Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Wolfhound Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi: Overview
- Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Irish Wolfhound
- Health Problems of Irish Wolfhound versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi
- Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Wolfhound or the Mudi?
- Does the Irish Wolfhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Irish Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Mudi
- Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Wolfhound or the Mudi?
- Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Wolfhounds and Mudis?
- Is the Irish Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Wolfhound
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Wolfhound Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound or the Mudi.
Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Wolfhound is a giant-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Irish Wolfhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi
| Factor | Irish Wolfhound | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 115 to 180 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 6 to 8 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Average Lifespan | 7.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1930 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2400 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 90.1 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 Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Wolfhound is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Irish Wolfhound!
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 Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi
The Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi.
Irish Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Irish Wolfhounds are 32 to 35 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 Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi
The lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is between 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is 7.0 years.
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
Mudis live longer than Irish Wolfhounds.
Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Irish Wolfhound is 90.1 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 90.1 percent, the Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 101 Irish Wolfhounds and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Irish Wolfhound.
5 health tests are recommended for Irish Wolfhound while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Wolfhounds and in Mudis.
Irish Wolfhound Health Problems
Irish Wolfhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhounds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhound Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Irish Wolfhound ranks 11 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 682 Irish Wolfhounds, 12 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Wolfhounds, and how common these diseases are in Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhound and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi:
| Disease | Irish Wolfhound Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 11 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 12 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 34 out of 144 dog breeds | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 50 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 164 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 dog breeds |
| 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: Irish Wolfhound versus Mudi
Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Mudis?
Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Mudi
Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Wolfhound or the Mudi?
Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Wolfhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Mudi
Irish Wolfhounds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Wolfhounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Wolfhound or the Mudi?
Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhounds and Mudis?
Irish Wolfhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Wolfhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Wolfhound or the Mudi?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhound
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound:
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 Irish Wolfhound and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Wolfhound and of the Mudi to other breeds:
Irish Wolfhound Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Wolfhound versus Australian Shepherd Irish Wolfhound versus Beagle Irish Wolfhound versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Irish Wolfhound versus Alaskan Klee Kai Irish Wolfhound versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Irish Wolfhound versus Brussels Griffon Irish Wolfhound versus Carolina Dog Irish Wolfhound versus Finnish Lapphund Irish Wolfhound versus Catahoula Bulldog Irish Wolfhound versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus West Highland White Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Peek A Poo Irish Wolfhound versus Sloughi Irish Wolfhound versus Afghan Hound Irish Wolfhound versus Labrador Retriever Irish Wolfhound versus Leonberger Irish Wolfhound versus Toy Poodle Irish Wolfhound versus Black and Tan Coonhound Irish Wolfhound versus Yorkshire Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Australian Cattle Dog Irish Wolfhound versus Korean Jindo Dog Irish Wolfhound versus Boerboel Irish Wolfhound versus Tibetan Mastiff Irish Wolfhound versus Standard Schnauzer Irish Wolfhound versus Black Russian Terrier
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Shih Tzu Mudi versus Shiranian Mudi versus Silky Terrier Mudi versus Norwich Terrier Mudi versus Puggle Mudi versus Kai Ken Mudi versus Bichon Frise Mudi versus Finnish Lapphund Mudi versus Afador Mudi versus Scottish Deerhound Mudi versus Pomsky Mudi versus Kai Ken Mudi versus Shiba Inu Mudi versus Whoodle Mudi versus Stabyhoun Mudi versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Mudi versus Airedale Terrier Mudi versus Neapolitan Mastiff Mudi versus Affenhuahua Mudi versus Alaskan Klee Kai Mudi versus American Eskimo Dog Mudi versus Cockapoo Mudi versus Siberian Husky Mudi versus Bernedoodle Mudi versus Golden Retriever
Conclusion: Irish Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound and the Mudi better suits you and your family.