A Detailed Comparison of the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

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Mudi Versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Mudi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Overview

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

The table below compares the Mudi to the Staffordshire Bull 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Factor Mudi Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Height 14 to 20 inches 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 18 to 29 pounds 24 to 38 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $2425
Average Price No Data $1890
Temperament Score 40.0 percent 90.9 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
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – min age 1 year
  • Hereditary Cataracts DNA Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • L2HGA DNA Test
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Staffordshire Bull 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mudi is a better pet than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 Staffordshire Bull 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

  • Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Staffordshire Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Mudis are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Mudis are good for new dog owners. However, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Mudis are very easy to train. However, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

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

    On the other hand, Staffordshire Bull Terriers weigh 24 to 38 pounds when fully grown. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mudi versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

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

    Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Mudi.

    This is because the temperament score for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 90.9 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 90.9 percent, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 143 Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

    Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Staffordshire Bull 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 Staffordshire Bull 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

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

    10 health tests are recommended for Mudi while 7 tests are recommended for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Mudis and in Staffordshire Bull 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.

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – min age 1 year
  • Hereditary Cataracts DNA Test
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • L2HGA DNA Test
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Staffordshire Bull Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and Staffordshire Bull 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.

    This is because the Staffordshire Bull Terrier ranks 17 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 51 Staffordshire Bull Terriers, 1 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.

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

  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 17 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 21 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 23 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 69 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 105 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 126 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier:

    Disease Mudi Rank Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rank
    Patella problems 38 out of 145 dog breeds 126 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 99 out of 144 dog breeds 21 out of 144 dog breeds
    Hips problems 145 out of 198 dog breeds 69 out of 198 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 17 out of 71 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 23 out of 70 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 105 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mudis shed more than Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Staffordshire Bull 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.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Staffordshire Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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

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

    Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Staffordshire Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

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

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Staffordshire Bull Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Mudi Better for Apartment Owners than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Staffordshire Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Boxer (71 percent match with Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Boxer.
  • Schipperke (72 percent match with Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Schipperke.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Fila Brasileiro     Mudi versus Chow Chow     Mudi versus Papillon     Mudi versus Weimaraner     Mudi versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Mudi versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Mudi versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Mudi versus Labrador Retriever     Mudi versus Australian Terrier     Mudi versus Australian Shepherd     Mudi versus Saint Bernard     Mudi versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Mudi versus Portuguese Pointer     Mudi versus Keeshond     Mudi versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Mudi versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Mudi versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Mudi versus Fila Brasileiro     Mudi versus Mountain Cur     Mudi versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Mudi versus Dogo Argentino     Mudi versus Toy Fox Terrier     Mudi versus Mountain Cur     Mudi versus Standard Poodle     Mudi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Shiranian     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Puli     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Maltese     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Weimaraner     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Basset Hound     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Lowchen     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Cockalier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Pomeranian     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Newfoundland     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Afador     Staffordshire Bull Terrier versus Papillon     

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