Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Gordon Setter Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Gordon Setter versus Mudi: Overview
- Gordon Setter versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Gordon Setter versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Gordon Setter
- Health Problems of Gordon Setter versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Gordon Setter versus Mudi
- Do Gordon Setters shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Mudi?
- Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Mudi
- Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the Mudi?
- Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Gordon Setters and Mudis?
- Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Gordon Setter versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Gordon Setter Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter or the Mudi.
Gordon Setter versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the Gordon Setter and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Gordon Setter is a medium-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Gordon Setter 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.
Gordon Setter versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Mudi
| Factor | Gordon Setter | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the | 14 to 20 inches |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 80 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 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 | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1360 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1250 – $1500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 83.6 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter is 70 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 Gordon Setter. 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 Gordon Setter and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Mudi
The Gordon Setter and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Gordon Setter and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Gordon Setter and the Mudi.
Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 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 Gordon Setter versus Mudi
The lifespan of Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters.
Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Gordon Setter is 83.6 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 83.6 percent, the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 67 Gordon Setters and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Gordon Setter.
6 health tests are recommended for Gordon Setter while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Gordon Setters and in Mudis.
Gordon Setter Health Problems
Gordon Setters are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setters for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter Breed is Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Gordon Setter ranks 2 out of 8 dog breeds for Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 574 Gordon Setters, 9 of them had Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Gordon Setters, and how common these diseases are in Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Gordon Setter and the Mudi:
| Disease | Gordon Setter Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 2 out of 8 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 10 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 32 out of 144 dog breeds | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 46 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 50 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 83 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| 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: Gordon Setter versus Mudi
Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Gordon Setters shed more than Mudis?
Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Mudi
Gordon Setters drool moderately.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Mudi?
Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Mudi
Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter or the Mudi?
Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters and Mudis?
Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Gordon Setters are very easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Gordon Setter or the Mudi?
Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter:
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 Gordon Setter and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Gordon Setter and of the Mudi to other breeds:
Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds
Gordon Setter versus Brussels Griffon Gordon Setter versus Giant Schnauzer Gordon Setter versus Shichon Gordon Setter versus Vizsla Gordon Setter versus Xoloitzcuintli Gordon Setter versus Sheepadoodle Gordon Setter versus Neapolitan Mastiff Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken Gordon Setter versus Mountain Cur Gordon Setter versus Bulldog Gordon Setter versus Shiranian Gordon Setter versus Scottish Terrier Gordon Setter versus Azawakh Gordon Setter versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Gordon Setter versus Redbone Coonhound Gordon Setter versus Chow Chow Gordon Setter versus American Eskimo Dog Gordon Setter versus Bullmastiff Gordon Setter versus Goldador Gordon Setter versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Gordon Setter versus Estrela Mountain Dog Gordon Setter versus Irish Terrier Gordon Setter versus Afghan Hound Gordon Setter versus Vizsla Gordon Setter versus Shiranian
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus German Longhaired Pointer Mudi versus Labradoodle Mudi versus Boxer Mudi versus Frenchton Mudi versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Mudi versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Mudi versus Curly-Coated Retriever Mudi versus Lhasa Apso Mudi versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Mudi versus King Shepherd Mudi versus American Eskimo Dog Mudi versus Irish Wolfhound Mudi versus Goldendoodle Mudi versus Bolognese Mudi versus Black Mouth Cur Mudi versus Standard Poodle Mudi versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Mudi versus Curly-Coated Retriever Mudi versus Chinook Mudi versus Affenpinscher Mudi versus Yorkipoo Mudi versus Schnoodle Mudi versus Chorkie Mudi versus Japanese Spitz
Conclusion: Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Mudi better suits you and your family.