Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Labrador Retriever Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Labrador Retriever versus Mudi: Overview
- Labrador Retriever versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Labrador Retriever and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Labrador Retriever versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Labrador Retriever Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of Labrador Retriever versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Labrador Retriever versus Mudi
- Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Mudi?
- Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Mudi
- Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Labrador Retriever or the Mudi?
- Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Labrador Retrievers and Mudis?
- Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Labrador Retriever versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Labrador Retriever Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever or the Mudi.
Labrador Retriever versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the Labrador Retriever and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Labrador Retriever is a large-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Labrador Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
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.
Labrador Retriever versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Mudi
| Factor | Labrador Retriever | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 |
| Weight | 55 to 80 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1290 | No Data |
| Price Range | $850 – $1500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 92.2 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mudi is a better pet than the Labrador Retriever. So, you should get the Mudi!
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 Labrador Retriever and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Labrador Retriever and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Mudi
The Labrador Retriever and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Labrador Retriever and the Mudi.
Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labrador Retriever versus Mudi
The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
Mudis live longer than Labrador Retrievers.
Temperament of the Labrador Retriever Versus the Mudi
The Labrador Retriever has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Labrador Retriever is 92.2 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 92.2 percent, the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 842 Labrador Retrievers and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Labrador Retriever.
8 health tests are recommended for Labrador Retriever while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Labrador Retrievers and in Mudis.
Labrador Retriever Health Problems
Labrador Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retrievers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever Breed is Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems.
This is because the Labrador Retriever ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 87 Labrador Retrievers, 0 of them had Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Labrador Retrievers, and how common these diseases are in Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Labrador Retriever and the Mudi:
| Disease | Labrador Retriever Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| D Locus problems | 1 out of 3 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Copper Toxicosis problems | 2 out of 2 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Exercise Induced Collapse problems | 3 out of 6 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 8 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 13 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 16 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 25 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 29 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 39 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 41 out of 144 dog breeds | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 66 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 76 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 78 out of 145 dog breeds | 38 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 103 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 119 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
*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: Labrador Retriever versus Mudi
Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Mudis?
Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Mudi
Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Mudi?
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Labrador Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Mudi
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever or the Mudi?
Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers and Mudis?
Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the Labrador Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Labrador Retriever or the Mudi?
Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever:
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 Labrador Retriever and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Labrador Retriever and of the Mudi to other breeds:
Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Labrador Retriever versus Cocker Spaniel Labrador Retriever versus Black and Tan Coonhound Labrador Retriever versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Labrador Retriever versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Labrador Retriever versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Labrador Retriever versus Ibizan Hound Labrador Retriever versus Border Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Goldendoodle Labrador Retriever versus Havanese Labrador Retriever versus Pyrenean Mastiff Labrador Retriever versus Portuguese Water Dog Labrador Retriever versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Labrador Retriever versus Xoloitzcuintli Labrador Retriever versus Akita Labrador Retriever versus Shiloh Shepherd Labrador Retriever versus Newfoundland Labrador Retriever versus Lowchen Labrador Retriever versus English Springer Spaniel Labrador Retriever versus Patterdale Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Cane Corso Labrador Retriever versus Australian Kelpie Labrador Retriever versus Tibetan Mastiff Labrador Retriever versus Shih Tzu Labrador Retriever versus Bernedoodle Labrador Retriever versus Cane Corso
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Valley Bulldog Mudi versus Papipoo Mudi versus Kooikerhondje Mudi versus Cesky Terrier Mudi versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Mudi versus Bich Poo Mudi versus Havanese Mudi versus Maltipoo Mudi versus German Wirehaired Pointer Mudi versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Mudi versus Hovawart Mudi versus Spinone Italiano Mudi versus Catahoula Bulldog Mudi versus Kooikerhondje Mudi versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Mudi versus Australian Shepherd Mudi versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Mudi versus French Bulldog Mudi versus Pomchi Mudi versus Curly-Coated Retriever Mudi versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Mudi versus Norwegian Lundehund Mudi versus Great Dane Mudi versus Komondor Mudi versus Toy Poodle
Conclusion: Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Mudi better suits you and your family.