Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maltese Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Maltese versus Mudi: Overview
- Maltese versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Maltese versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Mudi
- Do Malteses shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Mudi?
- Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Mudi
- Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Mudi?
- Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Mudis?
- Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maltese versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maltese Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese or the Mudi.
Maltese versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the Maltese and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maltese is a tiny-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Maltese 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.
Maltese versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maltese 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 Maltese and the Mudi
| Factor | Maltese | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 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 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| Weight | Up to 7 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2580 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 82.4 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 Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Maltese!
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 Maltese and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Maltese and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Mudi
The Maltese and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maltese and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltese and the Mudi.
Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 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 Maltese versus Mudi
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
Malteses live longer than Mudis.
Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Mudi
The Maltese has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Maltese is 82.4 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 82.4 percent, the Maltese 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 Maltese and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 17 Malteses and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Maltese.
3 health tests are recommended for Maltese while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Malteses and in Mudis.
Maltese Health Problems
Malteses are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Maltese 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 Maltese puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Maltese 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 Malteses for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Malteses 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 Malteses 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 Maltese Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Maltese ranks 6 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 155 Malteses, 2 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Malteses, and how common these diseases are in Malteses 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 Maltese and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maltese and the Mudi:
| Disease | Maltese Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 6 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 16 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 41 out of 145 dog breeds | 38 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 98 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 139 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 99 out of 144 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: Maltese versus Mudi
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Malteses shed more than Mudis?
Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Mudi
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Mudi?
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Malteses 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 Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Malteses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Mudi
Malteses 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 Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Malteses 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 Maltese or the Mudi?
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Malteses 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 Malteses and Mudis?
Malteses 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 Maltese Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Malteses are very easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maltese or the Mudi?
Malteses are very good for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maltese 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 Maltese:
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 Maltese and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maltese and of the Mudi to other breeds:
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Flat-Coated Retriever Maltese versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Maltese versus Portuguese Pointer Maltese versus Saint Bernard Maltese versus Dogue de Bordeaux Maltese versus Shihpoo Maltese versus Japanese Chin Maltese versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Maltese versus Kishu Ken Maltese versus English Springer Spaniel Maltese versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Maltese versus Saint Bernard Maltese versus Pug Maltese versus Valley Bulldog Maltese versus Bichon Frise Maltese versus Black Russian Terrier Maltese versus American Pit Bull Terrier Maltese versus Coton de Tulear Maltese versus Black and Tan Coonhound Maltese versus Chi-Poo Maltese versus Golden Cocker Retriever Maltese versus Papillon Maltese versus Havanese Maltese versus Biewer Terrier Maltese versus Scottish Deerhound
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Mudi versus Saint Berdoodle Mudi versus Peek A Poo Mudi versus Pekingese Mudi versus Saluki Mudi versus Boerboel Mudi versus Cavachon Mudi versus Pharaoh Hound Mudi versus Giant Schnauzer Mudi versus Italian Greyhound Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier Mudi versus Mountain Cur Mudi versus Ibizan Hound Mudi versus Kooikerhondje Mudi versus Lhasa Apso Mudi versus Boxer Mudi versus Jack Russell Terrier Mudi versus Canaan Dog Mudi versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Mudi versus German Shepherd Dog Mudi versus Clumber Spaniel Mudi versus Australian Terrier Mudi versus Hovawart Mudi versus Sheepadoodle Mudi versus Estrela Mountain Dog
Conclusion: Maltese 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 Maltese and the Mudi better suits you and your family.