Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Mudi Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Mudi versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
- Mudi versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Mudi versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Shetland Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Shetland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Mudi versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Do Mudis shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Shetland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Shetland Sheepdog
- Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Mudi versus Shetland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Mudi Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog? 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
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 Shetland Sheepdog.
Mudi versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
Both the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog are similar in size. The Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog are Herding Dogs. This means both the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Mudi to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog
Factor | Mudi | Shetland Sheepdog |
---|---|---|
Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
Height | 14 to 20 inches | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
Weight | 18 to 29 pounds | Starts at 20 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 | 4/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
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 | 2/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
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 | 5/5 |
Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
Price Range | No Data | $1000 – $2000 |
Average Price | No Data | $1590 |
Temperament Score | 40.0 percent | 68.9 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shetland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Shetland Sheepdog!
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 Shetland Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog
The Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Shetland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Mudi versus Shetland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.
Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Mudis.
Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Shetland Sheepdog is 68.9 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 68.9 percent, the Shetland Sheepdog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.
Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Shetland Sheepdog
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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Shetland Sheepdog.
10 health tests are recommended for Mudi while 4 tests are recommended for the Shetland Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Mudis and in Shetland Sheepdogs.
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.
Shetland Sheepdog Health Problems
Shetland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shetland Sheepdogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and Shetland Sheepdogs
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 Shetland Sheepdog Breed is Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
This is because the Shetland Sheepdog ranks 3 out of 7 dog breeds for Collie Eye Anomaly problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 633 Shetland Sheepdogs, 5 of them had Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Shetland Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Shetland Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in Shetland Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the Shetland Sheepdog:
Disease | Mudi Rank | Shetland Sheepdog Rank |
---|---|---|
Patella problems | 38 out of 145 dog breeds | 89 out of 145 dog breeds |
Elbow problems | 99 out of 144 dog breeds | 101 out of 144 dog breeds |
Hips problems | 145 out of 198 dog breeds | 166 out of 198 dog breeds |
Collie Eye Anomaly problems | Not Common | 3 out of 7 dog breeds |
Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems | Not Common | 4 out of 7 dog breeds |
Thyroid problems | Not Common | 5 out of 115 dog breeds |
Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 6 out of 49 dog breeds |
Von Willebrands problems | Not Common | 6 out of 15 dog breeds |
Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 46 out of 70 dog breeds |
Eyes problems | Not Common | 122 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 Shetland Sheepdog
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Mudis shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
Mudis shed moderately.
Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Shetland Sheepdog
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Shetland Sheepdog
Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shetland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Shetland Sheepdogs?
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Mudis are very easy to train.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Mudi Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mudi or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Mudi and how the Shetland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Mudi and of the Shetland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Belgian Tervuren Mudi versus Braque du Bourbonnais Mudi versus Bolognese Mudi versus Schnoodle Mudi versus Cockapoo Mudi versus Australian Kelpie Mudi versus Bich Poo Mudi versus Chinese Shar-Pei Mudi versus Black and Tan Coonhound Mudi versus Yorkshire Terrier Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Mudi versus American Pit Bull Terrier Mudi versus Brussels Griffon Mudi versus Chinese Shar-Pei Mudi versus Newfoundland Mudi versus Pomchi Mudi versus German Shepherd Dog Mudi versus Standard Schnauzer Mudi versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Mudi versus Collie Mudi versus Basset Hound Mudi versus German Wirehaired Pointer Mudi versus Brussels Griffon Mudi versus Stabyhoun Mudi versus Sealyham Terrier
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdog versus Boxer Shetland Sheepdog versus Boxerdoodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken Shetland Sheepdog versus Bloodhound Shetland Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Shetland Sheepdog versus Labradoodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Boerboel Shetland Sheepdog versus Borzoi Shetland Sheepdog versus Beagle Shetland Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Yorkshire Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Labradoodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Boykin Spaniel Shetland Sheepdog versus Maltipoo Shetland Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shetland Sheepdog versus American Foxhound Shetland Sheepdog versus Gordon Setter Shetland Sheepdog versus Shichon Shetland Sheepdog versus Lakeland Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomsky Shetland Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier
Conclusion: Mudi versus Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.