Breed Comparison: Miniature Pinscher Versus Mudi

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Miniature Pinscher Versus Mudi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher or the Mudi.

Miniature Pinscher versus Mudi: Overview

A very important difference between the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Pinscher is a tiny-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Miniature Pinscher 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.

Miniature Pinscher versus Mudi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi

Factor Miniature Pinscher Mudi
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 20 inches
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 8 to 11 pounds 18 to 29 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1470 No Data
Price Range $825 – $1500 No Data
Temperament Score 82.5 percent 40.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PENNGEN
  • 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 Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher is 73 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 Miniature Pinscher. 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi

    Below is a list of where the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi are most different:

  • Miniature Pinschers adapt well to apartment living. However, Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Miniature Pinschers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Mudis are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • The Similarities Between the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi

    The Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi are most similar:

  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Miniature Pinscher versus Mudi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi.

    Miniature Pinschers weigh 8 to 11 pounds when fully grown. Miniature Pinschers are 10 to 12 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 Miniature Pinscher versus Mudi

    The lifespan of Miniature Pinschers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers.

    Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Miniature Pinscher

    The Miniature Pinscher has a better temperament than the Mudi.

    This is because the temperament score for the Miniature Pinscher is 82.5 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 82.5 percent, the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 57 Miniature Pinschers and 5 Mudis.

    Health Problems of Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Miniature Pinscher.

    3 health tests are recommended for Miniature Pinscher while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Pinschers and in Mudis.

    Miniature Pinscher Health Problems

    Miniature Pinschers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinschers for:

  • Clear By Parentage
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PENNGEN
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Miniature Pinschers 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:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • WSU VCPL
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Mudis here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinscher Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    This is because the Miniature Pinscher ranks 7 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 169 Miniature Pinschers, 2 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Miniature Pinschers, and how common these diseases are in Miniature Pinschers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 7 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 39 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 68 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 190 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Patella problems: Rank 38 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 99 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 145 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Pinscher and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi:

    Disease Miniature Pinscher Rank Mudi Rank
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems 7 out of 40 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 39 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 68 out of 145 dog breeds 38 out of 145 dog breeds
    Hips problems 190 out of 198 dog breeds 145 out of 198 dog breeds
    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: Miniature Pinscher versus Mudi

    Miniature Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Miniature Pinschers shed more than Mudis?

    Miniature Pinschers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Miniature Pinscher or the Mudi

    Miniature Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Pinscher or the Mudi?

    Miniature Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Does the Miniature Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?

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

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

    Can Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Miniature Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Pinscher vs. Mudi

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinscher or the Mudi?

    Miniature Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Miniature Pinschers good family dogs? What about Mudis?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinschers and Mudis?

    Miniature Pinschers 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 Miniature Pinscher Easier to Train than the Mudi?

    Miniature Pinschers are fairly easy to train.

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Is the Miniature Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?

    Miniature Pinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Pinscher or the Mudi?

    Miniature Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Miniature Pinscher

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher:

  • American Hairless Terrier (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Manchester Terrier (79 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Schipperke (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Schipperke.
  • 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 Miniature Pinscher vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Pinscher vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Pinscher vs German Pinscher.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Miniature Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Miniature Pinscher versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Miniature Pinscher versus Brittany     Miniature Pinscher versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Miniature Pinscher versus Lowchen     Miniature Pinscher versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Miniature Pinscher versus Australian Cattle Dog     Miniature Pinscher versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Miniature Pinscher versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Miniature Pinscher versus Alaskan Malamute     Miniature Pinscher versus Pomapoo     Miniature Pinscher versus Tibetan Mastiff     Miniature Pinscher versus Giant Schnauzer     Miniature Pinscher versus Yorkipoo     Miniature Pinscher versus Cairn Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Lowchen     Miniature Pinscher versus Belgian Malinois     Miniature Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle     Miniature Pinscher versus Bich Poo     Miniature Pinscher versus Cockalier     Miniature Pinscher versus Pointer     Miniature Pinscher versus Sheepadoodle     Miniature Pinscher versus Chinook     Miniature Pinscher versus Lakeland Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Berger Picard     Miniature Pinscher versus Briard     

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Harrier     Mudi versus Yorkipoo     Mudi versus Alaskan Malamute     Mudi versus Mountain Cur     Mudi versus German Pinscher     Mudi versus American Bulldog     Mudi versus Carolina Dog     Mudi versus Boykin Spaniel     Mudi versus Australian Shepherd     Mudi versus Mal Shi     Mudi versus Toy Fox Terrier     Mudi versus Vizsla     Mudi versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Mudi versus Keeshond     Mudi versus German Pinscher     Mudi versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Mudi versus Peek A Poo     Mudi versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Mudi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Mudi versus Standard Poodle     Mudi versus American Foxhound     Mudi versus Labrador Retriever     Mudi versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Mudi versus Dalmatian     Mudi versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     

    Conclusion: Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher and the Mudi better suits you and your family.