Lhasa Apso vs Mudi
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lhasa Apso
Non-Sporting Group
Mudi
Miscellaneous Class
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lhasa Apso Overview
Lhasa Apsos feature a long, dense double coat flowing to the ground, with a distinctive beard and fall of hair over the eyes. Their compact, sturdy build belies their agile nature. Distinguished by an alert, lion-like expression and well-feathered tail carried over the back, these dogs combine regal bearing with a mischievous charm. Their confident yet reserved demeanor reflects their ancient heritage as Tibetan sentinels.
Mudi Overview
Mudi dogs showcase a distinctive medium-sized herding breed profile with wavy-to-curly coat that can appear in various colors including black, brown, white, and merle. Their alert, upright ears and expressive eyes complement an athletic, well-proportioned body built for agility and endurance. Naturally agile and quick, these dogs move with graceful, light-footed steps that reflect their herding heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lhasa Apsos are less energetic than Mudis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lhasa Apsos require more grooming attention compared to Mudis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lhasa Apsos tend to be more reserved with strangers than Mudis.
- Trainability: Lhasa Apsos may be slightly easier to train due to their Lhasa Apso's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lhasa Apsos adapt better to apartment living, while Mudis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lhasa Apso and Mudi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 15-19 inches 38-47 cm |
| Weight | 12-18 lbs 5-8 kg | 18-29 lbs 8-13 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Comical | Loyal, Intelligent, Active |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lhasa Apso Temperament
The Lhasa Apso is known for being confident, smart, comical, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Mudi Temperament
The Mudi is characterized by being loyal, intelligent, active, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Lhasa Apso and Mudi, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Mudi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Mudi
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Mudi
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 2/5
Mudi
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 4/5
Mudi
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Lhasa Apso Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lhasa Apsos require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Lhasa Apsos require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Mudi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Mudis need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Mudis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Lhasa Apso Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cherry Eye
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Mudi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Lhasa Apso
Pros
- Loyal and devoted
- Good apartment dog
- Long lifespan
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent watchdog
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
- Frequent barking
- Independent nature
Mudi
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Versatile working ability
- Low maintenance coat
- Excellent agility
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Strong herding instinct
- Requires early socialization
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lhasa Apso and Mudi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.