Why the Yorkshire Terrier is Better than the Mudi as a Pet

Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

• Yorkshire Terrier Versus Mudi: Introduction
• Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi: Overview
• Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi: Comparison Table
• The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Mudi
• The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Mudi
• Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi
• Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi
• Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Yorkshire Terrier
• Health Problems of Yorkshire Terrier versus Health Problems of Mudi
• Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi
• Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Mudis?
• Which is Easier to Groom, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Mudi?
• Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Mudi?
• Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
• Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Mudi?
• Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Mudi
• How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Mudis?
• Does the Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
• Do Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
• Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
• Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Mudi
• Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
• Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
• Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?

Yorkshire Terrier Versus Mudi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier or the Mudi.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi: Overview

A very important difference between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Yorkshire 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.

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.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Mudi

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.

Despite the equal Better-Pet score of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Mudi, we still think that the Yorkshire Terrier is a better pet than the Mudi.

This is because Yorkshire Terriers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Yorkshire Terrier will come out on top.

Also, we are biased in favor of the Yorkshire Terrier :-). We are for the Yorkshire Terrier. So get a Yorkshire Terrier!

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Mudi

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

The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Mudi

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

Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi

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

The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. The Yorkshire Terrier is 8 to 9 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 Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi

The lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is 13.5 years.

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

The Yorkshire Terrier live longer than the Mudi.

Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier has a better temperament than the Mudi.

This is because the temperament score for the Yorkshire Terrier is 83.7 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 83.7 percent, the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 43 Yorkshire Terriers and 5 Mudis.

Health Problems of Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier.

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

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

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

Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems

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

You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

This is because the Yorkshire Terrier ranks 1 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 321 Yorkshire Terriers, 9 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Yorkshire Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Yorkshire Terrier and the Mudi:

^{*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: Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi

Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

Mudis do not like to be left alone.

Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Mudis?

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

Mudis shed moderately.

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

Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier or the Mudi?

Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Mudis?

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

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

Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Mudi?

Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

Mudis are very easy to train.

Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Mudi

Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Mudis?

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

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

Does the Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?

Yorkshire 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.

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 Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?

Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

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

Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Mudi

Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

You may also be interested in how the Yorkshire Terrier compares to other breeds aside from the Mudi. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier to other breeds:

Yorkshire Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Yorkshire Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Yorkshire Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Yorkshire Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Yorkshire Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     Yorkshire Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Yorkshire Terrier versus Westiepoo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Cavachon     Yorkshire Terrier versus Canaan Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Dachshund     Yorkshire Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Yorkshire Terrier versus Kishu Ken     Yorkshire Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     

Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Mudi better suits you and your family.