Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Mudi Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Mudis shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Mudi Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog? 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 Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Mudi and for the Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Mudi or the Portuguese Water Dog.
Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mudi is a small-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Portuguese Water Dog 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.
Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Mudi to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Mudi | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Height | 14 to 20 inches | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Weight | 18 to 29 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $2500 – $3300 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2860 |
| Temperament Score | 40.0 percent | 77.9 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 Mudi 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Mudi is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Portuguese Water Dog!
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 Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog.
Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
Mudis live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Mudi
The Portuguese Water Dog has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 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 40.0 percent, the Mudi has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
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 Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Mudi.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Mudi.
10 health tests are recommended for Mudi while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Mudis and in Portuguese Water Dogs.
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.
Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems
Portuguese Water Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and Portuguese Water Dogs
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:
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 Portuguese Water Dog Breed is Early Onset Pra problems.
This is because the Portuguese Water Dog ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Early Onset Pra problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 788 Portuguese Water Dogs, 0 of them had Early Onset Pra problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Portuguese Water Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Portuguese Water Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in Portuguese Water Dog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog:
| Disease | Mudi Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 38 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 99 out of 144 dog breeds | 111 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 145 out of 198 dog breeds | 94 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Early Onset Pra problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 15 out of 32 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 59 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 140 out of 182 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: Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Mudis shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Mudis shed moderately.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Portuguese Water Dog
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
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.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Mudis are very easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Mudi Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mudi or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
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 Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Mudi and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Mudi and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Scottish Terrier Mudi versus Australian Terrier Mudi versus Barbet Mudi versus Ibizan Hound Mudi versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Mudi versus Standard Schnauzer Mudi versus Dogue de Bordeaux Mudi versus Collie Mudi versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Mudi versus French Bulldog Mudi versus Border Terrier Mudi versus Japanese Spitz Mudi versus Saluki Mudi versus Goldendoodle Mudi versus Beagle Mudi versus Akita Mudi versus Fila Brasileiro Mudi versus Leonberger Mudi versus Maltese Mudi versus Irish Wolfhound Mudi versus Papipoo Mudi versus Cockapoo Mudi versus Dachshund Mudi versus Cavachon Mudi versus Chinese Crested
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Kishu Ken Portuguese Water Dog versus Borzoi Portuguese Water Dog versus English Setter Portuguese Water Dog versus Alaskan Malamute Portuguese Water Dog versus Clumber Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Bull Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog versus Norwich Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Bordoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Spanish Mastiff Portuguese Water Dog versus Shihpoo Portuguese Water Dog versus Great Dane Portuguese Water Dog versus Basset Hound Portuguese Water Dog versus Hovawart Portuguese Water Dog versus Collie Portuguese Water Dog versus Carolina Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Portuguese Water Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Portuguese Water Dog versus Japanese Spitz Portuguese Water Dog versus Black and Tan Coonhound Portuguese Water Dog versus Spanish Mastiff Portuguese Water Dog versus Bordoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Plott Portuguese Water Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog
Conclusion: Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Mudi and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.