A Detailed Comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi.

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Mudi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Mudi.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi: Overview

Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi are similar in size. The Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Jack Russell Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Mudi
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 20 inches
Life Span 10 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 18 to 29 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1100 No Data
Price Range $700 – $1250 No Data
Temperament Score 85.5 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 Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi

    Below is a list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi are most different:

  • Jack Russell Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Jack Russell Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Mudis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi are very easy to train.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi.

    Jack Russell Terriers weigh 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Jack Russell Terriers are 10 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 Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi

    The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.

    Mudis live longer than Jack Russell Terriers.

    Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Jack Russell Terrier

    The Jack Russell Terrier has a better temperament than the Mudi.

    This is because the temperament score for the Jack Russell Terrier is 85.5 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 85.5 percent, the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 69 Jack Russell Terriers and 5 Mudis.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi

    Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Mudis?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Mudi

    Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Mudi?

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?

    Jack Russell Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Mudi

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Mudi?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Mudis?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers and Mudis?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Mudi?

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Mudi?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier:

  • Airedale Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Welsh Terrier.
  • 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs German Pinscher.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Jack Russell Terrier versus Schnoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Saint Bernard     Jack Russell Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mountain Cur     Jack Russell Terrier versus Westiepoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shiranian     Jack Russell Terrier versus Brittany     Jack Russell Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Boerboel     Jack Russell Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Setter     Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Jack Russell Terrier versus Harrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Jack Russell Terrier versus Shihpoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Boerboel     Mudi versus Berger Picard     Mudi versus Kuvasz     Mudi versus Kuvasz     Mudi versus Bracco Italiano     Mudi versus Azawakh     Mudi versus Patterdale Terrier     Mudi versus Pug     Mudi versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Mudi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Mudi versus Pointer     Mudi versus Frenchton     Mudi versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Mudi versus Bouvier des Flandres     Mudi versus Great Pyrenees     Mudi versus Mastiff     Mudi versus Cairn Terrier     Mudi versus French Bulldog     Mudi versus Xoloitzcuintli     Mudi versus English Springer Spaniel     Mudi versus Belgian Sheepdog     Mudi versus Jack Russell Terrier     Mudi versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Mudi versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Mudi versus Tibetan Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Jack Russell Terrier 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Mudi better suits you and your family.