Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shepherd Dog Versus Mudi: Introduction
- German Shepherd Dog versus Mudi: Overview
- German Shepherd Dog versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Mudi
- Lifespan of German Shepherd Dog versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Mudi Versus the German Shepherd Dog
- Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shepherd Dog versus Mudi
- Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Mudi?
- Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Mudi
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Mudi?
- Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are German Shepherd Dogs and Mudis?
- Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shepherd Dog Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog or the Mudi.
German Shepherd Dog versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shepherd Dog is a large-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi are Herding Dogs. This means both the German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi 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 Shepherd Dog versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog and the Mudi
| Factor | German Shepherd Dog | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall | 14 to 20 inches |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 75 to 95 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 85.3 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Shepherd Dog is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the German Shepherd Dog!
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 Shepherd Dog and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi
The German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi.
German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall 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 Shepherd Dog versus Mudi
The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
Mudis live longer than German Shepherd Dogs.
Temperament of the Mudi Versus the German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the German Shepherd Dog is 85.3 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 85.3 percent, the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 3383 German Shepherd Dogs and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the German Shepherd Dog.
7 health tests are recommended for German Shepherd Dog while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Shepherd Dogs and in Mudis.
German Shepherd Dog Health Problems
German Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dog Breed is Shoulder problems.
This is because the German Shepherd Dog ranks 8 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 German Shepherd Dogs, 5 of them had Shoulder problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Shepherd Dogs, and how common these diseases are in German Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dog and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the German Shepherd Dog and the Mudi:
| Disease | German Shepherd Dog Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder problems | 8 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 11 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 22 out of 144 dog breeds | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 40 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 41 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 42 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 64 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 71 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 102 out of 145 dog breeds | 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 Shepherd Dog versus Mudi
German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Mudis?
German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Mudi
German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Mudi?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Mudi
German Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dog or the Mudi?
German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Mudis?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 Shepherd Dogs and Mudis?
German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Mudi?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shepherd Dog or the Mudi?
German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog:
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 Shepherd Dog and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Shepherd Dog and of the Mudi to other breeds:
German Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Shepherd Dog versus Australian Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus American Water Spaniel German Shepherd Dog versus Field Spaniel German Shepherd Dog versus Hovawart German Shepherd Dog versus West Highland White Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Havanese German Shepherd Dog versus Pomsky German Shepherd Dog versus Azawakh German Shepherd Dog versus Miniature Pinscher German Shepherd Dog versus Bracco Italiano German Shepherd Dog versus Saluki German Shepherd Dog versus Miniature Pinscher German Shepherd Dog versus Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Dog versus Mal Shi German Shepherd Dog versus Whippet German Shepherd Dog versus Bernedoodle German Shepherd Dog versus Shiranian German Shepherd Dog versus Brittany German Shepherd Dog versus Australian Kelpie German Shepherd Dog versus Brussels Griffon German Shepherd Dog versus Boxerdoodle German Shepherd Dog versus Chinese Crested German Shepherd Dog versus Pyredoodle German Shepherd Dog versus Black Russian Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Chinese Crested
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Beagle Mudi versus Icelandic Sheepdog Mudi versus Saluki Mudi versus Portuguese Pointer Mudi versus Japanese Spitz Mudi versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Mudi versus Chinese Crested Mudi versus Australian Terrier Mudi versus Brittany Mudi versus Jack Russell Terrier Mudi versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Mudi versus Standard Poodle Mudi versus Belgian Sheepdog Mudi versus Border Terrier Mudi versus Leonberger Mudi versus Giant Schnauzer Mudi versus Dalmatian Mudi versus Westiepoo Mudi versus Redbone Coonhound Mudi versus Toy Fox Terrier Mudi versus Kerry Blue Terrier Mudi versus Canaan Dog Mudi versus Frenchton Mudi versus Peek A Poo Mudi versus Saluki
Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog and the Mudi better suits you and your family.