A Detailed Comparison of the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi.

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English Toy Spaniel Versus Mudi: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Toy 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 English Toy 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel or the Mudi

English Toy Spaniel versus Mudi: Overview

Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi are similar in size. The English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the English Toy 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.

English Toy Spaniel versus Mudi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Toy 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.

Factor English Toy Spaniel Mudi
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 2/5
Height 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 20 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Weight 8 to 14 pounds 18 to 29 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2350 No Data
Price Range $2250 – $2525 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • WSU VCPL
    		•

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the English Toy 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 a English Toy Spaniel is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Mudi is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Mudi is a better pet than the English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi

    The English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi are most similar:

  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi are very easy to groom.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi are very playful.
  • Both the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of English Toy Spaniel versus Mudi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi.

    English Toy Spaniels weigh 8 to 14 pounds when fully grown. English Toy Spaniels are 10 to 11 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.

    Health Problems of English Toy Spaniel versus Health Problems of Mudi

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Mudi than for the English Toy Spaniel.

    4 health tests are recommended for English Toy Spaniel while 10 tests are recommended for the Mudi.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in English Toy Spaniels and in Mudis.

    English Toy Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for English Toy 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 English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.

    This is because the English Toy Spaniel ranks 2 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 470 English Toy Spaniels, 21 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.

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

  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 2 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 4 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 4 out of 145 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 English Toy Spaniel and in Mudi and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi:

    Disease English Toy Spaniel Rank Mudi Rank
    Congenital Cardiac problems 2 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 4 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 4 out of 145 dog breeds 38 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 99 out of 144 dog breeds
    Hips problems Not Common 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: English Toy Spaniel versus Mudi

    English Toy Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    How Kid-friendly are English Toy Spaniels and Mudis?

    English Toy Spaniels do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Toy Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Can English Toy Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English Toy 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 one drools more, the English Toy Spaniel or the Mudi

    English Toy Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Toy Spaniel vs. Mudi

    English Toy 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.

    Is the English Toy Spaniel Easier to Train than the Mudi?

    English Toy Spaniels are fairly easy to train.

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Do English Toy Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Mudis?

    English Toy Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Is the English Toy Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Mudi?

    English Toy Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the English Toy Spaniel or the Mudi?

    English Toy Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the English Toy Spaniel or the Mudi?

    English Toy Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the English Toy Spaniel or the Mudi?

    English Toy Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Does the English Toy Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Mudi?

    English Toy 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.

    Are English Toy Spaniels good family dogs? What about Mudis?

    English Toy Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Mudis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Do English Toy Spaniels shed more than Mudis?

    English Toy Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Toy Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel:

  • Japanese Chin (74 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Japanese Chin.
  • Pug (73 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Pug.
  • French Bulldog (74 percent match with English Toy Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs French Bulldog.

    • 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 English Toy Spaniel vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the English Toy Spaniel vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the English Toy Spaniel vs German Pinscher.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Toy Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Toy Spaniel versus Brittany     English Toy Spaniel versus Shiba Inu     English Toy Spaniel versus Standard Schnauzer     English Toy Spaniel versus Australian Shepherd     English Toy Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     English Toy Spaniel versus King Shepherd     English Toy Spaniel versus Labrador Retriever     English Toy Spaniel versus Great Pyrenees     English Toy Spaniel versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     English Toy Spaniel versus Morkie     

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Silky Terrier     Mudi versus Bracco Italiano     Mudi versus Akbash     Mudi versus Maltipoo     Mudi versus French Bulldog     Mudi versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Mudi versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Mudi versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Mudi versus Black Mouth Cur     

    Conclusion: English Toy 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 English Toy Spaniel and the Mudi better suits you and your family.