Last Updated: Jun 20, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Mudi: Introduction
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mudi: Overview
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi
- Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mudi
- Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mudi
- Temperament of the German Shorthaired Pointer Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mudi
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Mudis?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Mudi?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Mudi?
- Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Mudi
- How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Mudis?
- Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Mudi
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer or the Mudi.
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the German Shorthaired Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
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.
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi
| Factor | German Shorthaired Pointer | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho | 14 to 20 inches |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 70 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1140 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1300 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 78.1 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Mudi, we still believe that the German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the Mudi.
This is because German Shorthaired Pointers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the German Shorthaired Pointer will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the German Shorthaired Pointer :-). We are for the German Shorthaired Pointer. So get a German Shorthaired Pointer!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi
The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi are most similar:
Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi.
The German Shorthaired Pointer weighs 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The German Shorthaired Pointer is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 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 German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mudi
The lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer lives longer than the Mudi.
Temperament of the German Shorthaired Pointer Versus the Mudi
The German Shorthaired Pointer has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the German Shorthaired Pointer is 78.1 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 78.1 percent, the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 137 German Shorthaired Pointers and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the German Shorthaired Pointer.
7 health tests are recommended for German Shorthaired Pointer while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Shorthaired Pointers and in Mudis.
German Shorthaired Pointer Health Problems
German Shorthaired Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointer Breed is Cone Degeneration problems.
This is because the German Shorthaired Pointer ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Cone Degeneration problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1475 German Shorthaired Pointers, 1 of them had Cone Degeneration problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Shorthaired Pointers, and how common these diseases are in German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi:
| Disease | German Shorthaired Pointer Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Cone Degeneration problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 12 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 42 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 55 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 68 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 69 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 118 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 121 out of 144 dog breeds | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 174 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 38 out of 145 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: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mudi
German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Mudis?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Mudi?
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Mudi?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Mudis?
German Shorthaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Mudi?
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Mudi
German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Mudis?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
German Shorthaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Mudi
German Shorthaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Mudi?
German Shorthaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the German Shorthaired Pointer compares to other breeds aside from the Mudi. So, see below the links to the comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer to other breeds:
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bich Poo German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shihpoo German Shorthaired Pointer versus Beagle German Shorthaired Pointer versus Black Russian Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Lhasapoo German Shorthaired Pointer versus Rottweiler German Shorthaired Pointer versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever German Shorthaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Akbash German Shorthaired Pointer versus Akita German Shorthaired Pointer versus Standard Schnauzer German Shorthaired Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Glen of Imaal Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bulldog German Shorthaired Pointer versus Australian Shepherd German Shorthaired Pointer versus Mal Shi German Shorthaired Pointer versus Keeshond
Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Mudi better suits you and your family.