Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Mudi: Introduction
- German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi: Overview
- German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi
- Lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Mudi Versus the German Wirehaired Pointer
- Health Problems of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi
- Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Mudi?
- Does the German Wirehaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do German Wirehaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Wirehaired Pointer vs. Mudi
- Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Mudi?
- Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are German Wirehaired Pointers and Mudis?
- Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Mudi.
German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the German Wirehaired Pointer 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.
German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi
| Factor | German Wirehaired Pointer | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the | 14 to 20 inches |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 60 to 70 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $990 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1200 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 77.8 percent | 40.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mudi is a better pet than the German Wirehaired Pointer. 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi
The German Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi.
German Wirehaired Pointers weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. German Wirehaired Pointers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the 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 Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi
The lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Mudi Versus the German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the German Wirehaired Pointer is 77.8 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 77.8 percent, the German Wirehaired Pointer has a below-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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 18 German Wirehaired Pointers and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the German Wirehaired Pointer.
6 health tests are recommended for German Wirehaired Pointer while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Wirehaired Pointers and in Mudis.
German Wirehaired Pointer Health Problems
German Wirehaired Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointer Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the German Wirehaired Pointer ranks 14 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1161 German Wirehaired Pointers, 107 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Wirehaired Pointers, and how common these diseases are in German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointer and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi:
`| Disease | German Wirehaired Pointer Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid problems | 14 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 35 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 37 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 87 out of 144 dog breeds | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 126 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 128 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 38 out of 145 dog breeds |
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 Wirehaired Pointer versus Mudi
German Wirehaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than Mudis?
German Wirehaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Mudi
German Wirehaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Mudi?
German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the German Wirehaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
German Wirehaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Wirehaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Wirehaired Pointer vs. Mudi
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Mudi?
German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointers and Mudis?
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 Wirehaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Mudi?
German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
German Wirehaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Mudi?
German Wirehaired Pointers are OK for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer:
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 Wirehaired Pointer and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer and of the Mudi to other breeds:
German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mal Shi German Wirehaired Pointer versus Irish Wolfhound German Wirehaired Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle German Wirehaired Pointer versus Shiranian German Wirehaired Pointer versus Havanese German Wirehaired Pointer versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog German Wirehaired Pointer versus Australian Shepherd German Wirehaired Pointer versus Irish Wolfhound German Wirehaired Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne German Wirehaired Pointer versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mastiff German Wirehaired Pointer versus Shetland Sheepdog German Wirehaired Pointer versus English Setter German Wirehaired Pointer versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever German Wirehaired Pointer versus Bedlington Terrier German Wirehaired Pointer versus Siberian Husky German Wirehaired Pointer versus Golden Retriever German Wirehaired Pointer versus Bull Terrier German Wirehaired Pointer versus Boston Terrier German Wirehaired Pointer versus Beaglier German Wirehaired Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren German Wirehaired Pointer versus Kooikerhondje German Wirehaired Pointer versus Skye Terrier German Wirehaired Pointer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever German Wirehaired Pointer versus Silky TerrierMudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Maremma Sheepdog Mudi versus Boston Terrier Mudi versus American Staffordshire Terrier Mudi versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Mudi versus Saint Bernard Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog Mudi versus Welsh Terrier Mudi versus Pointer Mudi versus Airedale Terrier Mudi versus Miniature Poodle Mudi versus German Longhaired Pointer Mudi versus Goldendoodle Mudi versus Saluki Mudi versus Bernedoodle Mudi versus Beaglier Mudi versus Doberman Pinscher Mudi versus Cane Corso Mudi versus Black Russian Terrier Mudi versus Bearded Collie Mudi versus German Pinscher Mudi versus King Shepherd Mudi versus French Spaniel Mudi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Mudi versus Finnish Spitz Mudi versus Tibetan TerrierConclusion: German Wirehaired Pointer 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Mudi better suits you and your family.