Mudi

ATTRIBUTES: Loyal, Intelligent, Active

GROUP: Herding Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: Likes To Be Vocal

COAT TYPE: Curly

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Occasional

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Eager To Please

CHARACTERISTIC: Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Spitz-type

Origin Icon
Origin

Hungary

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Registration

2022

Ancestry Icon
Size

15 - 18.5 Inches

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Weight

18 - 29 Pounds

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Expected Life

12 - 14 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed may display towards family members and familiar faces varies considerably. Certain breeds are renowned for their loyalty to a single owner often maintaining a reserved demeanor around others. Conversely, other breeds exude warmth and friendly vibes treating anyone within their acquaintance circle as if they've found a long-lost pal. Each dog's temperament is unique and while breed tendencies do play a role, individual personalities will always have their own variances.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The ability of a dog breed to gracefully handle the exuberance of children coupled with its general suitability for family life is essential. It remains crucial, however, for dogs to be carefully watched when in the company of young children or any child not accustomed to canine behavior.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The natural propensity for sociability within a dog breed can greatly influence its interactions with fellow canines. While it is essential that dogs are closely monitored when meeting new dogs, certain breeds inherently possess a greater potential for harmonious relationships with other dogs, whether it's within the confines of the family home or during communal gatherings in publ
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
Be prepared for the amount of fluff and strands your particular breed may shed. Breeds that shed profusely will necessitate more regular grooming, potentially exacerbate some allergies and increase the need for persistent vacuuming and lint removal.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
Contemplate the regularity of grooming essentials like bathing, combing, haircuts and other fur care necessities for different breeds. Assess your willingness to invest time, effort and money in these routines, remembering that trimming nails is a consistent need for every dog breed.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
Take into account a breed's tendency to drool, which could be a crucial consideration if you prefer a spotless environment. If the thought of slobber streaks on your arm or damp patches on your attire is displeasing, a less drool-prone companion might better suit your preferences.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Curly
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of friendliness a dog breed typically exhibits toward new people can vary significantly. There are certain breeds that tend to be more restrained or vigilant when they encounter someone they haven't met before, no matter the setting. On the flip side, there are other dog breeds that are always eager to greet a fresh face, delighting in the chance to make a new human acquaintance wherever they go.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The eagerness to engage in play that a breed exhibits can often persist well beyond their youthful puppy days. Many breeds maintain a robust love for games like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adult life showing a lasting zest for playful activities. In contrast, other breeds may prefer a more laid-back lifestyle content to simply lounge on the sofa and enjoy your company for the majority of their days.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
The predisposition of certain dog breeds to notify you about the presence of strangers is quite pronounced. These dogs are on high alert and often ready to respond to anything they perceive as a possible danger, be it the mail carrier strolling up to the door or a squirrel scampering by the window. Generally, these breeds will become more amenable to unfamiliar faces entering their home, especially if these newcomers are welcomed by the family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a dog breed to change is a fascinating trait to consider. This encompasses how they adjust to various fluctuations, such as a move to a new home, shifts in the ambient noise level, alterations in weather patterns and even changes in the everyday routine. Some breeds navigate these changes with ease showing resilience and flexibility, while others might need more time and patience to acclimate to new living circumstances and the ebb and flow of daily life.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease with which you can train your dog and its enthusiasm for learning is quite breed-dependent. There are certain breeds eager to please always on the lookout for ways to earn their owner's approval. Conversely, you'll find breeds that embody a more independent spirit, showing a preference for following their own whims and desires on their own timetable with a penchant for independence no matter the setting.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The level of physical activity and mental engagement that a breed requires can vary widely. High-energy breeds are like athletes in the canine world always on their toes for the next escapade. They thrive on constant movement, whether it's sprinting, leaping or playing from dawn till dusk. On the other end of the spectrum are the low energy breeds, the equivalent of homebodies, who take great pleasure in lounging about and indulging in long, leisurely naps.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Likes To Be Vocal
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The necessity for mental stimulation to ensure a breed's well-being and happiness cannot be overstated. Dogs bred for specific roles often need engaging activities that challenge their decision-making skills, problem-solving abilities and concentration to feel fulfilled. Without appropriate outlets to exercise their brains, they may take the initiative to start their own "projects," which might not align with your idea of a good time. Keeping such breeds mentally occupied is key to preventing any unwanted and potentially mischievous behaviors.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Black

007

White

199

Yellow

232

Gray

100

Graybrown

500

Brown

061

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Merle Markings

035

About The Breed

The Mudi stands out as a multi-talented, bright, vigilant and nimble Hungarian farm dog, ideal for a variety of tasks. This breed displays a commendable bravery that proves invaluable when tending to the most headstrong of livestock. Moreover, the Mudi is known for being a devoted guardian of both home and family offering protection without tipping into excessive aggression.

