Mudi

Temperament:

Wise, Learned, Lively
Size: Medium
Height: 38-47 cm
Weight: 11-15 kg
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Coat: Longhair
Colors: Falb, Black, Ash, Brown, White
FCI Group: Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)

The Mudi is native to Hungary. This spirited "Hungarian shepherd dog" is still little known outside its country of origin. The breed, which is recognized by the FCI, is listed in Group 1 "Herding and driving dogs", Section 1 "Herding dogs (without working test)". The intelligent and docile dog is an ideal family dog.

Mudi
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Characteristics

The Mudi is a medium-sized dog. The size of males varies between 41 and 47 cm, that of females between 38 and 44 cm. Males weigh between 11 and 13 kg, females between 8 and 11 kg. This robust breed has a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.

The different coat is typical of the breed. The head and the front of the legs have a short, smooth coat. The rest of the body is covered with dense, slightly longer, wavy or curly fur.

The shiny coat comes in the color variations fawn, black, ash, brown or white. The black color is the most common. The Mudi should be solid-colored. Small white markings are undesirable, but are tolerated.

A special color in the Mudi is the blue merle. The coat is dark or light blue-grey. The coat is also black speckled, striped, spotted or brindle.

The Mudi has a compact build with a wedge-shaped head. The shape of the head with its pricked ears and lively eyes conveys an intelligent and alert impression.

Normally this breed has a drooping tail. The tip of the tail is slightly curved upwards or erect. Sometimes dogs are born with a stump tail or without a tail. The FCI also accepts such dogs with birth defects as pedigree dogs.

The Mudi is used as a working dog in Hungary. They independently herd various types of livestock. Whether it is pigs, sheep or geese, the Mudi controls the animals with its eyes and voice.

The Mudi is a typical shepherd dog. It is very intelligent and docile. Despite its independent character, it fits into its family without any problems. This lively and adaptable dog also has a sensitive side.

Aggression in the environment or during training makes him very insecure. He prefers to keep his distance from strangers. He is always loyal to his family and all his four-legged friends.

He is not aggressive. The Mudi loves to protect his family. Changes in the environment (garden, yard) are loudly commented on.

This breed needs to be constantly kept busy and challenged. As a family dog in particular, it should be sufficiently exercised through dog sports. Agility, obedience, dog dancing or competition dog sports are suitable for this.

Other possibilities include use as a companion dog for jogging, cycling or riding. It is important that the dog sees a "purpose in its activity". Sufficient breaks protect against excessive demands.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.

Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.

Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.

Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.

Health & Care

Grooming a Mudi is not time-consuming. The soft, shiny coat does not mat and is dirt-repellent. It is sufficient to remove dead hair regularly with a brush or comb.

During the shedding period, however, the coat should be brushed daily. This will help to stem the tide of "flying hair" in the home.

The Mudi does not usually have problems with its ears or teeth. A regular check of the prick ears is sufficient. If necessary, you can carefully clean the inside of the ears with an ear cleaner. Please do not use cotton buds.

Dry chews or dental care snacks are sufficient to prevent tartar build-up. You can give your Mudi a real bone from the butcher at regular intervals. Marrow bones are well suited. They taste good, are good for dental care and keep the dog busy for a long time.

The use of toothpaste and toothbrush should definitely be practiced from puppyhood so that the adult dog allows it.

The claws should be checked from time to time. It is important to check whether the claws are sufficiently worn or whether there are small injuries in the claw area. These robust dogs sometimes do not show small injuries.

Older dogs can have problems with claws that are too long. You can easily correct this yourself with claw scissors.

There are no known breed-specific diseases in this robust and original dog breed.

Suitable accessories

The Mudi needs a collar and/or harness and a lead as normal accessories. The collar and harness must fit and must not chafe.

In the living area, the dog can be provided with its own dog bed or dog basket. Both lying options should offer the dog enough space to stretch out.

For the intelligent and docile Mudi, brain games are an ideal diversion from his sporting activities. Such games can be used to bridge periods of bad weather indoors.

The Mudi does not need protective clothing (dog coat or similar) against the weather.

There are many ways to keep them busy in your own garden. Small hurdles and a tunnel as an obstacle course. A ball or Frisbee to play with. A paddling pool for the summer.

Other accessories that are part of every dog's basic equipment: water and food bowl, tick tweezers, claw clippers, mild dog shampoo, brush and comb, toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs, transport box for transportation in the car, first aid kit. It is best to ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.

Origin & History

The origin of this breed is not clear. This dog breed originated in Hungary during the 18th and 19th centuries. Various Hungarian herding and herding dogs are represented in the Mudi with their genetic material.

Some characteristics of the small German shepherd dog can also be found in the appearance and behavior of the Mudi. Empress Maria Theresa of Austria settled the Danube Swabians in Hungary in the 18th century.

This ethnic group brought their dogs with them to their new homeland. These included, for example, the sheep poodle, the shepherd spitz and the Pomeranian spitz. These small German herding dogs with erect ears mixed with the local Hungarian herding dogs.

A description and illustration of a herding dog with prick ears can be found as early as 1815. This description and picture can be clearly assigned to today's Mudi.

It is widely believed that the Mudi is closely related to the Puli and the Pumi. Around 1900, the breeding of sporting dogs began in Hungary. From this time onwards, a third type of herding dog became known. In addition to the herding dogs with hanging ears and tilting ears, a group of herding dogs with erect ears was now also widespread and recognized.

The stud book for the Mudi was established in Hungary in 1936. The breed standard was established and the name of the breed was determined. Everything was organized by Mr. Dezsö Fenyes. The museum director of Balassagvarmat was enthusiastic about this herding dog.

The breed was named after a black male dog with typical conformation and the name Mudi. The stud book is still open today. Dogs of this breed type are entered in the stud book. This also applies to specimens without papers.