Mudi

18-24 lbs
15-17"
Hungary
Driver Dog

The Mudi is not a well known breed. Mudi is pronounced “Moody”. He is an intelligent and happy dog with a low maintenance coat. He can be a barker if he is left to his own devices, and he can make his own fun when he becomes bored. The Mudi generally does well with children and other pets, if he is raised with them. Bringing an adult Mudi into your home with children and other pets will take skill and training. Young children should always be supervised with your Mudi. He does not tolerate children teasing or abusing them and will protect himself. He also needs a secure fenced yard to keep him confined and safe.

purpose Purpose
Herding
history Date of Origin
1920s
ancestry Ancestry
Spitz-type

Mudi Health

Average Size
Male Mudi size stats
Height: 16-18 inches Weight: 24-29 lbs
Female Mudi size stats
Height: 15-17 inches Weight: 18-24 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Various Eye Conditions
Occasional Tests
  • CERF
  • Physical Examination
  • OFA on hips and elbows

Mudi Breed History

There is little known about the Mudi’s origins. Even the date he was discovered is not exactly clear. Some say he was discovered in the 1920s while others say he was discovered in 1936. Dr. Dezso Fenyes of Hungary claims to be the first to discover the Mudi. In the early 1900s the Mudi was being used as a driver dog on many farms and ranches. He was first known simply as Driver Dog. Researchers believe that the Mudi descended from crosses of herding dogs and Spitz-type dogs. Some suggest that he is related to the other herding breeds of Hungary including the Puli and Pumi. During World War II many Mudi dogs were killed and the breed was on the verge of extinction. The breed was rebuilt after the war with careful breeding from the remaining stock. In 1966, the Federation Cynologique Internationale officially recognized the Mudi. It was not until 2006 that the United Kennel Club recognized the Mudi. He was able to be registered with the UKC and allowed to compete in their events. The American Kennel Club has recognized that the Mudi is a herding breed and as been accepted into its Foundation Stock Service in 2004. However, since there are so few Mudi able to be registered, the Mudi has not achieved full registration status. He can still compete in AKC companion and performance events. The Mudi Club of America is diligently working on increasing the popularity of the Mudi throughout the United States. The largest population of Mudi is still found in Hungary. 

Mudi Breed Appearance

The Mudi is a medium sized dog who is athletic and intelligent. His topline should have a distinctive slope towards his rear and have ears that stand up on top his head. His head and legs are covered with short, smooth coat. The rest of his body should have longer very wavy or even slightly curly coat. His coat is longest on the back of his forelegs and the upper thighs where it forms a very pronounced feathering. He comes in several different colors including black, white, ash, fawn, brown and blue merle. He can only have a small spot of white on his body, generally on his chest or toes. He has a somewhat messy appearance and can have ridges or cow-licks on some parts of his body. He has an inquisitive look to him and has a slender muzzle. The Mudi only weighs between 18 to 29 pounds but he has the heart of a large dog.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Mudi eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Mudi nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brown Mudi coat
Brown
black Mudi coat
Black
white Mudi coat
White
fawn Mudi coat
Fawn
blue Mudi coat
Blue
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Mudi wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Mudi Breed Maintenance

The Mudi has a coat that generally repels dirt and he does not require frequent bathing. He does shed seasonally and requires a weekly brushing using a natural bristle brush. A steel comb may be necessary to remove any tangles in his feathering. His coat does not require any trimming or fancy hair styles. The Mudi is a typical wash and go dog. Use a gentle shampoo when he does require a bath. When the Mudi sheds his undercoat in the spring, he will not fully regain his full, dense coat until the end of summer. This allows him to be comfortable during the hot summer months. His nails will need to be trimmed as needed, usually every few weeks or so. The Mudi does not particularly like his nails trimmed, therefore a nail grinder may be more acceptable than clippers. His ears will need to be cleaned every week. His teeth should be brushed often with approved pet toothpaste. His teeth should be de-scaled once a year to remove any tartar buildup.

Brushes for Mudi
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Mudi requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Mudi Temperament

The Mudi is a very lively and active dog. He loves working and staying busy. The Mudi makes an excellent trick dog and also loves doing therapy work. He also loves doing agility, dock diving, flyball, obedience, tracking and herding. If left to his own devices, the Mudi will make his own fun. He can easily become destructive and an excessive barker. He does have a softer temperament and will perform best when you give him lots of praise or a reward. He does not respond well to harsh tones or rough treatment. He does well with children as long as the children do not abuse or mistreat him. He can easily become mistrusting of anyone who mistreats or uses harsh tones with him. He is an excellent guard dog and will sound the alarm when strangers approach their property. He will bark when strangers approach but will rarely show aggression towards people or other dogs.

Mudi Owner Experiences

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