About the Mudi

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.

AKC Group

Herding

Height

15 – 18.5 Inches

Weight

18 – 29 Pounds

Lifespan

12 – 14 Years

History of the Mudi

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.

General Appearance

Height & Weight

• Ideal Height: Males – 16 to 18.5 inches; Females – 15 to 17.5 inches.
• Ideal Weight: Males – 24 to 29 lbs., Females – 18 to 24 lbs.

Proportion & Substance

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.

Coat Texture, Colors & Markings

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.

Mudi Colors:

• Black – solid with no shading
• Gray – solid with no shading
• Brown – can range from light brown to dark chocolate; may include lighter shading
• Gray-Brown (Isabella) – may include lighter shading
• Yellow – can range from pale yellow to golden; may have lighter shading
• White – white to near-white cream

Mudi Markings:

• Merle – The Merle pattern may be present with any color.

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.

Head

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.

• Skull: The skull and forehead are slightly domed. The occiput and brows are only slightly apparent.
• Expression: The Mudi expression is alert, lively, and intelligent.
• Eyes: The eyes are almond-shaped and set slightly oblique, thus giving the Mudi a “dare devil” expression. The eyes should be as dark as possible. Black dogs should have dark brown eyes, while other dog colors may be lighter. Merle-patterned dogs can also have brown-blue speckled eyes.
• Ears: The Mudi ears are high set, triangular, slightly taller than wide, fully erect, and covered with abundant hair. The ears are very mobile and able to move independently.
• 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.
• Nose: The nose is rounded in front, with moderately wide nostrils. The bridge is straight. The nose color corresponds to the coat and/or skin color. The nose pigmentation is solid.
• Bite: Full dentition is preferred. Scissors bite is preferred; level bite is acceptable.

Tail

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.

The Mudi – What to 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.

Mudi 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.

Potential Health Risks

The Mudi is generally a healthy breed. Some of the health issues the Mudi may encounter include hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, or progressive retinal atrophy.

Recommended OFA testing for Mudis is listed below:

• Hip Dysplasia: Abnormally developed hip joint or cartilage damage due to a traumatic fracture, resulting in pain with movement.
• Elbow Dysplasia: Instability of the elbow joint due to polygenic disease of the elbow.
• Patellar Luxation: The patella, or kneecap, pops out of place.
• ACVO Eye Exam: Used to identify multiple eye issues, including cataracts, glaucoma, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis: (optional) Causes hypothyroidism in dogs, leading to metabolic problems (i.e., weight gain, hair loss, skin problems).
• Multiple Drug Sensitivity: (optional) To predict potential reactions to medication.
• Cardiac Evaluation: (optional) To detect heart murmur and congenital heart disease.
• DNA Repository: (optional) Provides genetic insight on potential disease.

Mudi Personality

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.

Mudi Feeding & Nutrition

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.

Mudi Training

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.

Mudi Exercise

Mudis are very energetic dogs. Though they are calm and relaxed in the house, once outside they appreciate a good run. Not surprisingly, Mudis excel at Flyball, Obedience, Herding, and Frisbee.

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.

Mudi Grooming

The Mudi coat generally repels dirt, and they don’t need frequent bathing. The coat needs only an occasional brushing and there is no trimming. Shedding is little to moderate, mostly occurring in the spring. Nails should be trimmed weekly to biweekly, and teeth brushed at least three times per week.

Living with a Mudi

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.

Mudi 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.

Caring for a Mudi Puppy

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.

