A Detailed Comparison of the Mudi and the Skye Terrier.

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Mudi Versus Skye Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Mudi versus Skye Terrier: Overview

Both the Mudi and the Skye Terrier are similar in size. The Mudi and the Skye 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 Skye 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 Skye Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mudi to the Skye 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 Skye Terrier

Factor Mudi Skye Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Height 14 to 20 inches 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 18 to 29 pounds 25 to 40 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
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 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
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 3/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $2000 – $2000
Average Price No Data $2000
Temperament Score 40.0 percent 37.5 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
  • No Data

    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 Skye 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 Skye Terrier is 82 out of 125.

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

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

  • Mudis are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Skye Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Mudis are very easy to train. However, Skye Terriers are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Skye Terrier

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Skye Terriers weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Skye Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mudi versus Skye Terrier

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

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

    Temperament of the Skye Terrier Versus the Mudi

    The Mudi has a better temperament than the Skye Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Mudi is 40.0 percent while the temperament score for the Skye Terrier is 37.5 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 37.5 percent, the Skye Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Skye Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 8 Skye Terriers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Mudi versus Skye Terrier

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Skye Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mudis shed more than Skye Terriers?

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Skye Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Skye Terrier

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Skye Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Skye Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Skye 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.

    Skye Terriers 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 Skye Terriers?

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

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

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

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Skye Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Skye Terrier

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

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

    Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Skye Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Skye Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Skye Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Skye Terriers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Skye Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Skye Terrier?

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Skye Terriers are not easy to train.

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

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Skye Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

    Skye Terriers 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:

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

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

  • Lakeland Terrier (78 percent match with Skye Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Mudi versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Mudi versus Lancashire Heeler     Mudi versus Schnoodle     Mudi versus Shih Tzu     Mudi versus Tibetan Terrier     Mudi versus Bolognese     Mudi versus Kai Ken     Mudi versus Carolina Dog     Mudi versus Pekingese     Mudi versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Mudi versus Xoloitzcuintli     Mudi versus Skye Terrier     Mudi versus Field Spaniel     Mudi versus American Hairless Terrier     Mudi versus Dalmatian     Mudi versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Mudi versus Chihuahua     Mudi versus Morkie     Mudi versus Yorkshire Terrier     Mudi versus American Hairless Terrier     Mudi versus Maltese     Mudi versus Berger Picard     Mudi versus Yorkipoo     Mudi versus Belgian Malinois     

    Skye Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Skye Terrier versus Ibizan Hound     Skye Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Skye Terrier versus Pomeranian     Skye Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Skye Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Skye Terrier versus Affenpinscher     Skye Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Canaan Dog     Skye Terrier versus Mastiff     Skye Terrier versus Basset Hound     Skye Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Skye Terrier versus French Spaniel     Skye Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Skye Terrier versus Samoyed     Skye Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     Skye Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Skye Terrier versus Cane Corso     Skye Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Skye Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Skye Terrier versus Newfoundland     Skye Terrier versus Akita     Skye Terrier versus Cockalier     Skye Terrier versus Pomchi     Skye Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Skye Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     

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