Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Mudi Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
- Mudi versus Shiba Inu: Overview
- Mudi versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Shiba Inu
- The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Shiba Inu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Shiba Inu
- Lifespan of Mudi versus Shiba Inu
- Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Mudi versus Shiba Inu
- Do Mudis shed more than Shiba Inus?
- Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Shiba Inu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Shiba Inu?
- Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
- Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
- Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Shiba Inu
- Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Shiba Inu?
- Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
- How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Shiba Inus?
- Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Mudi versus Shiba Inu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Mudi Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Mudi and the Shiba Inu? 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mudi and the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu.
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 Shiba Inu.
Mudi versus Shiba Inu: Overview
Both the Mudi and the Shiba Inu are similar in size. The Mudi and the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Mudi versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Mudi to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu
| Factor | Mudi | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Height | 14 to 20 inches | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 18 to 29 pounds | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1600 – $2500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2130 |
| Temperament Score | 40.0 percent | 67.9 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shiba Inu is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Shiba Inu!
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 Shiba Inu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Shiba Inu
Below is a list of where the Mudi and the Shiba Inu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Shiba Inu
The Mudi and the Shiba Inu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Mudi and the Shiba Inu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Shiba Inu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mudi and the Shiba Inu.
Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Mudi versus Shiba Inu
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.
Shiba Inus live longer than Mudis.
Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Mudi
The Shiba Inu has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Shiba Inu is 67.9 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 67.9 percent, the Shiba Inu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Shiba Inu by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 28 Shiba Inus.
Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu
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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Shiba Inu.
10 health tests are recommended for Mudi while 3 tests are recommended for the Shiba Inu.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Mudis and in Shiba Inus.
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.
Shiba Inu Health Problems
Shiba Inus are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inus for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiba Inus here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and Shiba Inus
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 Shiba Inu Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Shiba Inu ranks 22 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 200 Shiba Inus, 12 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Shiba Inus, and how common these diseases are in Shiba Inus relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in Shiba Inu and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the Shiba Inu:
| Disease | Mudi Rank | Shiba Inu Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 38 out of 145 dog breeds | 31 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 99 out of 144 dog breeds | 53 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 145 out of 198 dog breeds | 141 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 22 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 91 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 170 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 Shiba Inu
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Mudis shed more than Shiba Inus?
Mudis shed moderately.
Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Shiba Inu
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Shiba Inu?
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
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.
Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Shiba Inu
Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shiba Inus can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the Shiba Inu?
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Shiba Inus?
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
Mudis are very easy to train.
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Is the Mudi Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mudi or the Shiba Inu?
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Shiba Inus are very good 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 Shiba Inu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Mudi and how the Shiba Inu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Mudi and of the Shiba Inu to other breeds:
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Kooikerhondje Mudi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Mudi versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Mudi versus Bichon Frise Mudi versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Mudi versus Pharaoh Hound Mudi versus Chinese Crested Mudi versus Norwegian Buhund Mudi versus American Pit Bull Terrier Mudi versus Beaglier Mudi versus Lancashire Heeler Mudi versus Plott Mudi versus Bolognese Mudi versus Scottish Terrier Mudi versus Black Mouth Cur Mudi versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Mudi versus Keeshond Mudi versus Harrier Mudi versus Sheepadoodle Mudi versus Sloughi Mudi versus Pomapoo Mudi versus Maltese Mudi versus Shiloh Shepherd Mudi versus Lakeland Terrier Mudi versus Pug
Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu versus German Wirehaired Pointer Shiba Inu versus Shetland Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus Chinook Shiba Inu versus Vizsla Shiba Inu versus Cairn Terrier Shiba Inu versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Shiba Inu versus Flat-Coated Retriever Shiba Inu versus Yorkshire Terrier Shiba Inu versus Shih Tzu Shiba Inu versus Black Russian Terrier Shiba Inu versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Shiba Inu versus Black and Tan Coonhound Shiba Inu versus American Hairless Terrier Shiba Inu versus Pomchi Shiba Inu versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Shiba Inu versus Berger Picard Shiba Inu versus Bearded Collie Shiba Inu versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shiba Inu versus English Toy Spaniel Shiba Inu versus Maltese Shiba Inu versus Cavachon Shiba Inu versus Norwegian Buhund Shiba Inu versus Miniature Poodle Shiba Inu versus Chorkie
Conclusion: Mudi versus Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.