Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Mudi Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction
- Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview
- Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the West Highland White Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Mudi and the West Highland White Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier
- Lifespan of Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier
- Temperament of the West Highland White Terrier Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of West Highland White Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier
- Do Mudis shed more than West Highland White Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Mudi or the West Highland White Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the West Highland White Terrier?
- Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White Terrier?
- Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about West Highland White Terriers?
- Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. West Highland White Terrier
- Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the West Highland White Terrier?
- Are Mudis good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Mudis and West Highland White Terriers?
- Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the West Highland White Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Mudi Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Mudi and the West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mudi and the West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier.
Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview
Both the Mudi and the West Highland White Terrier are similar in size. The Mudi and the West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Mudi to the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier
| Factor | Mudi | West Highland White Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Height | 14 to 20 inches | 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 18 to 29 pounds | 13 to 22 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 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1600 – $2700 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2220 |
| Temperament Score | 40.0 percent | 89.7 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the West Highland White Terrier is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier
Below is a list of where the Mudi and the West Highland White Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Mudi and the West Highland White Terrier
The Mudi and the West Highland White Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Mudi and the West Highland White Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Mudi and the West Highland White Terrier.
Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, West Highland White Terriers weigh 13 to 22 pounds when fully grown. West Highland White Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Mudi versus West Highland White Terrier
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is 14.0 years.
West Highland White Terriers live longer than Mudis.
Temperament of the West Highland White Terrier Versus the Mudi
The West Highland White Terrier has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the West Highland White Terrier is 89.7 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 89.7 percent, the West Highland White Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the West Highland White Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 68 West Highland White Terriers.
Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the West Highland White Terrier.
10 health tests are recommended for Mudi while 3 tests are recommended for the West Highland White Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Mudis and in West Highland White 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Mudis here.
West Highland White Terrier Health Problems
West Highland White Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for West Highland White Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and West Highland White 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:
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 West Highland White Terrier Breed is Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems.
This is because the West Highland White Terrier ranks 1 out of 2 dog breeds for Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 102 West Highland White Terriers, 2 of them had Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in West Highland White Terriers, and how common these diseases are in West Highland White Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in West Highland White Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the West Highland White Terrier:
| Disease | Mudi Rank | West Highland White Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 38 out of 145 dog breeds | 52 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 99 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 145 out of 198 dog breeds | 105 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Craniomandibular Osteopathy problems | Not Common | 1 out of 2 dog breeds |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | Not Common | 12 out of 40 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 24 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 West Highland White Terrier
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
West Highland White Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Do Mudis shed more than West Highland White Terriers?
Mudis shed moderately.
West Highland White Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Mudi or the West Highland White Terrier
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
West Highland White Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the West Highland White Terrier?
Mudis are very easy to groom.
West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White 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.
West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terriers?
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
West Highland White Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. West Highland White Terrier
Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
West Highland White Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Mudi or the West Highland White Terrier?
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
West Highland White Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Mudis good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
West Highland White Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Mudis and West Highland White Terriers?
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
West Highland White Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?
Mudis are very easy to train.
West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.
Is the Mudi Better for Apartment Owners than the West Highland White Terrier?
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
West Highland White Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Mudi or the West Highland White Terrier?
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
West Highland White 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the West Highland White Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Mudi and how the West Highland White Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Mudi and of the West Highland White Terrier to other breeds:
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Berger Picard Mudi versus Cockapoo Mudi versus Irish Water Spaniel Mudi versus Afghan Hound Mudi versus Goldendoodle Mudi versus Norwegian Lundehund Mudi versus Boxerdoodle Mudi versus Alaskan Malamute Mudi versus Black Russian Terrier Mudi versus American Hairless Terrier Mudi versus Chorkie Mudi versus Lagotto Romagnolo Mudi versus Airedale Terrier Mudi versus Kai Ken Mudi versus Norwegian Buhund Mudi versus Puggle Mudi versus American Foxhound Mudi versus Boston Terrier Mudi versus German Shorthaired Pointer Mudi versus Yorkipoo Mudi versus Keeshond Mudi versus Pomeranian Mudi versus King Shepherd Mudi versus Shichon Mudi versus Whippet
West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
West Highland White Terrier versus Beagle West Highland White Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier West Highland White Terrier versus Boxer West Highland White Terrier versus Affenpinscher West Highland White Terrier versus Morkie West Highland White Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog West Highland White Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer West Highland White Terrier versus Chinook West Highland White Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever West Highland White Terrier versus Skye Terrier West Highland White Terrier versus Boxerdoodle West Highland White Terrier versus Kishu Ken West Highland White Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog West Highland White Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel West Highland White Terrier versus Airedale Terrier West Highland White Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel West Highland White Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher West Highland White Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux West Highland White Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog West Highland White Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle West Highland White Terrier versus Toy Poodle West Highland White Terrier versus Australian Kelpie West Highland White Terrier versus Vizsla West Highland White Terrier versus Kuvasz West Highland White Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier
Conclusion: Mudi versus West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.