Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Great Pyrenees Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Great Pyrenees versus Mudi: Overview
- Great Pyrenees versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Pyrenees and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Great Pyrenees and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Great Pyrenees versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Great Pyrenees versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Great Pyrenees Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of Great Pyrenees versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Great Pyrenees versus Mudi
- Do Great Pyreneess shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the Great Pyrenees or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Pyrenees or the Mudi?
- Does the Great Pyrenees Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Great Pyreneess Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Great Pyrenees vs. Mudi
- Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Pyrenees or the Mudi?
- Are Great Pyreneess good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Great Pyreneess and Mudis?
- Is the Great Pyrenees Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Pyrenees
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Great Pyrenees versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Great Pyrenees Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees or the Mudi.
Great Pyrenees versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the Great Pyrenees and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Pyrenees is a giant-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Great Pyrenees 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.
Great Pyrenees versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Mudi
| Factor | Great Pyrenees | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 85 to 160 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $830 | No Data |
| Price Range | $500 – $1000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 84.9 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees is 63 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 Great Pyrenees. 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 Great Pyrenees and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Pyrenees and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Great Pyrenees and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Great Pyrenees and the Mudi
The Great Pyrenees and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Great Pyrenees and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Great Pyrenees versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Pyrenees and the Mudi.
Great Pyreneess weigh 85 to 160 pounds when fully grown. Great Pyreneess are 25 to 32 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 Great Pyrenees versus Mudi
The lifespan of Great Pyreneess is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess.
Temperament of the Great Pyrenees Versus the Mudi
The Great Pyrenees has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Great Pyrenees is 84.9 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 84.9 percent, the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 152 Great Pyreneess and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Great Pyrenees.
5 health tests are recommended for Great Pyrenees while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Great Pyreneess and in Mudis.
Great Pyrenees Health Problems
Great Pyreneess are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyreneess for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees Breed is Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
This is because the Great Pyrenees ranks 1 out of 6 dog breeds for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 109 Great Pyreneess, 9 of them had Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Great Pyreneess, and how common these diseases are in Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Great Pyrenees and the Mudi:
| Disease | Great Pyrenees Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems | 1 out of 6 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Neuronal Degeneration problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 16 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 25 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 27 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 55 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 63 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 101 out of 145 dog breeds | 38 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 112 out of 144 dog breeds | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 124 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 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: Great Pyrenees versus Mudi
Great Pyreneess can be left alone only for a short time.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Great Pyreneess shed more than Mudis?
Great Pyreneess shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Great Pyrenees or the Mudi
Great Pyreneess do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Pyrenees or the Mudi?
Great Pyreneess are very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the Great Pyrenees Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Great Pyreneess are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Great Pyreneess can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Great Pyrenees vs. Mudi
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees or the Mudi?
Great Pyreneess get along very well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Great Pyreneess good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess and Mudis?
Great Pyreneess get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Great Pyrenees Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Great Pyreneess are not easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the Great Pyrenees Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Pyrenees or the Mudi?
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees:
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 Great Pyrenees and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Great Pyrenees and of the Mudi to other breeds:
Great Pyrenees Versus Other Dog Breeds
Great Pyrenees versus Cavachon Great Pyrenees versus American Pit Bull Terrier Great Pyrenees versus Irish Setter Great Pyrenees versus Akbash Great Pyrenees versus Chihuahua Great Pyrenees versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Great Pyrenees versus Shiba Inu Great Pyrenees versus Pomeranian Great Pyrenees versus Bracco Italiano Great Pyrenees versus Pomapoo Great Pyrenees versus Frenchton Great Pyrenees versus Cesky Terrier Great Pyrenees versus Kuvasz Great Pyrenees versus Chorkie Great Pyrenees versus Maltipoo Great Pyrenees versus Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Great Pyrenees versus Whoodle Great Pyrenees versus Borzoi Great Pyrenees versus Karelian Bear Dog Great Pyrenees versus Dalmatian Great Pyrenees versus English Cocker Spaniel Great Pyrenees versus Akbash Great Pyrenees versus Chinese Crested Great Pyrenees versus Goldador
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus French Spaniel Mudi versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Mudi versus Frenchton Mudi versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Mudi versus Kai Ken Mudi versus Pyrenean Mastiff Mudi versus Dalmatian Mudi versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Mudi versus Giant Schnauzer Mudi versus Maltese Mudi versus Chi-Poo Mudi versus Irish Terrier Mudi versus Chinese Crested Mudi versus Plott Mudi versus Affenpinscher Mudi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Mudi versus Australian Cattle Dog Mudi versus Border Collie Mudi versus Shihpoo Mudi versus Norfolk Terrier Mudi versus Maremma Sheepdog Mudi versus English Toy Spaniel Mudi versus Saint Bernard Mudi versus Schnoodle
Conclusion: Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Mudi better suits you and your family.