Members
01/Overview
The Mudi is a herding breed from Hungary where it is still favored by shepherds to work sheep and cattle herds. In the United States, the breed is rare, with a small number of fanciers. The Mudi retains its strong herding instinct. The breed is very versatile, making it a contender in many active dog sports.
Highlights
02/History
The Mudi is believed to be one of the oldest of the Hungarian sheepdogs, thought to have been in existence since the 9th Century. It is said that in ancient times this little sheepdog could be found in the lowlands of Pannonia, now parts of Hungary, Austria, and the former Yugoslavia. Some believe the Mudi came from crossings between the Puli and the Pumi, or from crossings between local sheepdogs and the Alsatian or German Spitz. Until the latter part of the 19th Century, Herding breeds in Hungary were simply categorized as small and large.
Around 1930, Dr. Deszö Fényesi, became involved in separate breeding of this small sheepdog. He is also the one who named the breed Mudi. In 1966, the FCI recognized the Breed Standard for the Mudi, written by Dr. Zoltan Balassy, based on a handful of Mudis (Mudik is the plural form in Hungarian) with color and size being the defining characteristics.
In the early 2000s, a few enthusiasts imported Mudis to the United States. Their dedication to the breed led to the Mudi being accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) in 2004, then moving into the Miscellaneous Class, and finally, becoming recognized by AKC in the Herding Group in 2022.
03/Appearance
The head is wedge-shaped and the length of the muzzle is slightly less than half of the total length of the head. The stop is defined but not obvious.
The Mudi is medium-boned. The height from the withers to the ground is nearly equal to the body length from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks. The depth of the brisket is slightly less than half of the height at the withers. The Mudi should stand squarely on all fours, and when viewed from the side, the topline, front legs, and back legs should closely approximate a square. The topline slightly slopes from the withers towards the croup.
Texture: The Mudi has a unique, easy-care, self-cleaning coat that does not tend to mat. The Mudi is presented naturally, never appearing sculpted, wooly, fluffed, or blown dry to obscure the curls and texture of the coat.
Standard Colors
Standard Markings
04/Consider
Mudis are very versatile, athletic, small-medium-sized dogs that make good companions and serious workers. They are intelligent, loyal, healthy, fun, and need little grooming. Mudis can be very vocal. They can be aloof with strangers and may be reactive to people or dogs, so they need early socialization.
Some are prone to digging. Mudis are soft dogs that need gentle, consistent, patient training methods. They are high drive and energetic dogs that require daily exercise that engages both their brains and their bodies. Mudis have an "off switch," allowing them to relax.
Interaction With Family
The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals.
Good With Other Dogs
The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed.
Good With Young Children
The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children.
Amount Of Shedding
How much hair a breed typically leaves behind on clothes, furniture and floors.
Frequency Of Grooming
How often a breed needs brushing, bathing or a professional trim to stay in condition.
Amount Of Drooling
How prone a breed is to drool — worth knowing before you keep a towel by the door.
Openness To Strangers
How openly a breed tends to greet new people, visitors and strangers.
Protective Nature
How likely a breed is to alert you to — and stand between you and — anything unfamiliar.
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic a breed stays about games and play well past puppyhood.
Trainability Level
How readily a breed takes direction and works with you rather than around you.
Barking Level
How much a breed uses its voice, and how readily.
Energy Level
How much get-up-and-go a breed brings to an average day.
Health
The breed is relatively healthy; however, there are reports of dogs with epilepsy, hip dysplasia, congenital cataracts, color dilution alopecia, and other inherited health issues. Lifespan: The average Mudi should live to be 12 to 14 years old.
Like many herding breeds, the Mudi can be aloof towards strangers and unfamiliar dogs, but around people they know, Mudis are friendly, affectionate, and playful. Mudis can do well with children and other animals if exposed to them from puppyhood. They are generally high energy and high drive and enjoy many dog sports. They tend to be environmentally aware and may exhibit nervousness or fear in some situations.
Exercise Expectations
Mudis are quite playful and can be mischievous, particularly when it comes to digging—they are quite the little engineers. They are also noted for their extraordinary jumping ability. A well-exercised Mudi is a Mudi who tends not to find trouble elsewhere either by jumping over, or digging under, any fences keeping him from the greener other side.
Grooming Expectations
With their friendly personalities, eagerness to please, and protective but non-aggressive nature, Mudis make excellent family dogs for most homes. They get along with children and other animals if raised together. They do best with active families, and prospective owners should prepare for this herding breed's exercise needs.
05/Puppies
Mudis can have litter sizes ranging from a singleton to eight puppies, but the average is four to six puppies. The gestation period is the same as for other breeds, with puppies arriving about 63 days after conception.
