Mudi versus Tibetan Terrier. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Mudi Versus Tibetan Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Mudi versus Tibetan Terrier: Overview

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

The table below compares the Mudi to the Tibetan 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 Tibetan Terrier

Factor Mudi Tibetan Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Height 14 to 20 inches 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 18 to 29 pounds 20 to 24 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
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 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2100
Average Price No Data $1930
Temperament Score 40.0 percent 57.1 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
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Annual recertification REQUIRED
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • NEURONAL CEROID LIPOFUSCINOSIS (NCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens 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 Tibetan 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 Tibetan Terrier is 85 out of 125.

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

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

  • Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Tibetan Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Tibetan Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Mudis are very easy to groom. However, Tibetan Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Tibetan Terrier

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

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

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

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

    On the other hand, Tibetan Terriers weigh 20 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Tibetan Terriers are 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mudi versus Tibetan Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Tibetan Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Tibetan Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Tibetan Terriers live longer than Mudis.

    Temperament of the Tibetan Terrier Versus the Mudi

    The Tibetan Terrier has a better temperament than the Mudi.

    This is because the temperament score for the Tibetan Terrier is 57.1 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 57.1 percent, the Tibetan Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Tibetan Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 14 Tibetan Terriers.

    Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Tibetan 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 Tibetan 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 Tibetan Terrier.

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

    10 health tests are recommended for Mudi while 8 tests are recommended for the Tibetan Terrier.

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

    Tibetan Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Annual recertification REQUIRED
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • NEURONAL CEROID LIPOFUSCINOSIS (NCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Tibetan Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and Tibetan 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 Tibetan Terrier Breed is Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Tt) problems.

    This is because the Tibetan Terrier ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Tt) problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 2930 Tibetan Terriers, 131 of them had Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Tt) problems.

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

  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Tt) problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems: Rank 3 out of 8 Dog Breeds
  • Primary Lens Luxation problems: Rank 9 out of 17 Dog Breeds
  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 10 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 10 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 23 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 31 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 72 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 142 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 153 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in Tibetan Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the Tibetan Terrier:

    Disease Mudi Rank Tibetan Terrier Rank
    Patella problems 38 out of 145 dog breeds 23 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 99 out of 144 dog breeds 72 out of 144 dog breeds
    Hips problems 145 out of 198 dog breeds 153 out of 198 dog breeds
    Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Tt) problems Not Common 1 out of 1 dog breeds
    Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems Not Common 3 out of 8 dog breeds
    Primary Lens Luxation problems Not Common 9 out of 17 dog breeds
    Baer Hearing Test problems Not Common 10 out of 21 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 10 out of 115 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 31 out of 159 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 142 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 Tibetan Terrier

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Tibetan Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mudis shed more than Tibetan Terriers?

    Mudis shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Tibetan Terrier

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tibetan Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Tibetan 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 Tibetan Terriers?

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

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

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

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Tibetan Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Tibetan Terrier

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

    Tibetan Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Tibetan Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Tibetan Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Tibetan Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Tibetan Terriers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Tibetan Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Tibetan Terrier?

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Tibetan Terriers are very easy to train.

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

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tibetan Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

    Tibetan Terriers 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:

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

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

  • Portuguese Water Dog (78 percent match with Tibetan Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Portuguese Water Dog.
  • Barbet (79 percent match with Tibetan Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Barbet.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Tibetan Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (78 percent match with Tibetan Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Mudi versus Sheepadoodle     Mudi versus Goldador     Mudi versus Shichon     Mudi versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Mudi versus Aussiedoodle     Mudi versus Sheepadoodle     Mudi versus Jack Russell Terrier     Mudi versus Cavapoo     Mudi versus Bich Poo     Mudi versus Saint Berdoodle     Mudi versus Mal Shi     Mudi versus American Foxhound     Mudi versus Mal Shi     Mudi versus Bordoodle     Mudi versus Bloodhound     Mudi versus Shetland Sheepdog     Mudi versus Great Pyrenees     Mudi versus Jack Russell Terrier     Mudi versus Manchester Terrier     Mudi versus Cane Corso     Mudi versus Labrador Retriever     Mudi versus French Spaniel     Mudi versus Chi-Poo     Mudi versus Flat-Coated Retriever     

    Tibetan Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Tibetan Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Tibetan Terrier versus English Setter     Tibetan Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Tibetan Terrier versus Schnoodle     Tibetan Terrier versus Frenchton     Tibetan Terrier versus Pointer     Tibetan Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Tibetan Terrier versus Azawakh     Tibetan Terrier versus Chorkie     Tibetan Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Tibetan Terrier versus Plott     Tibetan Terrier versus Newfoundland     Tibetan Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Tibetan Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Tibetan Terrier versus Kuvasz     Tibetan Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Tibetan Terrier versus Whoodle     Tibetan Terrier versus Hovawart     Tibetan Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Tibetan Terrier versus Pug     Tibetan Terrier versus Cockapoo     Tibetan Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Tibetan Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     Tibetan Terrier versus Frenchton     Tibetan Terrier versus Sloughi     

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