Breed Comparison: Hovawart Versus Mudi

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Hovawart Versus Mudi: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Mudi.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart or the Mudi.

Hovawart versus Mudi: Overview

A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Hovawart 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.

Hovawart versus Mudi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Mudi

Factor Hovawart Mudi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
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
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 14 to 20 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 18 to 29 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 40.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • WSU VCPL
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Hovawart is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Hovawart!

    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 Hovawart and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Mudi

    Below is a list of where the Hovawart and the Mudi are most different:

  • Hovawarts are not easy to train. However, Mudis are very easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Mudi

    The Hovawart and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Hovawart and the Mudi are most similar:

  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Mudi are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Mudi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Hovawart and the Mudi.

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches 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 Hovawart versus Mudi

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts.

    Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Hovawart

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Mudi.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 5 Mudis.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Mudi

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Mudis?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Mudi

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Mudi?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?

    Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?

    Hovawarts are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Mudi

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Mudi?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Mudis?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Mudis?

    Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Mudi?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Hovawart or the Mudi?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • 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:

  • Alaskan Klee Kai (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs German Pinscher.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Hovawart and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Hovawart and of the Mudi to other breeds:

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Biewer Terrier     Hovawart versus English Springer Spaniel     Hovawart versus Japanese Chin     Hovawart versus Aussiedoodle     Hovawart versus Labrador Retriever     Hovawart versus English Toy Spaniel     Hovawart versus Kooikerhondje     Hovawart versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Hovawart versus Pyredoodle     Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Hovawart versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Spinone Italiano     Hovawart versus Cairn Terrier     Hovawart versus Shih Tzu     Hovawart versus Cocker Spaniel     Hovawart versus Fila Brasileiro     Hovawart versus Rottweiler     Hovawart versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Hovawart versus Airedale Terrier     Hovawart versus Airedale Terrier     Hovawart versus Fila Brasileiro     Hovawart versus Golden Retriever     Hovawart versus Frenchton     Hovawart versus Pyredoodle     Hovawart versus Goldendoodle     

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Chorkie     Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier     Mudi versus Saint Berdoodle     Mudi versus Komondor     Mudi versus Rottweiler     Mudi versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Mudi versus Australian Terrier     Mudi versus Papillon     Mudi versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Mudi versus Stabyhoun     Mudi versus Chinook     Mudi versus Boykin Spaniel     Mudi versus Schipperke     Mudi versus Norwich Terrier     Mudi versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Mudi versus Spinone Italiano     Mudi versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Mudi versus Xoloitzcuintli     Mudi versus Westiepoo     Mudi versus Beaglier     Mudi versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Mudi versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Mudi versus Catahoula Bulldog     Mudi versus Vizsla     Mudi versus Black Mouth Cur     

    Conclusion: Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Mudi better suits you and your family.