Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Italian Greyhound Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Italian Greyhound versus Mudi: Overview
- Italian Greyhound versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Italian Greyhound and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Italian Greyhound and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Italian Greyhound versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Italian Greyhound versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Italian Greyhound
- Health Problems of Italian Greyhound versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Italian Greyhound versus Mudi
- Do Italian Greyhounds shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the Italian Greyhound or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Italian Greyhound or the Mudi?
- Does the Italian Greyhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Italian Greyhounds Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Italian Greyhound vs. Mudi
- Can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Italian Greyhound or the Mudi?
- Are Italian Greyhounds good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Italian Greyhounds and Mudis?
- Is the Italian Greyhound Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Italian Greyhound
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Italian Greyhound versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Italian Greyhound Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound or the Mudi.
Italian Greyhound versus Mudi: Overview
Both the Italian Greyhound and the Mudi are similar in size. The Italian Greyhound and the Mudi are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Italian Greyhound belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
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.
Italian Greyhound versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Mudi
| Factor | Italian Greyhound | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 6 to 15 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1930 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2250 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 81.5 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Italian Greyhound!
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 Italian Greyhound and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Italian Greyhound and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Italian Greyhound and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Italian Greyhound and the Mudi
The Italian Greyhound and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Italian Greyhound and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Italian Greyhound versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Italian Greyhound and the Mudi.
Italian Greyhounds weigh 6 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Italian Greyhounds are 13 to 15 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 Italian Greyhound versus Mudi
The lifespan of Italian Greyhounds is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Italian Greyhounds is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
Italian Greyhounds live longer than Mudis.
Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Italian Greyhound is 81.5 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 81.5 percent, the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 54 Italian Greyhounds and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Italian Greyhound.
4 health tests are recommended for Italian Greyhound while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Italian Greyhounds and in Mudis.
Italian Greyhound Health Problems
Italian Greyhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhounds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound Breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Italian Greyhound ranks 3 out of 32 dog breeds for Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 96 Italian Greyhounds, 4 of them had Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Italian Greyhounds, and how common these diseases are in Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Italian Greyhound and the Mudi:
| Disease | Italian Greyhound Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 3 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 30 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 58 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 62 out of 145 dog breeds | 38 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | Not Common | 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: Italian Greyhound versus Mudi
Italian Greyhounds do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Italian Greyhounds shed more than Mudis?
Italian Greyhounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Italian Greyhound or the Mudi
Italian Greyhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Italian Greyhound or the Mudi?
Italian Greyhounds are very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the Italian Greyhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Italian Greyhounds bark and howl, but not very much.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Italian Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Italian Greyhound vs. Mudi
Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhound or the Mudi?
Italian Greyhounds get along very well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Italian Greyhounds good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Italian Greyhounds 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 Italian Greyhounds and Mudis?
Italian Greyhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Italian Greyhound Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Italian Greyhounds are fairly easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the Italian Greyhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Italian Greyhounds adapt very well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Italian Greyhound or the Mudi?
Italian Greyhounds are very good for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Italian Greyhound
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound:
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 Italian Greyhound and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Italian Greyhound and of the Mudi to other breeds:
Italian Greyhound Versus Other Dog Breeds
Italian Greyhound versus Bernese Mountain Dog Italian Greyhound versus German Wirehaired Pointer Italian Greyhound versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Italian Greyhound versus Puli Italian Greyhound versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Italian Greyhound versus German Pinscher Italian Greyhound versus Puli Italian Greyhound versus French Spaniel Italian Greyhound versus Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound versus Japanese Chin Italian Greyhound versus Brittany Italian Greyhound versus French Spaniel Italian Greyhound versus Manchester Terrier Italian Greyhound versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Italian Greyhound versus Pyrenean Shepherd Italian Greyhound versus Kai Ken Italian Greyhound versus Braque du Bourbonnais Italian Greyhound versus Yorkshire Terrier Italian Greyhound versus Morkie Italian Greyhound versus Catahoula Bulldog Italian Greyhound versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Italian Greyhound versus French Bulldog Italian Greyhound versus Basenji Italian Greyhound versus Airedale Terrier Italian Greyhound versus Golden Retriever
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier Mudi versus Sheepadoodle Mudi versus Puggle Mudi versus Curly-Coated Retriever Mudi versus Tibetan Terrier Mudi versus Bulldog Mudi versus Chorkie Mudi versus Tibetan Spaniel Mudi versus Kishu Ken Mudi versus Bull Terrier Mudi versus Cocker Spaniel Mudi versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Mudi versus Golden Retriever Mudi versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mudi versus Basset Hound Mudi versus Maltipoo Mudi versus Cavapoo Mudi versus Finnish Spitz Mudi versus Kai Ken Mudi versus Afghan Hound Mudi versus German Wirehaired Pointer Mudi versus Pomchi Mudi versus Cockapoo Mudi versus English Cocker Spaniel Mudi versus Norwich Terrier
Conclusion: Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound and the Mudi better suits you and your family.