Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Leonberger Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Leonberger versus Mudi: Overview
- Leonberger versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Leonberger versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of Leonberger versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Mudi
- Do Leonbergers shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Mudi?
- Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Mudi
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Mudi?
- Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Mudis?
- Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Leonberger versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Leonberger Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger or the Mudi.
Leonberger versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the Leonberger and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Leonberger is a giant-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Leonberger belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
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.
Leonberger versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Mudi
| Factor | Leonberger | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Weight | 120 to 170 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $870 | No Data |
| Price Range | $300 – $1150 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 96.0 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger is 63 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Leonberger and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Mudi
The Leonberger and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Leonberger and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Leonberger and the Mudi.
Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 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 Leonberger versus Mudi
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers.
Temperament of the Leonberger Versus the Mudi
The Leonberger has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 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 96.0 percent, the Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 25 Leonbergers and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 the same number of genetic health problems as the Leonberger.
10 health tests are recommended for Leonberger while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Leonbergers and in Mudis.
Leonberger Health Problems
Leonbergers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Leonberger 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 Leonberger puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Leonberger 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 Leonbergers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers 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 Leonberger Breed is Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems.
This is because the Leonberger ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1600 Leonbergers, 22 of them had Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Leonbergers, and how common these diseases are in Leonbergers 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 Leonberger and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Leonberger and the Mudi:
| Disease | Leonberger Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2 problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 20 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 34 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 38 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 41 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 74 out of 144 dog breeds | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 83 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: Leonberger versus Mudi
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Leonbergers shed more than Mudis?
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Mudi
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Mudi?
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Mudi
Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Leonbergers 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 Leonberger or the Mudi?
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers and Mudis?
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Leonberger or the Mudi?
Leonbergers 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 Leonberger
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger:
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 Leonberger and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Leonberger and of the Mudi to other breeds:
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Cane Corso Leonberger versus Border Collie Leonberger versus King Shepherd Leonberger versus Korean Jindo Dog Leonberger versus Skye Terrier Leonberger versus Boston Terrier Leonberger versus Maltese Leonberger versus Coton de Tulear Leonberger versus Beagle Leonberger versus American Staffordshire Terrier Leonberger versus Whippet Leonberger versus Aussiedoodle Leonberger versus French Spaniel Leonberger versus Alaskan Malamute Leonberger versus Boxer Leonberger versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Leonberger versus Korean Jindo Dog Leonberger versus Coton de Tulear Leonberger versus Mudi Leonberger versus Kishu Ken Leonberger versus Redbone Coonhound Leonberger versus Korean Jindo Dog Leonberger versus Shichon Leonberger versus Hovawart Leonberger versus American Water Spaniel
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Scottish Terrier Mudi versus Spanish Mastiff Mudi versus Hovawart Mudi versus Kishu Ken Mudi versus Swedish Vallhund Mudi versus Bull Terrier Mudi versus Neapolitan Mastiff Mudi versus Pyredoodle Mudi versus Cavachon Mudi versus Brussels Griffon Mudi versus Cairn Terrier Mudi versus Swedish Vallhund Mudi versus Cockapoo Mudi versus American Hairless Terrier Mudi versus Yorkshire Terrier Mudi versus English Springer Spaniel Mudi versus Flat-Coated Retriever Mudi versus Bouvier des Flandres Mudi versus Briard Mudi versus Cockalier Mudi versus Lagotto Romagnolo Mudi versus Brittany Mudi versus Collie Mudi versus Xoloitzcuintli Mudi versus Brussels Griffon
Conclusion: Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Mudi better suits you and your family.