Mudi versus Tibetan Spaniel. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Mudi Versus Tibetan Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel 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 Mudi and for the Tibetan Spaniel. 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 Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Mudi or the Tibetan Spaniel.

Mudi versus Tibetan Spaniel: Overview

A very important difference between the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Mudi is a small-sized dog while the Tibetan Spaniel is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Tibetan 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.

Mudi versus Tibetan Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Mudi to the Tibetan Spaniel 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 Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel

Factor Mudi Tibetan Spaniel
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Height 14 to 20 inches From 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight 18 to 29 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1650
Temperament Score 40.0 percent 91.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • WSU VCPL
  • approved laboratory
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Mudi 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 Tibetan Spaniel. 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 Mudi is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Tibetan Spaniel is 82 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel

    Below is a list of where the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel are most different:

  • Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Tibetan Spaniels adapt well to apartment living.
  • Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Tibetan Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • The Similarities Between the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel

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

  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel 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 Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel are very playful.
  • Both the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Mudi versus Tibetan Spaniel

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

    Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Tibetan Spaniels weigh 9 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Tibetan Spaniels are From 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Mudi versus Tibetan Spaniel

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

    The lifespan of Tibetan Spaniels is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Tibetan Spaniels is 13.5 years.

    Tibetan Spaniels live longer than Mudis.

    Temperament of the Tibetan Spaniel Versus the Mudi

    The Tibetan Spaniel has a better temperament than the Mudi.

    This is because the temperament score for the Tibetan Spaniel is 91.7 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 40.0 percent, the Mudi has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Tibetan Spaniel has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel by measuring the temperaments of 5 Mudis and 12 Tibetan Spaniels.

    Health Problems of Mudi versus Health Problems of Tibetan Spaniel

    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 Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel 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 Tibetan Spaniel.

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

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

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

    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.

    Tibetan Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • approved laboratory
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Tibetan Spaniels here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Mudis and Tibetan Spaniels

    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
  • 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 Tibetan Spaniel Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Tibetan Spaniel ranks 6 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 295 Tibetan Spaniels, 30 of them had Patella problems.

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

  • Patella problems: Rank 6 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 97 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 104 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Mudi and in Tibetan Spaniel and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel:

    Disease Mudi Rank Tibetan Spaniel Rank
    Patella problems 38 out of 145 dog breeds 6 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 99 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 145 out of 198 dog breeds 97 out of 198 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 104 out of 182 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: Mudi versus Tibetan Spaniel

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Tibetan Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Do Mudis shed more than Tibetan Spaniels?

    Mudis shed moderately.

    Tibetan Spaniels shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Mudi or the Tibetan Spaniel

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Tibetan Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Mudi or the Tibetan Spaniel?

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

    Tibetan Spaniels are very easy to groom.

    Does the Mudi Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Tibetan Spaniel?

    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.

    Tibetan Spaniels have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Mudis Bark and Howl? What about Tibetan Spaniels?

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

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

    Can Mudis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Tibetan Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Tibetan Spaniels cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Mudi vs. Tibetan Spaniel

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

    Tibetan Spaniels have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Mudis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Tibetan Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Mudis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Tibetan Spaniels cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

    Tibetan Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Mudis good family dogs? What about Tibetan Spaniels?

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

    Tibetan Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Mudis and Tibetan Spaniels?

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

    Tibetan Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Mudi Easier to Train than the Tibetan Spaniel?

    Mudis are very easy to train.

    Tibetan Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Mudi Better for Apartment Owners than the Tibetan Spaniel?

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tibetan Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Mudis are very good for new dog owners.

    Tibetan Spaniels are very good for new dog owners.

    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 Tibetan Spaniel vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Tibetan Spaniel vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Tibetan Spaniel vs German Pinscher.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Tibetan Spaniel

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

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (78 percent match with Tibetan Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Lowchen (78 percent match with Tibetan Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Lowchen.
  • Cockalier (80 percent match with Tibetan Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Mudi vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Irish Water Spaniel     Mudi versus Pomapoo     Mudi versus Mountain Cur     Mudi versus Pomeranian     Mudi versus Pyredoodle     Mudi versus Hovawart     Mudi versus Akita Chow     Mudi versus English Toy Spaniel     Mudi versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Mudi versus Pomeranian     Mudi versus Boykin Spaniel     Mudi versus Silky Terrier     Mudi versus Cockapoo     Mudi versus Whippet     Mudi versus Afghan Hound     Mudi versus Cockalier     Mudi versus Skye Terrier     Mudi versus Siberian Husky     Mudi versus Whippet     Mudi versus Saluki     Mudi versus Biewer Terrier     Mudi versus Australian Terrier     Mudi versus American Water Spaniel     Mudi versus Pug     Mudi versus Belgian Sheepdog     

    Tibetan Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Tibetan Spaniel versus Xoloitzcuintli     Tibetan Spaniel versus Akita     Tibetan Spaniel versus Barbet     Tibetan Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Tibetan Spaniel versus Siberian Husky     Tibetan Spaniel versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Tibetan Spaniel versus American Foxhound     Tibetan Spaniel versus German Shepherd Dog     Tibetan Spaniel versus Border Terrier     Tibetan Spaniel versus Tibetan Mastiff     Tibetan Spaniel versus Great Dane     Tibetan Spaniel versus Giant Schnauzer     Tibetan Spaniel versus Black Russian Terrier     Tibetan Spaniel versus Irish Wolfhound     Tibetan Spaniel versus Goldendoodle     Tibetan Spaniel versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Tibetan Spaniel versus Finnish Lapphund     Tibetan Spaniel versus Airedale Terrier     Tibetan Spaniel versus Japanese Chin     Tibetan Spaniel versus Silky Terrier     Tibetan Spaniel versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Tibetan Spaniel versus Japanese Spitz     Tibetan Spaniel versus Afador     Tibetan Spaniel versus Whoodle     Tibetan Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier     

    Conclusion: Mudi versus Tibetan Spaniel. 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 Mudi and the Tibetan Spaniel better suits you and your family.