Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi: Overview
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi
- Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi
- Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Mudis?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mudi?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mudi?
- Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mudi
- How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Mudis?
- Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Mudi
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi? 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi 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 Miniature Schnauzer and for the Mudi. 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mudi.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi: Overview
Both the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi are similar in size. The Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Miniature Schnauzer 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.
On the other hand, 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.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer to the Mudi 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 79.3 percent | 40.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Mudi. 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 Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi.
The Miniature Schnauzer weighs 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Schnauzer is 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Mudi weighs 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. The Mudi is 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi
The lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of the Mudi is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Mudi is 13.0 years.
The Mudi live as long as the Miniature Schnauzer.
Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Mudi
The Miniature Schnauzer has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 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 79.3 percent, the Miniature Schnauzer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 40.0 percent, the Mudi has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 116 Miniature Schnauzers and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Mudi
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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi 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 Miniature Schnauzer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Miniature Schnauzer.
4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Mudis.
Miniature Schnauzer Health Problems
Miniature Schnauzers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Miniature Schnauzers here.
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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers and Mudis
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 Miniature Schnauzer Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Miniature Schnauzer ranks 13 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 157 Miniature Schnauzers, 0 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Miniature Schnauzers, and how common these diseases are in Miniature Schnauzers 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 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:
The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Schnauzer and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi:
| Disease | Miniature Schnauzer Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 13 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 96 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 125 out of 145 dog breeds | 38 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 187 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 99 out of 144 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: Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Mudis?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mudi?
Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mudi?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mudi
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Mudis?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Miniature Schnauzers 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.
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.
Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Mudi
Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Mudi?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Miniature Schnauzer compares to other breeds aside from the Mudi. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Azawakh Miniature Schnauzer versus Black and Tan Coonhound Miniature Schnauzer versus Newfoundland Miniature Schnauzer versus Australian Cattle Dog Miniature Schnauzer versus Fila Brasileiro Miniature Schnauzer versus Puli Miniature Schnauzer versus Pyrenean Mastiff Miniature Schnauzer versus Plott Miniature Schnauzer versus French Spaniel Miniature Schnauzer versus Weimaraner Miniature Schnauzer versus Akita Miniature Schnauzer versus Dutch Shepherd Miniature Schnauzer versus Shetland Sheepdog Miniature Schnauzer versus King Shepherd Miniature Schnauzer versus Miniature Schnauzer Miniature Schnauzer versus Cairn Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomeranian Miniature Schnauzer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Miniature Schnauzer versus Pomchi Miniature Schnauzer versus Kerry Blue Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Lagotto Romagnolo Miniature Schnauzer versus Lhasapoo
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Mudi. 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Mudi better suits you and your family.