Breed Comparison: Mudi Versus Welsh Terrier

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Mudi Versus Welsh Terrier: Introduction

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

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

Mudi versus Welsh Terrier: Overview

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

The table below compares the Mudi to the Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier

Factor Mudi Welsh Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Height 14 to 20 inches 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 18 to 29 pounds Up to 20 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 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
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 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $1350 – $3834
Average Price No Data $2510
Temperament Score 40.0 percent 76.3 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
    		•
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

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

  • Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Welsh Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Mudis do not get along well with other dogs. However, Welsh Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Mudis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Welsh Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Welsh Terrier

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

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

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Welsh Terrier

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

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

    On the other hand, Welsh Terriers weigh Up to 20 pounds when fully grown. Welsh Terriers are 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mudi versus Welsh Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Welsh Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Welsh Terriers is 12.0 years.

    Mudis live longer than Welsh Terriers.

    Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Welsh Terrier

    The Welsh Terrier has a better temperament than the Mudi.

    This is because the temperament score for the Welsh Terrier is 76.3 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 76.3 percent, the Welsh Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Welsh Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 38 Welsh Terriers.

    Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Welsh 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 Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier.

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

    10 health tests are recommended for Mudi while 2 tests are recommended for the Welsh Terrier.

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

    Welsh Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Primary Lens Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Welsh Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.

    This is because the Welsh Terrier ranks 14 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 365 Welsh Terriers, 1 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.

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

  • Primary Lens Luxation problems: Rank 14 out of 17 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 24 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 89 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 108 out of 145 Dog Breeds

    • The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in Welsh Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the Welsh Terrier:

    Disease Mudi Rank Welsh Terrier Rank
    Patella problems 38 out of 145 dog breeds 108 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 99 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 145 out of 198 dog breeds 89 out of 198 dog breeds
    Primary Lens Luxation problems Not Common 14 out of 17 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 24 out of 70 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 Welsh Terrier

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Welsh Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mudis shed more than Welsh Terriers?

    Mudis shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Welsh Terrier

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Welsh Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Welsh 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 Welsh Terriers?

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

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

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

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Welsh Terrier

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

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

    Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Welsh Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Welsh Terriers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Welsh Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Welsh Terrier?

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Welsh Terriers are fairly easy to train.

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

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Welsh Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

    Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Welsh Terrier vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Welsh Terrier vs German Pinscher.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Welsh Terrier

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

  • Jack Russell Terrier (79 percent match with Welsh Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Jack Russell Terrier.
  • Stabyhoun (76 percent match with Welsh Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Stabyhoun.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Mastiff     Mudi versus Fila Brasileiro     Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Mudi versus Bordoodle     Mudi versus Dalmatian     Mudi versus Biewer Terrier     Mudi versus Mountain Cur     Mudi versus Maremma Sheepdog     Mudi versus Valley Bulldog     Mudi versus Affenpinscher     Mudi versus Canaan Dog     Mudi versus Standard Schnauzer     Mudi versus Miniature Pinscher     Mudi versus Maltese     Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier     Mudi versus Collie     Mudi versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Mudi versus Toy Poodle     Mudi versus Coton de Tulear     Mudi versus Field Spaniel     Mudi versus Lancashire Heeler     Mudi versus Swedish Vallhund     Mudi versus Spanish Mastiff     Mudi versus American Hairless Terrier     Mudi versus Goldendoodle     

    Welsh Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Welsh Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Welsh Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Welsh Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Welsh Terrier versus Rottweiler     Welsh Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Welsh Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Welsh Terrier versus Havanese     Welsh Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Welsh Terrier versus Tibetan Terrier     Welsh Terrier versus Papillon     Welsh Terrier versus German Pinscher     Welsh Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Welsh Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Welsh Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     Welsh Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Welsh Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Welsh Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Welsh Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Welsh Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Welsh Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Welsh Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     Welsh Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Welsh Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Welsh Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Welsh Terrier versus Irish Setter     

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