Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Mudi Versus Samoyed: Introduction
- Mudi versus Samoyed: Overview
- Mudi versus Samoyed: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Samoyed
- The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Samoyed
- Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Samoyed
- Lifespan of Mudi versus Samoyed
- Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Samoyed
- Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Samoyed
- Tolerates Being Alone: Mudi versus Samoyed
- Do Mudis shed more than Samoyeds?
- Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Samoyed
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Samoyed?
- Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Samoyed?
- Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Samoyeds?
- Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Samoyed
- Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Samoyed?
- Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Samoyeds?
- How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Samoyeds?
- Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Samoyed?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Samoyed
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Mudi versus Samoyed. Which One is a Better Pet?
Mudi Versus Samoyed: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Mudi and the Samoyed? 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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mudi and the Samoyed 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 Samoyed. 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 Samoyed.
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 Samoyed.
Mudi versus Samoyed: Overview
A very important difference between the Mudi and the Samoyed is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mudi is a small-sized dog while the Samoyed 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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Mudi to the Samoyed 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 Samoyed
| Factor | Mudi | Samoyed |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 14 to 20 inches | 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 18 to 29 pounds | 50 to 60 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| 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 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1500 – $3000 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2460 |
| Temperament Score | 40.0 percent | 80.3 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 Samoyed. 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 Samoyed is 71 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mudi is a better pet than the Samoyed. 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 Samoyed so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Samoyed
Below is a list of where the Mudi and the Samoyed are most different:
The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Samoyed
The Mudi and the Samoyed are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Mudi and the Samoyed are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Samoyed
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mudi and the Samoyed.
Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Samoyeds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Samoyeds are 1 foot, 7 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Mudi versus Samoyed
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Samoyeds is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Samoyeds is 13.0 years.
Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Samoyed
The Samoyed has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Samoyed is 80.3 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 80.3 percent, the Samoyed has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Samoyed by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 294 Samoyeds.
Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Samoyed
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 Samoyed 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 Samoyed.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Samoyed.
10 health tests are recommended for Mudi while 5 tests are recommended for the Samoyed.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Mudis and in Samoyeds.
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.
Samoyed Health Problems
Samoyeds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Samoyed 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 Samoyed puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Samoyed 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 Samoyeds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Samoyeds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and Samoyeds
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 Samoyed Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Samoyed ranks 46 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 486 Samoyeds, 1 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Samoyeds, and how common these diseases are in Samoyeds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in Samoyed and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the Samoyed:
| Disease | Mudi Rank | Samoyed Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 38 out of 145 dog breeds | 98 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 99 out of 144 dog breeds | 100 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 145 out of 198 dog breeds | 110 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 46 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 50 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 103 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 123 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 Samoyed
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Samoyeds do not like to be left alone.
Do Mudis shed more than Samoyeds?
Mudis shed moderately.
Samoyeds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Samoyed
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Samoyeds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Samoyed?
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Samoyeds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Samoyed?
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.
Samoyeds 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 Samoyeds?
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Samoyeds bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Samoyeds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Samoyeds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Samoyed
Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Samoyeds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Samoyeds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Samoyeds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Samoyed?
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Samoyeds get along very well with other dogs.
Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Samoyeds?
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Samoyeds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Samoyeds?
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Samoyeds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Samoyed?
Mudis are very easy to train.
Samoyeds are fairly easy to train.
Is the Mudi Better for Apartment Owners than the Samoyed?
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Samoyeds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mudi or the Samoyed?
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Samoyeds 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 Samoyed
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Samoyed 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 Samoyed:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Mudi and how the Samoyed compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Mudi and of the Samoyed to other breeds:
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Pharaoh Hound Mudi versus Dogue de Bordeaux Mudi versus Airedale Terrier Mudi versus Boston Terrier Mudi versus Sheepadoodle Mudi versus Chi-Poo Mudi versus Chinese Shar-Pei Mudi versus Pomeranian Mudi versus Clumber Spaniel Mudi versus Lagotto Romagnolo Mudi versus Cavachon Mudi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Mudi versus Pomsky Mudi versus Saluki Mudi versus Scottish Deerhound Mudi versus Pomchi Mudi versus Saluki Mudi versus Chinese Crested Mudi versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier Mudi versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Mudi versus Swedish Vallhund Mudi versus Irish Terrier Mudi versus Alaskan Malamute Mudi versus Azawakh
Samoyed Versus Other Dog Breeds
Samoyed versus Irish Water Spaniel Samoyed versus Westiepoo Samoyed versus Portuguese Pointer Samoyed versus Morkie Samoyed versus Komondor Samoyed versus Pomsky Samoyed versus Bedlington Terrier Samoyed versus Kerry Blue Terrier Samoyed versus French Bulldog Samoyed versus Belgian Sheepdog Samoyed versus Plott Samoyed versus Ibizan Hound Samoyed versus Kuvasz Samoyed versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Samoyed versus Standard Schnauzer Samoyed versus Barbet Samoyed versus Estrela Mountain Dog Samoyed versus Yorkipoo Samoyed versus Goldador Samoyed versus Neapolitan Mastiff Samoyed versus Irish Terrier Samoyed versus Goldador Samoyed versus Bolognese Samoyed versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Samoyed versus Sloughi
Conclusion: Mudi versus Samoyed. 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 Samoyed better suits you and your family.