The Mudi, pronounced "moodie", is a medium sized herding dog from Hungary which has been in existence since the nineteenth century. It is said the Mudi evolved naturally from crosses of the Puli, Pumi & German Spitz type breeds. The distinguishing characteristic of prick ears led experts to classify this type by naming & registering the breed in 1936. Today the Mudi is seen as an active, intelligent, biddable working breed. The Mudi is a rare breed. It is estimated there are no more than a few thousand Mudis worldwide, with the greatest numbers being in Hungary, followed by Finland, and scarcer throughout Europe, the U.S., and Canada. The Mudi excels at agility, obedience, and flyball, as well as other dog sports. He is a true working breed and shines when herding both cattle and sheep, and has found fame as a Search and Rescue dog in both Finland and the U.S.

All dogs are individuals and their temperaments vary widely, but, generally, around people he knows, the Mudi is a friendly and playful dog (one fancier once compared them to a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a German Shepherd Dog, both in look and temperament).

The average Mudi is neither shy and fearful nor exuberant and overjoyed when meeting new people. That’s not to say you can’t find individuals of either inclination. In fact, it is not unheard of for some young Mudi to exhibit a lack of self-confidence that may manifest in shyness, or, conversely, aggression (putting on a gruff face to mask his insecurity). Still, he is first and foremost a herding dog, and as with most herding breeds he can display a certain aloofness during initial meetings. Once he knows and trusts a person, however, he is generally easy-going, playful, and affectionate. The Mudi does well with children and other animals when exposed to them from puppyhood.

Many Mudi are quite vigorous in that they approach just about everything head on and with great (almost terrier-like) enthusiasm. They perform with great intensity in whatever they pursue. Mudis sometimes exhibit an almost feral awareness of the environment; although initially quite cautious in some new situations, most recover quickly and proceed fearlessly. Make no bones about it: these are tough little dogs. One word that sums up this breed is "scrappy". They have been bred to herd sheep and sometimes cattle. They’ve been used to help hunt wild boar. They even lend a paw when there’s ratting to be done. Anyone considering a Mudi should be well aware that this fearless attitude can exhibit itself in some not-so-welcome behaviors, such as dog-against-dog aggression, as well as obstinacy, and just plain pushiness. These are rare and mostly self-limiting adolescent male behaviors, but one should be prepared nonetheless. Shyness has also been noted, particularly in certain lines. Socialization, early and often, is key in exposing pups to new situations and preventing any future problems with shyness or fearfulness (remember, anything a Mudi does is usually quite dynamic-including exhibit behavior problems; the Mudi work ethic is such that if something is to be done, it should be done BIG, and that applies across the board).

Mudi are very easy to train, however, it is best to use positive reinforcement methods rather than heavy-handed dominance-based methods. As with all herding breeds, the Mudi is sensitive to strong-arm corrections and will learn far more quickly if he is trusting of his trainer and they work together as a team.

Mudi are well suited to the house and it’s advised that the Mudi be treated as a member of the family and not be relegated to living in the backyard. He likes to be close to his people and is generally quiet and low-energy in the house. The Mudi does not fare as well in apartments or community housing situations only due to his tendency to bark. Note, some animals can be difficult to housebreak and this should be taken into consideration when bringing a Mudi into the home. However statistics prove housebreaking is not a problem in most cases.

Mudi are generally good with children and other animals, and exceptionally so if raised with them.

As mentioned above, perhaps one of the only drawbacks to living with a Mudi is his propensity to bark at just about everything. One must remember that one of the Mudi’s jobs in his homeland is to alert the bigger flock guardians (Kuvasz, Komondor) when he senses trouble. This has, not surprisingly, spilled over to the domestic Mudi as well. Some lines are barkier than others, but in general, the Mudi does like to bark. Some folks have found success in controlling barking by teaching it, and the associated quieting, as commands.

The Mudi has an easy to care for, wash and wear coat. With short hair on the head and front of the legs, and wavy to curly hair over the rest of the body, a good and quick brushing about once a week or so is all this dog needs for grooming. The Mudi is a light-to-average shedder.

Black is, by far, the predominant color in this breed, however, there are several other colors appearing such as white, brown, gray commonly called ash, yellow, and the merle pattern in conjunction with any of the allowable colors. Colors that also appear, but are not accepted as part of the current FCI breed standard, are a the brindle pattern, wolf color, black & tan, yellow with a black mask and albinism.

According to the FCI standard, the male Mudi should be between 16”-18.5”, with a weight of 24-1/4 to 28-3/4 pounds”; females 15”-17.5”, 17-3/4 to 24-1/4 pounds. However, Mudi size varies greatly in their homeland where dogs are often bred with more attention on their ability to work on the farm than adherence to the dictated standard.

The average Mudi should live to be 12-to-14 years old. The breed is relatively healthy however there are reports of dogs with epilepsy, hip dysplasia, congenital cataracts, color dilution alopecia (“blue dog syndrome”), and other inherited health issues. For more information, please visit this links concerning Mudi health issues: http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/brdreqs.html?breed=MDI. Great care and research should the be done before purchasing a Mudi puppy and also when breeding Mudi to avoid using dogs that may contribute to these health issues.

Mudi are very energetic dogs. Though they are calm and relaxed in the house, once outside they appreciate agood run. Not surprisingly, Mudi excel at flyball, obedience, herding, and frisbee.

Mudi are quite playful and can be mischievous, particularly when it comes to digging-they are quite the little engineers. They also are 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.

The AKC fully recognized the Mudi on December 29, 2021 and is in the Herding Group. Mudis will be able to earn Championships along with every other AKC recognized breed. You are also eligible to show in performance and other events offered by AKC and organizations that the AKC recognizes for titling purposes such as NADD and Barn Hunt.

Other venues available to show your Mudi are the United Kennel Club, the American Rare Breed Association, the International All Breed Canine Association of America, ICKC-International Canine Kennel Club, ICE-International Canine Events the Continental Kennel Club, the National Kennel Club, the World Kennel Club, and the Canadian Kennel Club (dogs with foreign registration only-UKC, ARBA, or otherwise-registered dogs are ineligible to compete; contact the CKC for acceptable registries).

Other than conformation the Mudi excels at agility, flyball, frisbee, herding, tracking, and obedience. There are few things a Mudi can’t or won’t do. The opportunities for exhibiting and competing with your Mudi are just about endless!

So far, the Mudi sounds perfect. But is he right for you? On the positive side, he is a very versatile, small-to-medium-sized dog; a good companion and worker. He is smart, healthy, fun, and needs little grooming. He is perfect for just about any dog sport you can think of. On the down side, he can be rather barky, and some Mudi are prone to dig. Some individuals (particularly young males) can be independent, stubborn, and ‘opinionated.’ Some can be shy or aggressive towards other dogs. Puppy terror tantrums are not unheard of; new owners can expect to miss a few nights of sleep during the new puppy’s vocalizing his opinion about acclimating to his new home. If none of this dissuades you and you can provide firm, fair, positive leadership, then the Mudi just might be for you. However, as with any dog, one must be prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for this new life for 12 years or more. Quality food, veterinary care, and exercise area must, as is a quality puppy class, adult training, and ongoing socialization. Do you plan on competing in any dog sports? Do you plan to show your Mudi or are you just looking for a companion? The Mudi will do well in all of these capacities, provided you minister firm yet kind and respectful handling of your new charge. If this be the case, this wonderful and charming dog may just be for you.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The Mudi is an extremely versatile, intelligent, alert, agile all-purpose Hungarian farm dog. Medium sized, moderate inconformation, 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 under shot 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 armmatching 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.