Breed Comparison: Mudi Versus Scottish Terrier

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Mudi Versus Scottish Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier. 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 Scottish Terrier.

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 Scottish Terrier.

Mudi versus Scottish Terrier: Overview

Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier are similar in size. The Mudi and the Scottish Terrier are both small-sized dogs.

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 Scottish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Mudi versus Scottish Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mudi to the Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier

Factor Mudi Scottish Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 11 to 13 years
Height 14 to 20 inches Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 18 to 29 pounds 18 to 22 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
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 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $1398 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1750
Temperament Score 40.0 percent 65.7 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
  • OFA
  • Patellar Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • 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 Scottish Terrier. 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 Scottish Terrier is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Scottish Terrier is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Scottish Terrier!

    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 Scottish Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier are most different:

  • Mudis are very easy to train. However, Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier

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

  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Scottish Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier.

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

    On the other hand, Scottish Terriers weigh 18 to 22 pounds when fully grown. Scottish Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mudi versus Scottish Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Scottish Terriers is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Scottish Terriers is 12.0 years.

    Mudis live longer than Scottish Terriers.

    Temperament of the Scottish Terrier Versus the Mudi

    The Scottish Terrier has a better temperament than the Mudi.

    This is because the temperament score for the Scottish Terrier is 65.7 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 65.7 percent, the Scottish Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 35 Scottish Terriers.

    Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Scottish Terrier

    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 Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Scottish Terrier.

    10 health tests are recommended for Mudi while 3 tests are recommended for the Scottish Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Mudis and in Scottish Terriers.

    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.

    Scottish Terrier Health Problems

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

  • OFA
  • Patellar Luxation
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Scottish Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and Scottish Terriers

    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 Scottish Terrier Breed is Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems.

    This is because the Scottish Terrier ranks 2 out of 2 dog breeds for Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 244 Scottish Terriers, 0 of them had Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems.

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

  • Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems: Rank 2 out of 2 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 30 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 54 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 79 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in Scottish Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the Scottish Terrier:

    Disease Mudi Rank Scottish Terrier Rank
    Patella problems 38 out of 145 dog breeds 30 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 99 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 145 out of 198 dog breeds Not Common
    Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems Not Common 2 out of 2 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 54 out of 115 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 79 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 Scottish Terrier

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Scottish Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Mudis shed more than Scottish Terriers?

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Scottish Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Scottish Terrier

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Scottish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Scottish Terrier?

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Scottish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Scottish Terrier?

    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.

    Scottish Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Scottish Terriers?

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

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

    Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Scottish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Scottish Terrier

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

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

    Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Scottish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Scottish Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Scottish Terrier?

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Scottish Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Scottish Terriers?

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

    Scottish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Scottish Terriers?

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

    Scottish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Scottish Terrier?

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Scottish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Mudi Better for Apartment Owners than the Scottish Terrier?

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Scottish Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mudi or the Scottish Terrier?

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Scottish Terrier 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 Scottish Terrier:

  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Scottish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Puli (79 percent match with Scottish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Puli.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Newfoundland     Mudi versus Basenji     Mudi versus Finnish Spitz     Mudi versus Gordon Setter     Mudi versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Mudi versus Biewer Terrier     Mudi versus Doberman Pinscher     Mudi versus American Hairless Terrier     Mudi versus Black Russian Terrier     Mudi versus Akita Chow     Mudi versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Mudi versus Bull Terrier     Mudi versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Mudi versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Mudi versus Irish Water Spaniel     Mudi versus Saluki     Mudi versus American Eskimo Dog     Mudi versus Brussels Griffon     Mudi versus Valley Bulldog     Mudi versus Barbet     Mudi versus French Bulldog     Mudi versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Mudi versus German Longhaired Pointer     Mudi versus Italian Greyhound     Mudi versus Australian Cattle Dog     

    Scottish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Scottish Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Scottish Terrier versus French Bulldog     Scottish Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Scottish Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Scottish Terrier versus French Bulldog     Scottish Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Scottish Terrier versus Cockapoo     Scottish Terrier versus Akbash     Scottish Terrier versus Harrier     Scottish Terrier versus Borzoi     Scottish Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Scottish Terrier versus Afador     Scottish Terrier versus Azawakh     Scottish Terrier versus Kishu Ken     Scottish Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Scottish Terrier versus Beaglier     Scottish Terrier versus Goldador     Scottish Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Scottish Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Scottish Terrier versus Bich Poo     Scottish Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Scottish Terrier versus Chow Chow     

    Conclusion: Mudi versus Scottish Terrier. 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 Scottish Terrier better suits you and your family.