Mudi Activities & Dog Sports

• Agility: Follows cues from the handler to independently take jumps and obstacles, such as a teeter or A-frame, in a timed competition.
• Herding: Demonstrate natural skills in moving livestock, such as ducks or sheep, to a specific location at Herding Trials.
• Rally: Respond to commands from the handler, who is following a course and reading directions, such as having your dog stand, from signs.
• Obedience: Follows single word or hand signal commands, such as heel, given by the handler.
• Conformation: Gait and stand for exam before a judge, who will select the best representation of the breed on that day for Best of Breed.
• Flyball: A team of four dogs take turns racing over hurdles, grabbing a ball, and returning to beat the time of other teams.
• Hiking/Running: A leisure or competitive activity for mature dogs (when growth plates have closed).
• Frisbee: Jumping and chasing skills are used to catch and retrieve a frisbee, either for fun or in a competitive setting.
• Dock Diving: Dogs jump from a dock into long pool, chasing a toy that is thrown to achieve the furthest or highest jump.
• Barn Hunt: Find rats contained in PVC tubes within a designated timeframe in a straw bale obstacle course.
• Scent Work: Use keen sense of smell to locate and alert to hidden odor sources in different environments.
• Search and Rescue: Search and locate missing persons.
• Tracking: Follows a scent trail to reach the source.
• Therapy Dog: Provide comfort and support to people in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.

Group Classification & 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:

Mudi Clubs

• The Mudi Club of America (MCA) is the parent club to the AKC. It was organized in 2004 to promote, protect, and preserve the growing Mudi population in the US.
• The North American Mudi Alliance (NAMA), affiliated with the United Kennel Club, promises to promote, improve, and advance the breed worldwide.
• The Mudi Association of Canada (MAC), founded in 2002, provides information about the Mudi’s history and Mudis in Canada.
• The Hungarian Mudi Club in the United Kingdom has been established for the recognition of the breed by The Kennel Club, for sharing information, gathering members, and helping each other.

Mudi Rescue Groups

The Mudi Club of America will assist any shelter or rescue organization in the US by listing them on their website (mudi.us/rescue).

The Mudi Association of Canada and its members will rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home any Mudi that needs help (Contact: Mudi-Rescue).

Mudi Facts

• Though it is thought the Mudi is one of the oldest breeds, much of its history is unknown.
• The Mudi is closely related to the other small Hungarian sheepdogs, Pumi and Puli.
• Officially recognized in 1936, the Mudi almost became extinct during WWII.
• During the 1960s, interest in the Mudi grew, and after careful breeding of the remaining stock the first Breed Standard was written in 1966.
• Mudis are extremely biddable, intelligent, adaptable, lively, and courageous. They have a strong herding instinct and are still used in that capacity today.
• Mudis are perfect for almost any sport, including Agility, Frisbee, Flyball, Herding, Tracking, Scent Work, and Obedience.
• Without enough exercise, the Mudi can become overly vocal and destructive.
• The Mudi is a hard-working herding breed that makes a versatile farm dog. They can be used to hunt and kill rodents, and they make excellent watchdogs.
• Since they were bred for protection of the livestock and the farm, Mudis are wary of people and dogs they do not know.
• A unique feature of the Mudi is the coat. The head and limbs are covered in a short, smooth coat, while the rest is wavy to curly.
• The Mudi comes in several colors, including black, gray, brown, gray-brown, yellow, and white. A merle pattern can occur with any color.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Mudi?

The Mudi, pronounced “moodie,” is a medium-sized herding dog from Hungary.

Is the Mudi easy to train?

Mudis are sensitive, quick learners that respond to positive reinforcement that is consistent without excessive repetition.

Is the Mudi a good house dog?

Mudis have an “off switch” and are generally quiet in the house and not destructive.

Are Mudis noisy?

Mudis tend to bark a lot, and they can be vocal when playing.

Do Mudis shed, and do they require much coat care?

The Mudi is a light-to-average shedder with an easy-to-care-for, wash-and-wear coat that repels dirt.

How much exercise do Mudis need?

Mudis need 1-2 hours of daily physical and mental engagement.

Is the Mudi for me?

The Mudi is an intelligent, versatile, medium-sized dog who is a good companion and worker. He is smart, healthy, fun, and requires little grooming. He needs daily exercise and can excel in most dog sports. They get along with children and other pets if raised with them. Mudis tend to bark a lot, and some like to dig. They can be shy or reactive to strangers or dogs.