Mudi puppies can be very active and vigorous with play, but will need down time, too. Early socialization and puppy classes can help to set a Mudi up for success later in life. It is common for Mudi puppies to have several fear periods as they mature; it is important to be supportive and minimize stress so that the puppy will grow into a confident adult. Puppies will require high-quality food to promote appropriate growth and development. Mudi puppies need regular visits to the veterinarian for recommended vaccinations and wellness checks.
06/Activities
Gallery
07/Standards
The Mudi is recognized by the world's leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:
The ideal Mudi is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Breed Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:
08/Clubs
09/Rescue
10/Facts
11/FAQ
The Mudi, pronounced "moodie," is a medium-sized herding dog from Hungary.
Official Standard of the Mudi
General Appearance: The Mudi is an extremely versatile, intelligent, alert, agile all-purpose Hungarian farm dog. Medium sized, moderate in conformation, slightly longer than tall with a slightly sloping topline from withers to croup. Wedge-shaped head and prick ears. The distinctive low maintenance coat is very wavy to slightly curly on the body and is short and straight on the face and front of the legs. There are variations in color and tail length.
Size, Proportion, Substance: Height is measured from withers to the ground and is slightly longer than tall when measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks. The brisket comes to the elbow and is slightly less than length of leg. Substance – The Mudi is medium boned. Size – Dogs are from 15 ½ inches to 19 inches, bitches from 14 ½ inches to 18 inches. Ideal height for dogs is 17 ½, for bitches is 16 ½. Disqualification – Over or under listed height.
Head: The head is wedge shaped when viewed from the top and from the side with sufficient fill under the eyes to make a smooth wedge line from ear to nose. The length of the muzzle is slightly less than half of the total length of the head. The stop is defined but not obvious. Expression – A “daredevil”, lively, intelligent and alert expression. Eyes – The almond shaped eyes, as dark as possible, are set slightly obliquely. The rims of lids are tight, close-fitting to the eyeball and completely pigmented. Eye Color: Black Dogs – Dark as possible. Merle – Brown, blue or partially blue eyes. Brown, gray and gray-brown may have lighter brown eyes. Yellow and white dogs may have brown, blue or partially blue eyes. Eye Rim Pigment: Black Dogs – Black. Merle Dogs – Match base color. Brown and gray-brown – Brown. Gray dogs – Gray. Disqualification – Incomplete or pink pigmentation of the eyes and eye rims, yellow eyes in black dogs. Ears – Ears are high set, fully erect and covered with abundant hair reaching beyond the edges of the ear leather. The ears are triangular and only slightly taller than the width at the base. The ears are very mobile and alert, able to move independently in reaction to any stimulation. Disqualification – Drop or semi-pricked ears. Skull – The skull and forehead are slightly rounded. The occiput and brows are only slightly apparent. Muzzle – The muzzle is strong with the bridge of the nose straight and tapering to a blunt end at the nose. Whiskers shall be present and may be curly. Nose – Nose Color: Black Dogs – Black nose. Brown and gray-brown dogs – Brown nose. Gray dogs – Gray nose. Yellow and white colored dogs – Black, brown or gray nose. The nose pigmentation is complete. Disqualification – Pink or spotted nose. Bite – Scissors bite. Fault – One or more missing teeth are a serious fault. Disqualification – Over or undershot mouth, wry mouth.
Neck, Topline and Body: The slightly high set neck is of medium length, barely arched and well-muscled. The skin at the throat is tight, dry, and without a dewlap. Topline – Withers are slightly higher with the topline slightly sloping towards the croup. Body – The body is smooth and tight with hard, but not bulging muscles. Forechest is slightly curved, the point of the sternum only slightly protruding. The chest is moderate in depth with ribs that are slightly sprung that extends back to a slight tuck-up. The back is medium length, straight and taut. The loin is short, firmly coupled. The croup is slightly sloped, and of medium breadth. The tail follows the natural line of the croup. Tail – All tail lengths are acceptable, none is preferred over any other. The tail can be carried over the back in a loose, semi-circular fashion. When relaxed all tail lengths may hang below the topline. The tail is abundantly coated; the hair on the underside can be 4 to 5 inches long. Fault – A tightly curled tail or “pigs-tail” should be faulted.
Forequarters: The shoulders are moderately angulated (100-110 degrees), with long, well-knit shoulder blades and an upper arm matching in length. The elbows are tucked firmly against the brisket. The pastern is very slightly sloped. Feet are compact, oval in shape; pads deep and strong, toes moderately arched and close. The nails are hard and strong. Front dewclaws are desirable.
Hindquarters: The hindquarters are well-developed and muscular, and in balance with the forequarters having moderate angulation. The hocks are short, vertical, and parallel to each other. Hind feet same as the forefeet. Rear dewclaws are not desirable.