Originating from Hungary and dating back to the 1800s, the Mudi, pronounceable as "moodie" is a medium-sized shepherd dog with a legacy believed to have arisen from combining the genes of the Puli, Pumi and German Spitz. Although the Mudi is now a rare sight, those who do encounter the breed discover an active, intelligent and cooperative working dog. The global Mudi population is modest, numbering just a few thousand with the prevalent population residing in Hungary, a decent number in Finland and sparse sightings across Europe, the United States and Canada. Exceptional in dog sports such as agility, obedience and flyball, the Mudi truly comes into its element when herding both cattle and sheep. This breed has also earned distinction as an adept search and rescue dog, notably in Finland and the United States.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A MUDI

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Mudi: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

The Mudi is generally a robust and healthy breed. Diligent breeders make it a priority to test their breeding dogs for different health issues to ensure the wellbeing of their lines. This proactive approach in health screening helps in maintaining the vigor and longevity of this spirited breed.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Patella Evaluation

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Eye Examination by a board Certified ACVO Ophthalmologist

  • Elbow Evaluation

Health

Grooming

+
Caring for a Mudi is a straightforward endeavor. They require just the occasional bath, a simple comb or brush through to clear out loose fur and consistent nail maintenance to keep them in top shape. This 'wash-and-wear' breed doesn't demand extensive grooming making it a convenient choice for those looking for a low-maintenance canine companion.
Health

Exercise

+
Mudi dogs possess a boundless vitality. Within the home environment, they exhibit a serene demeanor, yet the great outdoors brings out their zest for spirited sprints. These agile canines shine in activities like flyball, obedience competitions, herding tasks and Frisbee games. Their playful nature often leads to a bit of mischief making especially when it involves digging. Moreover, these dogs are renowned for their exceptional leaping capabilities. When a Mudi has ample exercise, it's less likely to engage in troublesome behaviors.
Health

Training

+
The Mudi breed is known for its spirited and audible presence, keen alertness and boundless energy. These dogs are incredibly intelligent and flexible, always ready to tackle any given task with gusto. Given these characteristics, it's no surprise that they are highly trainable and naturally inclined to seek their owner's approval. Additionally, their prudent wariness makes them exceptional watchdogs.
Health

Nutrition

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A nutritious high grade diet either a home-mixed feast approved by your vet or a quality commercial brand is essential for the Mudi's health and happiness. The nutritional plan should align with their developmental stage, be it the formative puppy months, the prime of adulthood or their senior years. Watchfulness over your Mudi's caloric intake is crucial since they can tend to become overweight. Treats are fantastic for reinforcement during training sessions but overdoing it could tip the scales toward obesity. It's also a good practice to know which treats from your plate are safe for your furry friend. Always consult your vet with any questions about your dog's dietary needs or weight management and never underestimate the importance of constantly available pristine water.

Historiography

Beginning in the late 800s, the Magyars known today as Hungarians raised sheepdogs but it wasn't until the last half of the 19th century that systematic breeding and dog classification took root. Initially, Hungarian sheepdogs fell into one of two simple categories large or small. The small varieties unlike their larger counterparts such as the Kuvasz and Komondor were often bred amongst themselves. Thus, the early lineage of the Mudi sheepdog shares much with its peers, the Pumi and the Puli.

It was circa 1930 when Dr. Dezso Fenyes, the museum director in Balassagyarmat stepped forward as one of the pioneers to breed these diminutive sheepdogs separately. It was he who bestowed upon the breed the name 'Mudi.' The breed gained official recognition by 1936. However, the turmoil of the Second World War was not kind to Hungarian dog breeds with many nearing extinction and the rare Mudi breed was no exemption. 

Fortunately, the 1960s brought about a resurgence for the Mudi resurrected from the few remaining dogs. In 1966, Dr. Zoltan Balassy crafted a new breed standard to seek FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) recognition. This standard centered on a scarce population of Mudis introduced new stipulations for acceptable sizes and colors. That same year, the FCI sanctioned the breed standard, although breeders were sparse, a trend that persists.

As efforts to revive the breed continued over the following years, variations in color, deviating from the 1966 standard, began to emerge. Addressing this, a revised standard reintroducing most of the breed's original color palette was established in 2000. The Mudi's current FCI breed standard has been in place since 2004, encapsulating the breed's resilient story and diverse hues.

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