Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cocker Spaniel Versus Mudi: Introduction
- Cocker Spaniel versus Mudi: Overview
- Cocker Spaniel versus Mudi: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi
- The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Mudi
- Lifespan of Cocker Spaniel versus Mudi
- Temperament of the Cocker Spaniel Versus the Mudi
- Health Problems of Cocker Spaniel versus Health Problems of Mudi
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cocker Spaniel versus Mudi
- Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Mudis?
- Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Mudi
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Mudi?
- Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
- Do Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
- Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Mudi
- Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cocker Spaniel or the Mudi?
- Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Mudis?
- How Kid-friendly are Cocker Spaniels and Mudis?
- Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Mudi?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cocker Spaniel versus Mudi. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cocker Spaniel Versus Mudi: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel or the Mudi.
Cocker Spaniel versus Mudi: Overview
Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi are similar in size. The Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi are both small-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Cocker 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.
Cocker Spaniel versus Mudi: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi
| Factor | Cocker Spaniel | Mudi |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s | 14 to 20 inches |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 24 to 28 pounds | 18 to 29 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1760 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2000 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 82.0 percent | 40.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Mudi is 76 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cocker Spaniel is a better pet than the Mudi. So, you should get the Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi
Below is a list of where the Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi
The Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Mudi
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi.
Cocker Spaniels weigh 24 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 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 Cocker Spaniel versus Mudi
The lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cocker Spaniels is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.
Cocker Spaniels live longer than Mudis.
Temperament of the Cocker Spaniel Versus the Mudi
The Cocker Spaniel has a better temperament than the Mudi.
This is because the temperament score for the Cocker Spaniel is 82.0 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 82.0 percent, the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 233 Cocker Spaniels and 5 Mudis.
Health Problems of Cocker 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 Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the Cocker Spaniel.
2 health tests are recommended for Cocker Spaniel while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cocker Spaniels and in Mudis.
Cocker Spaniel Health Problems
Cocker Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cocker 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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Cocker Spaniel ranks 12 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1845 Cocker Spaniels, 145 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Cocker Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniel and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi:
| Disease | Cocker Spaniel Rank | Mudi Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 12 out of 145 dog breeds | 38 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 22 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 26 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 28 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 125 out of 144 dog breeds | 99 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 144 out of 198 dog breeds | 145 out of 198 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: Cocker Spaniel versus Mudi
Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.
Mudis do not like to be left alone.
Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Mudis?
Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.
Mudis shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Mudi
Cocker Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Mudi?
Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Mudis are very easy to groom.
Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?
Cocker Spaniels 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 Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?
Cocker Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.
Mudis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Mudi
Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cocker Spaniels can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cocker Spaniel or the Mudi?
Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Mudis?
Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniels and Mudis?
Cocker Spaniels get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Mudi?
Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.
Mudis are very easy to train.
Is the Cocker Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?
Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.
Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cocker Spaniel or the Mudi?
Cocker Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.
Mudis are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cocker Spaniel and how the Mudi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cocker Spaniel and of the Mudi to other breeds:
Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cocker Spaniel versus Yorkipoo Cocker Spaniel versus Black and Tan Coonhound Cocker Spaniel versus Toy Fox Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Berger Picard Cocker Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro Cocker Spaniel versus Schipperke Cocker Spaniel versus Mastiff Cocker Spaniel versus Norfolk Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff Cocker Spaniel versus Bouvier des Flandres Cocker Spaniel versus Coton de Tulear Cocker Spaniel versus Italian Greyhound Cocker Spaniel versus Black Russian Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Belgian Sheepdog Cocker Spaniel versus Keeshond Cocker Spaniel versus Patterdale Terrier Cocker Spaniel versus Belgian Sheepdog Cocker Spaniel versus Cockalier Cocker Spaniel versus Ibizan Hound Cocker Spaniel versus Bluetick Coonhound Cocker Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano Cocker Spaniel versus Japanese Chin Cocker Spaniel versus Pug Cocker Spaniel versus King Shepherd Cocker Spaniel versus Saint Berdoodle
Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds
Mudi versus Morkie Mudi versus Sloughi Mudi versus Pomsky Mudi versus Bearded Collie Mudi versus Bullmastiff Mudi versus Sussex Spaniel Mudi versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Mudi versus Lhasapoo Mudi versus Toy Poodle Mudi versus Pomchi Mudi versus Cockapoo Mudi versus Pyrenean Mastiff Mudi versus Schnoodle Mudi versus Carolina Dog Mudi versus Weimaraner Mudi versus Puli Mudi versus Korean Jindo Dog Mudi versus French Spaniel Mudi versus Westiepoo Mudi versus Bulldog Mudi versus Lagotto Romagnolo Mudi versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Mudi versus Boxer Mudi versus Pekingese Mudi versus Sheepadoodle
Conclusion: Cocker 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Mudi better suits you and your family.