• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Canis Ovilis Fenyesi or Little Blue Dog or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Mudi and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Mudi or Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Mudi Australian Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsHungary flagHungary United States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank4861724
Reviews276
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.
Canis Ovilis Fenyesi
Hungarian Mudi
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adult weight ranges.
18-29 pounds (8-13 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
23.5 pounds (10.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Mudi or Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
15-19 inches (38-48 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
17 inches (43 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $600-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Mudi or Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Australian Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Mudi dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is easiest to train?
Mudi dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most alert?
Mudi dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most protective?
Mudi dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare temperaments.
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Lively
Gentle
Watchful
Companionable
Adaptable
Guarding
Keen to Work
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Mudi dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?
High: Mudi dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Mudi dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Mudi dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Mudi barks occasionally.
See more.
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Mudis, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Mudi indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most flexible?
Mudi dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Mudi or Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Australian Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Mudi has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which uses mouth most during play?
Mudi dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Mudi bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed lives longest?
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Mudi: 14 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has fewer health issues?
Mudis are commonly healthy dogs.
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Mudi should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most active?
Mudi dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Mudi or Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Mudi dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Mudi or Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
Mudi dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Mudi has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
White
Brown
Fawn
Blue-Grey
Black Merle
Ash coloured (blue grey)
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Mudi requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which drools least?
The Mudi is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Mudi has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Curly
Wavy
Shiny
Short
Feathered Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Mudi or Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Mudi or Australian Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Mudi dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best with kids?
Mudi dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Mudi dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Mudi or Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Mudi dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Mudi or Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
Mudi dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Mudi or Australian Shepherd or Shetland Sheepdog?
Mudi dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Yes
Mudi dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Mudi is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Mudis are usually recommended for elderly people.
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Mudi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most puppies?
5-8 puppies 6-9 puppies, average 7 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Mudi, Australian Shepherd, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most recognition?
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Rate This Comparsion - Mudi vs Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog

Reviews