Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Golden Retriever Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Golden Retriever versus Mudi: Overview
- Golden Retriever versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Golden Retriever and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Golden Retriever versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Golden Retriever
- Health Problems of Golden Retriever versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Retriever versus Mudi
- Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the Golden Retriever or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Mudi?
- Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Mudi
- Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Retriever or the Mudi?
- Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Golden Retrievers and Mudis?
- Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Golden Retriever versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Golden Retriever Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever or the Mudi.
Golden Retriever versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the Golden Retriever and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Mudi
| Factor | Golden Retriever | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 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 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 75 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1870 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2200 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 85.6 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever is 73 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 Golden Retriever. 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 Golden Retriever and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Golden Retriever and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Golden Retriever and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Mudi
The Golden Retriever and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Golden Retriever and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Retriever and the Mudi.
Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 to 24 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 Golden Retriever versus Mudi
The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
Mudis live longer than Golden Retrievers.
Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Golden Retriever is 85.6 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 85.6 percent, the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 813 Golden Retrievers and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Golden Retriever.
4 health tests are recommended for Golden Retriever while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Golden Retrievers and in Mudis.
Golden Retriever Health Problems
Golden Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retrievers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever Breed is Ichthyosis problems.
This is because the Golden Retriever ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Ichthyosis problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1770 Golden Retrievers, 33 of them had Ichthyosis problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Golden Retrievers, and how common these diseases are in Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Golden Retriever and the Mudi:
| Disease | Golden Retriever Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Ichthyosis problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 11 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 17 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 33 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 36 out of 144 dog breeds | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | 39 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 40 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 45 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 56 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 56 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 58 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 112 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: Golden Retriever versus Mudi
Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Mudis?
Golden Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Golden Retriever or the Mudi
Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Mudi?
Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Golden Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Mudi
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever or the Mudi?
Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers and Mudis?
Golden Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the Golden Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Retriever or the Mudi?
Golden Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever:
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 Golden Retriever and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Golden Retriever and of the Mudi to other breeds:
Golden Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Golden Retriever versus Japanese Spitz Golden Retriever versus American Eskimo Dog Golden Retriever versus Shih Tzu Golden Retriever versus Kishu Ken Golden Retriever versus Portuguese Pointer Golden Retriever versus Peek A Poo Golden Retriever versus Pomapoo Golden Retriever versus Dalmatian Golden Retriever versus Flat-Coated Retriever Golden Retriever versus Pharaoh Hound Golden Retriever versus Papipoo Golden Retriever versus American Staffordshire Terrier Golden Retriever versus Toy Poodle Golden Retriever versus Braque du Bourbonnais Golden Retriever versus American Staffordshire Terrier Golden Retriever versus Catahoula Bulldog Golden Retriever versus Chihuahua Golden Retriever versus Bull Terrier Golden Retriever versus Belgian Sheepdog Golden Retriever versus Dachshund Golden Retriever versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Golden Retriever versus Berger Picard Golden Retriever versus Pekingese Golden Retriever versus Basenji Golden Retriever versus Westiepoo
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Komondor Mudi versus Norfolk Terrier Mudi versus Bichon Frise Mudi versus Komondor Mudi versus Clumber Spaniel Mudi versus Chinese Crested Mudi versus Dogue de Bordeaux Mudi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Mudi versus Bulldog Mudi versus Kishu Ken Mudi versus American Pit Bull Terrier Mudi versus Puli Mudi versus Affenpinscher Mudi versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Mudi versus Lagotto Romagnolo Mudi versus Maltipoo Mudi versus Affenpinscher Mudi versus Spinone Italiano Mudi versus Newfoundland Mudi versus Yorkshire Terrier Mudi versus Kooikerhondje Mudi versus Sussex Spaniel Mudi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mudi versus Affenpinscher Mudi versus Afghan Hound
Conclusion: Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Mudi better suits you and your family.