Differences and Similarities between the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

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Mudi Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.

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 Pyrenean Shepherd.

Mudi versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview

Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd are similar in size. The Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd are Herding Dogs. This means both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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.

Mudi versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mudi to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

Factor Mudi Pyrenean Shepherd
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 15 to 17 years
Height 14 to 20 inches 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 18 to 29 pounds 25 to 30 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 16.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Temperament Score 40.0 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • WSU VCPL
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mudi is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:

  • Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Shepherds adapt well to apartment living.
  • Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Mudis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Pyrenean Shepherds do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Mudis are very easy to train. However, Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mudi versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.

    Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Mudis.

    Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Pyrenean Shepherd

    The Pyrenean Shepherd has a better temperament than the Mudi.

    This is because the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 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 40.0 percent, the Mudi has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 4 Pyrenean Shepherds.

    Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd

    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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    10 health tests are recommended for Mudi while 5 tests are recommended for the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Mudis and in Pyrenean Shepherds.

    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.

    Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and Pyrenean Shepherds

    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
  • 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 Pyrenean Shepherd Breed is Dentition Database problems.

    This is because the Pyrenean Shepherd ranks 24 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 79 Pyrenean Shepherds, 4 of them had Dentition Database problems.

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

  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 24 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 27 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 44 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 71 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 72 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in Pyrenean Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the Pyrenean Shepherd:

    Disease Mudi Rank Pyrenean Shepherd Rank
    Patella problems 38 out of 145 dog breeds 72 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 99 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 145 out of 198 dog breeds 71 out of 198 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems Not Common 24 out of 49 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 27 out of 159 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 44 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mudis shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    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.

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

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

    Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Pyrenean Shepherd

    Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Pyrenean Shepherds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Is the Mudi Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mudi or the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs 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:

  • Alaskan Klee Kai (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd vs German Pinscher.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd:

  • Cairn Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Mudi versus Dogo Argentino     Mudi versus Toy Fox Terrier     Mudi versus Saint Berdoodle     Mudi versus Finnish Spitz     Mudi versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Mudi versus Leonberger     Mudi versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Mudi versus Portuguese Water Dog     Mudi versus Shih Tzu     Mudi versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Mudi versus Peek A Poo     Mudi versus Clumber Spaniel     Mudi versus Dachshund     Mudi versus Irish Water Spaniel     Mudi versus Brussels Griffon     Mudi versus Briard     Mudi versus Chow Chow     Mudi versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Mudi versus Sloughi     Mudi versus Spinone Italiano     Mudi versus Whippet     Mudi versus Pomsky     Mudi versus Maltipoo     Mudi versus King Shepherd     

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Akita     Pyrenean Shepherd versus American Water Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Schnoodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Mudi     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bracco Italiano     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Briard     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Boston Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Boerboel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dalmatian     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus English Toy Spaniel     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kuvasz     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lowchen     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Biewer Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Valley Bulldog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pharaoh Hound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Boxer     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kishu Ken     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Maltese     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Azawakh     

    Conclusion: Mudi versus Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.