A Detailed Comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Mudi: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Mudi.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Mudi: Overview

Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are similar in size. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Mudi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi

Factor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mudi
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder 14 to 20 inches
Weight 13 to 18 pounds 18 to 29 pounds
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2440 No Data
Price Range $1800 – $3000 No Data
Temperament Score 85.5 percent 40.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • WSU VCPL
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

    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 Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi

    Below is a list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are most different:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt well to apartment living. However, Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with other dogs. However, Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very friendly towards strangers. However, Mudis are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are most similar:

  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Mudi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels weigh 13 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are 12 to 13 inches 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Mudi

    The lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is 12.0 years.

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

    Mudis live longer than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a better temperament than the Mudi.

    This is because the temperament score for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 85.5 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 85.5 percent, the Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 62 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and 5 Mudis.

    Health Problems of Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

    4 health tests are recommended for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and in Mudis.

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Problems

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination;
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cavalier King Charles 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:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • WSU VCPL
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Mudis here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed is Episodic Falling problems.

    This is because the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Episodic Falling problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 454 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, 3 of them had Episodic Falling problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Episodic Falling problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Basic Cardiac problems: Rank 3 out of 16 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 4 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 13 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 16 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 19 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 73 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 79 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 101 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 115 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Patella problems: Rank 38 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 99 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 145 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi:

    Disease Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rank Mudi Rank
    Episodic Falling problems 1 out of 1 dog breeds Not Common
    Basic Cardiac problems 3 out of 16 dog breeds Not Common
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 4 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 13 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Advanced Cardiac problems 16 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 19 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 73 out of 145 dog breeds 38 out of 145 dog breeds
    Hips problems 79 out of 198 dog breeds 145 out of 198 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 101 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 115 out of 144 dog breeds 99 out of 144 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: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Mudi

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed more than Mudis?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately.

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Mudi

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Mudi?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. Mudi

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Mudis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels 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.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Mudi?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs? What about Mudis?

    Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Mudis?

    Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Easier to Train than the Mudi?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Mudi?

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

  • Cavachon (84 percent match with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Cavachon.
  • Cockalier (81 percent match with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Cockalier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Mudi that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Mudi:

  • Alaskan Klee Kai (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs German Pinscher.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and of the Mudi to other breeds:

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Pug     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Spanish Mastiff     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Kuvasz     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Akita Chow     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Shetland Sheepdog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Lancashire Heeler     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Whippet     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Papillon     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Labradoodle     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Biewer Terrier     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Havanese     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bearded Collie     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Saint Bernard     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Bordoodle     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Papillon     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Pharaoh Hound     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Great Pyrenees     Cavalier King Charles Spaniel versus Berger Picard     

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Cockapoo     Mudi versus Shihpoo     Mudi versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Mudi versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Mudi versus Coton de Tulear     Mudi versus Lancashire Heeler     Mudi versus Harrier     Mudi versus Dutch Shepherd     Mudi versus Xoloitzcuintli     Mudi versus Rottweiler     Mudi versus Yorkshire Terrier     Mudi versus Kooikerhondje     Mudi versus Black Russian Terrier     Mudi versus Samoyed     Mudi versus Irish Water Spaniel     Mudi versus Field Spaniel     Mudi versus Fila Brasileiro     Mudi versus Bullmastiff     Mudi versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Mudi versus Gordon Setter     Mudi versus Mountain Cur     Mudi versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Mudi versus Maltese     Mudi versus Newfoundland     Mudi versus Chow Chow     

    Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles 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 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Mudi better suits you and your family.