Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Japanese Chin Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Japanese Chin versus Mudi: Overview
- Japanese Chin versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Chin and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Japanese Chin versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Japanese Chin
- Health Problems of Japanese Chin versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Chin versus Mudi
- Do Japanese Chins shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Mudi?
- Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Mudi
- Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Japanese Chin or the Mudi?
- Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Mudis?
- Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Japanese Chin versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Japanese Chin Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin or the Mudi.
Japanese Chin versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the Japanese Chin and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Chin is a tiny-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Japanese Chin 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.
Japanese Chin versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Mudi
| Factor | Japanese Chin | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 4 to 9 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1930 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2100 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Chin is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Japanese Chin!
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 Japanese Chin and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Japanese Chin and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Japanese Chin and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Japanese Chin and the Mudi
The Japanese Chin and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Chin and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Chin versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Chin and the Mudi.
Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 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 Japanese Chin versus Mudi
The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins.
Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Japanese Chin is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 5 Japanese Chins and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Japanese Chin.
4 health tests are recommended for Japanese Chin while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Japanese Chins and in Mudis.
Japanese Chin Health Problems
Japanese Chins are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chins for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Japanese Chin ranks 1 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 50 Japanese Chins, 5 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Japanese Chins, and how common these diseases are in Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Japanese Chin and the Mudi:
| Disease | Japanese Chin Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 1 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Gm2-Gangliosidosis problems | 1 out of 2 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 7 out of 145 dog breeds | 38 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 13 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 44 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| 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: Japanese Chin versus Mudi
Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Japanese Chins shed more than Mudis?
Japanese Chins shed moderately.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Japanese Chin or the Mudi
Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Chin or the Mudi?
Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the Japanese Chin Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Japanese Chins have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Japanese Chins Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Chin vs. Mudi
Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Japanese Chins 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 Japanese Chin or the Mudi?
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Japanese Chins good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Japanese Chins and Mudis?
Japanese Chins get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Japanese Chin Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the Japanese Chin Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Chin or the Mudi?
Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Chin
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin:
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 Japanese Chin and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Japanese Chin and of the Mudi to other breeds:
Japanese Chin Versus Other Dog Breeds
Japanese Chin versus Saint Berdoodle Japanese Chin versus Labrador Retriever Japanese Chin versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Japanese Chin versus Dogue de Bordeaux Japanese Chin versus Norfolk Terrier Japanese Chin versus Cockalier Japanese Chin versus Shiba Inu Japanese Chin versus Afghan Hound Japanese Chin versus Shiranian Japanese Chin versus Bich Poo Japanese Chin versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Japanese Chin versus Australian Cattle Dog Japanese Chin versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Japanese Chin versus Shichon Japanese Chin versus Cavapoo Japanese Chin versus Harrier Japanese Chin versus Border Terrier Japanese Chin versus Mudi Japanese Chin versus Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Chin versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Japanese Chin versus Bichon Frise Japanese Chin versus Borzoi Japanese Chin versus Pyredoodle Japanese Chin versus Puggle Japanese Chin versus Affenpinscher
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus English Springer Spaniel Mudi versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Mudi versus Coton de Tulear Mudi versus Estrela Mountain Dog Mudi versus American Foxhound Mudi versus Saint Bernard Mudi versus Black Mouth Cur Mudi versus Icelandic Sheepdog Mudi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Mudi versus Sheepadoodle Mudi versus Gordon Setter Mudi versus Clumber Spaniel Mudi versus Lagotto Romagnolo Mudi versus Schipperke Mudi versus Whippet Mudi versus Shiloh Shepherd Mudi versus Peek A Poo Mudi versus Puggle Mudi versus Fila Brasileiro Mudi versus Papipoo Mudi versus Newfoundland Mudi versus Flat-Coated Retriever Mudi versus Miniature Poodle Mudi versus Kerry Blue Terrier Mudi versus American Water Spaniel
Conclusion: Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin and the Mudi better suits you and your family.