MUDI
Breed Group: Herding
For full breed standards, visit the Federation Cynologique Internationale
Average height: 31 - 55 cms (12 - 21 in)
Average Weight: 8 - 13 kgs (18 - 30 lbs)
Coat Length: Medium
Life Span: 13 - 15 years
Colours: All solid colors and self-merle pattern are recognized breed colours: black, black merle, brown, brown merle, ash (diluted), ash merle, ash brown (diluted + brown), ash brown merle, white, white merle (merle pattern is not visible), yellow, yellow merle (merle is not visible). Other patterns do appear from time to time but are not allowed for breeding. Small white markings on the chest or toes are allowed but are uncommon on either solid colors or merles. They are self-merle - one solid background color plus a merle pattern over the entire body, without a third color or white trim. Merling is unique to each Mudi - some with larger and smaller patches of merle and a solid color that is not always evenly dispersed.
HISTORY
The Mudi is a landrace, herding dog breed from Hungary that herds livestock in an upright style including geese, Merino and Racka sheep, pigs, dairy cows, and Hungarian Grey Cattle. The Mudi is often used in Hungary to herd large flocks of sheep and barks while acting as a portable fence, keeping the herd away from roads and crops, as livestock are grazed on open pastures. The Mudi is also used as a watchdog at home or at the barn and is also capable of dispatching mice, rats, and other vermin.
The Mudi was officially recognized as a breed in 1936 by Dr. Dezsô Fényes, and was subsequently recognized by the FCI in 1963, the AKC FSS in 2004, and in 2022 became a fully recognized breed with AKC. In 2002, the Mudi was recognized by the UKC in the USA and by the CKC in Canada in 2016. Currently, the Mudi is not recognized by the Kennel Club in the UK, however, the Mudi is bred in the UK and litters born in the UK are registered with the Irish Kennel Club (FCI) until the Mudi will be officially recognized by the UK Kennel Club. At this time, it does not appear that any group/club is applying for Kennel Club (UK) recognition. The Mudi is currently being introduced to Australia and recognition in the ANKC is underway.
L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.Ā® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.Ā
KnowingĀ theĀ sort of 'job' a breed wasĀ createdĀ for can offer valuable insights into the type of lifeĀ dogs of thatĀ breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as anĀ indication of breed tendencies ā not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR MUDI
- They are very smart, loyal and biddable with their owners
- They have soft, odorless coats that make petting and close contact very enjoyable
- They want to be with you more than anything else in the world doing whatever it is you want to do
- Once bonded and reasonably trained, they should be very reliable off-leash with rare exceptions. Due to their selected purpose (shepherds did not use leashes), the Mudi had to stay with them and near them at all times
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- They can be barky and dislike being separated from you when you are home, so kennel keeping can be problematic
- They will probably not immediately like your friends and family that do not live with you or visit often
- They may not be friendly with or play with every dog and they prefer to play with dogs that have the same play style they have and with dogs they know
- They generally do not do well when kept with more than a couple of other dogs at home. This is not a pack-keeping breed as they were not bred to be. Shepherds kept only one or at most a couple at a time
YOUR MUDI PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
Your Mudi puppy loves to learn and spend time with you, and will always look to you first for assurance, direction, motivation, and comportment while learning how to navigate the world around them.
Treats, praise, play, and positive affirmation throughout their life will help to create a well-rounded, adult Mudi companion that is a treasure to have by your side, doing whatever the day brings.
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Separation anxiety (rare)
- Excessive barking
- Intolerance of friends and family in their home, yard, or car
- Intolerance of other dogs in the home (this is rather variable, however larger pack-keeping style is not for them)
- Intolerance of being kept in a crate or kennel when you are at home. They will know when you come home and so will your neighbors
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- Fair, consistent, positive training and guidance works wonders with the Mudi. They can be easily motivated with toys, play, and food/treats, and by being able to spend time with you, which is what they want most in life
- They can be crate trained if done properly, but they are not a good kennel/backyard-kept breed
- As they are a very sensitive breed, harsh corrections are not tolerated, causing avoidance and inability to learn or pay attention (some have a quicker recovery time than others after a harsh scolding)
- They do however need to know and learn boundaries and rules from a firm, patient, and gentle approach
- They are smart, but you need to be smarter
UPBRINGING
Mudis are easily and readily trained almost from birth, but they also need time to just be a dog, rest, and relaxation. They need frequent experiences with everything under the sun in a gentle, kind, and sensible way, without being forced, from a very early age. Exposure to people of all ages and types, other species, and other well-behaved dogs is essential from an early age as well. They are best brought up in a stable, peaceful, and enriched home environment, without constant turmoil and activity, that also provides them with ample home and activity time with their owner.
LIFESTYLE
A Mudi is happiest when they are in close proximity to their owner or extended family while participating in a sport, or activity, or relaxing together. The Mudi is adaptable to all climates and home environments, as long as they are given ample opportunity to exercise their minds and bodies, and given proper guidance on behavior that co-existing in a human world requires from a young age. Socialization and world experience provisions is also required from a young age to ensure your Mudi will be the companion you want them to be.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
The Mudi is capable of almost every kind of canine sport or human activity. However, some sports are less suitable for their structure and selected purpose. Their patellas seem to be easily damaged and their willingness to participate, accompany, and perform tends to make it easy to push their limits of capability by themselves and by their owner. Attention and consideration for activity suitability should be given careful consideration, along with close monitoring of their well-being and possible physical wear and tear or injury. Some Mudis will prefer one activity, or any activity, or show a total disinterest in others. Every Mudi is an individual. It is best to offer many activities to the Mudi and let them decide what they prefer for the best results and the happiness of your canine partner. Sports should be an enjoyable and safe experience for the Mudi, but some sports are best left for other breeds.
EDUCATION
They are very easy and willing to be trained for most anything. However, repetition can have a negative effect on some, causing boredom, disinterest, and inability to focus. They can be trained by any method, however, due to their very sensitive nature, yelling and harsh punishment is almost always not well received and will cause them to shut down or avoid their owner or the activity. Firm, fair, and consistent training using positive methods generally works best. Left on their own, untrained, or without boundaries, they will invent their own activities which usually are not compatible with the home, garden, or most humans living near them.
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