Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Mudi Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
- Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
- Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Lifespan of Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Tolerates Being Alone: Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Do Mudis shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which One is a Better Pet?
Mudi Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
A very important difference between the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mudi is a small-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-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 Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Mudi to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
| Factor | Mudi | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Height | 14 to 20 inches | 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 18 to 29 pounds | 70 to 85 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| 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 | 11.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1250 – $1900 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1620 |
| Temperament Score | 40.0 percent | 84.2 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mudi is a better pet than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Below is a list of where the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:
The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.
Mudis live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Mudi
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 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 84.2 percent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
10 health tests are recommended for Mudi while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Mudis and in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and Rhodesian Ridgebacks
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranks 11 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 6564 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, 636 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and how common these diseases are in Rhodesian Ridgebacks relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in Rhodesian Ridgeback and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the Rhodesian Ridgeback:
| Disease | Mudi Rank | Rhodesian Ridgeback Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 38 out of 145 dog breeds | 97 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 99 out of 144 dog breeds | 56 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 145 out of 198 dog breeds | 168 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 11 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 15 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 31 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 32 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 48 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 102 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Do Mudis shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Mudis shed moderately.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
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.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Mudis are very easy to train.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Is the Mudi Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mudi or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Mudi and how the Rhodesian Ridgeback compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Mudi and of the Rhodesian Ridgeback to other breeds:
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Field Spaniel Mudi versus Siberian Husky Mudi versus Alaskan Malamute Mudi versus Bulldog Mudi versus Dalmatian Mudi versus Airedale Terrier Mudi versus Black Mouth Cur Mudi versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mudi versus Kuvasz Mudi versus Miniature Poodle Mudi versus Norwegian Lundehund Mudi versus Azawakh Mudi versus Miniature Schnauzer Mudi versus Yorkshire Terrier Mudi versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Mudi versus Chinese Crested Mudi versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Mudi versus Pomeranian Mudi versus Hovawart Mudi versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Mudi versus German Pinscher Mudi versus Border Terrier Mudi versus Spinone Italiano Mudi versus Kuvasz Mudi versus Border Collie
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Afghan Hound Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bearded Collie Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Affenpinscher Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shiranian Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Vizsla Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Finnish Lapphund Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Beagle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Shorthaired Pointer Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Irish Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Chinese Crested Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bolognese Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Shepherd Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus American Bulldog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Westiepoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cavapoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Norwich Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Gordon Setter Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cocker Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Basset Hound Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Papipoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Whoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Shepherd Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Dalmatian Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Dachshund
Conclusion: Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.