for the Mudi is 40.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 91.9 percent, the German Pinscher has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 40.0 percent, the Mudi has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the German Pinscher and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 37 German Pinschers and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of German Pinscher versus Health Problems of Mudi
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the German Pinscher.
4 health tests are recommended for German Pinscher while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Pinschers and in Mudis.
German Pinscher Health Problems
German Pinschers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Pinscher 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 German Pinschers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers 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 German Pinscher Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the German Pinscher ranks 11 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 77 German Pinschers, 2 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Pinschers, and how common these diseases are in German Pinschers 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 German Pinscher and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the German Pinscher and the Mudi:
| Disease | German Pinscher Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 11 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 15 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 56 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 95 out of 144 dog breeds | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 110 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 196 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: German Pinscher versus Mudi
German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do German Pinschers shed more than Mudis?
German Pinschers shed moderately.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the German Pinscher or the Mudi
German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Pinscher or the Mudi?
German Pinschers are very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the German Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
German Pinschers 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 German Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Pinscher vs. Mudi
German Pinschers 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.
Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Pinscher or the Mudi?
German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are German Pinschers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
German Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are German Pinschers and Mudis?
German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the German Pinscher Easier to Train than the Mudi?
German Pinschers are very easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the German Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Pinscher or the Mudi?
German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher:
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 German Pinscher and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Pinscher and of the Mudi to other breeds:
German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Pinscher versus Irish Setter German Pinscher versus English Cocker Spaniel German Pinscher versus Pomeranian German Pinscher versus Gordon Setter German Pinscher versus Beaglier German Pinscher versus Sealyham Terrier German Pinscher versus English Springer Spaniel German Pinscher versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi German Pinscher versus Cockalier German Pinscher versus Boston Terrier German Pinscher versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle German Pinscher versus Weimaraner German Pinscher versus Cane Corso German Pinscher versus Rottweiler German Pinscher versus Westiepoo German Pinscher versus Ibizan Hound German Pinscher versus Belgian Sheepdog German Pinscher versus Greyhound German Pinscher versus Keeshond German Pinscher versus Japanese Spitz German Pinscher versus Whoodle German Pinscher versus Chorkie German Pinscher versus Chorkie German Pinscher versus Bernese Mountain Dog German Pinscher versus Brussels Griffon
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Bedlington Terrier Mudi versus German Pinscher Mudi versus Saluki Mudi versus Rottweiler Mudi versus Belgian Sheepdog Mudi versus Bich Poo Mudi versus Boerboel Mudi versus Shih Tzu Mudi versus Bouvier des Flandres Mudi versus Chorkie Mudi versus Saluki Mudi versus Peek A Poo Mudi versus Pointer Mudi versus Sheepadoodle Mudi versus Tibetan Terrier Mudi versus Boykin Spaniel Mudi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Mudi versus Pharaoh Hound Mudi versus Saint Bernard Mudi versus Puggle Mudi versus Pyredoodle Mudi versus Borzoi Mudi versus Belgian Malinois Mudi versus Black Mouth Cur Mudi versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Conclusion: German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher and the Mudi better suits you and your family.