Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Boykin Spaniel Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Boykin Spaniel versus Mudi: Overview
- Boykin Spaniel versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi
- Size Comparison of Boykin Spaniel versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Boykin Spaniel versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Boykin Spaniel Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of Boykin Spaniel versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Boykin Spaniel versus Mudi
- Do Boykin Spaniels shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Boykin Spaniel or the Mudi?
- Does the Boykin Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Boykin Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Boykin Spaniel vs. Mudi
- Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boykin Spaniel or the Mudi?
- Are Boykin Spaniels good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Boykin Spaniels and Mudis?
- Is the Boykin Spaniel Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Conclusion: Boykin Spaniel versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Boykin Spaniel Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel or the Mudi.
Boykin Spaniel versus Mudi: Overview
A very important difference between the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Boykin Spaniel 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.
Boykin Spaniel versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi
| Factor | Boykin Spaniel | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Height | 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder | 14 to 20 inches |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 40 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1110 | No Data |
| Price Range | $900 – $1225 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel is 71 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mudi is a better pet than the Boykin Spaniel. So, you should get the Mudi!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi are most different:
- Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Mudis are very easy to groom.
- Boykin Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
- Boykin Spaniels do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Mudis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
The Similarities Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi
The Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi are most similar:
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi do not adapt well to apartment living.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi can tolerate hot weather.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi are very easy to train.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi are highly intelligent.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi are prone to nip and chew at things.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi are very playful.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
Size Comparison of Boykin Spaniel versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi.
Boykin Spaniels weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Boykin Spaniels are 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Boykin Spaniel versus Mudi
The lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
Mudis live longer than Boykin Spaniels.
Temperament of the Boykin Spaniel Versus the Mudi
The Boykin Spaniel has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Boykin Spaniel is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Boykin Spaniel has an above-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 Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 2 Boykin Spaniels and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Boykin Spaniel.
8 health tests are recommended for Boykin Spaniel while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Boykin Spaniels and in Mudis.
Boykin Spaniel Health Problems
Boykin Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Boykin Spaniels 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Boykin Spaniel versus Mudi
Boykin Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Boykin Spaniels shed more than Mudis?
Boykin Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Mudi
Boykin Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Boykin Spaniel or the Mudi?
Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the Boykin Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Boykin Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Boykin Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Boykin Spaniel vs. Mudi
Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Boykin Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Boykin Spaniel or the Mudi?
Boykin Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Boykin Spaniels good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Boykin Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Boykin Spaniels and Mudis?
Boykin Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Boykin Spaniel Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Boykin Spaniels are very easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the Boykin Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Boykin Spaniels do not adapt well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boykin Spaniel or the Mudi?
Boykin Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Mudi better suits you and your family.