Coat: Face and front of legs are covered by short, straight and smooth hair. On other parts of the body, the coat is very wavy to slightly curly, dense and about 1 inch to 3 inches long. At some spots, cow-licks and ridges are formed. The coat is longer on the back of the forearms and the upper thighs, where it forms pronounced featherings. The weather resistant coat is presented naturally, never sculpted, fluffed nor blown dry. Disqualification – Short, smooth or straight coat on the whole body; long hair on the face.
Color: No color is preferred over any other color and there is no preference of the solid vs. merle pattern. Allowed colors are: Black. Brown – All shades. Gray. Gray-brown – dilute of brown (Isabella). Yellow and White – All shades. Merle – The merle pattern may be present with any color. Minimal white markings are tolerated but not desired on any color or pattern; This includes a white patch on the chest less than 2 inches in diameter and small white markings on the toes. Fault – Any white markings more extensive than the foregoing are a serious fault. Allowable light shadings are not to be confused with white markings. Disqualification – Wolf gray (agouti – alternating bands of color along each hair shaft), black and tan, albino (pure white with pale pink skin and pink eyes) or any other color or marking not listed.
Gait: Action is true, free, supple and tireless, exhibiting facility of movement rather than hard driving action. The trot is not long striding yet covers the ground with a minimum of effort. The capability of quick and sudden movement is essential.
Temperament: Alert, energetic, intelligent, biddable, adaptable and always enthusiastic about any job that needs to be done. The Mudi is sensibly suspicious and therefore an excellent watchdog.
Faults: Any deviation from the foregoing should be considered a fault, the seriousness of the fault depending upon the extent of the deviation.
Disqualifications: Dogs less than 15 ½ inches and over 19 inches, and bitches less than 14 ½ inches and over 18
inches.
Incomplete or pink pigmentation of the eyes and eye rims.
Yellow eyes in black dogs.
Pink (Albino) eyes in white dogs.
Drop or semi-pricked ears.
Pink or spotted nose.
Over or undershot mouth, wry mouth. Short, smooth, or straight coat on the whole body, long hair on the face. Wolf gray (agouti – alternating bands of color along each hair shaft), black and tan, albino (pure white with pale pink eyes) or any other color or markings not listed.
Approved May 12, 2025
Effective August 4, 2025
Meet the Judges
Thomas W. Coen reflects on judging Herding breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting entry quality, Breed winners, and Group success.
Dog Sports
Meet the Mudi: a rare, intelligent herding dog from Hungary, perfect for farm work, agility, and as a versatile, loyal companion.
Meet the Breeders
Interview with Rebecca Ingersoll, breeder of Twisted Acres Kennel – Insights on Mudi and Border Collie breeding.
Meet the Breeders
Interview with Owner Handler Theresa Stilger – I purchased my first purebred dog in junior high. I loved 4-H and my dog, but I wanted to try
Mudi Colors | One of the most attractive elements of the Mudi is the wide variety of colors and patterns available. Read below to learn about
Purebred Mudi (Canis Ovilis Fényesi) – An Ideal Farm PartnerThe Mudi (pronounced “moody”) is a medium-sized Herding Dog from Hungary that has
Tails come in all lengths, including a natural bob. When alert and during active movement, the tail can be carried higher than the topline. A full-length tail can be carried over the back in a loose, semi-circular fashion. When relaxed, the tail may hang below the topline. The tail is abundantly coated; the hair on the underside can be four to five inches long. No tail length is preferred over any other length.
A Note About Color: Minimal white markings are tolerated but not desired on any color or pattern; this includes a white patch on the chest less than two inches in diameter and small white markings on the toes. No color is preferred over any other color and there is no preference of the solid vs. merle pattern.
Coat Type
Curly
The structure of the coat this breed carries.
Coat Length
Medium
How long the breed's coat grows when kept in condition.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed copes with changes in home, routine, noise and weather.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much a breed needs a job, a puzzle or training to stay content.
Mudis are active dogs that need a diet that is balanced for their life stage and appropriate for their energy needs. The food should be high quality and rich in protein and vitamins to support an active lifestyle. Most do well with two feedings per day, though puppies will require 3-4 feeding per day, depending on age. Adult Mudis typically eat 1-2 cups of kibble per day, depending on the size and activity level of the dog. Healthy treats can be supplemental but should not account for more than 10 percent of a Mudis caloric intake.
Mudis are very easy to train when using positive reinforcement rather than heavy-handed, dominance-based methods. The Mudi is a soft, sensitive dog that will learn quickly if he is trusting of his trainer, and they work together as a team. Mudis do not like repetition and do best with short training sessions. Their learning style is different from many other breeds; they are clever thinkers that may interpret cues in their own unique way.
