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Mudi

The Mudi is a Hungarian herding dog breed. The Mudi comes from Hungary, typically weighs Males, and has a head and front of limbs are covered by short, straight, and smooth hair. elsewhere the coat is uniformly wavy or slightly curled 3–7 cm (1.2–2.8 in) long. coat. Individual Mudis vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Breed at a glance

Origin
Hungary
Weight
Males
Height
Males
Coat
Head and front of limbs are covered by short, straight, and smooth hair. Elsewhere the coat is uniformly wavy or slightly curled 3–7 cm (1.2–2.8 in) long.
Colour
Fawn. Black. Brown. Ash coloured (blue grey). Blue-merle, i.e. black speckled, estriped, -brindle or -spotted on lighter or darker bluish-grey primary colour.

About the Mudi

The Mudi is a Hungarian herding dog breed. Males typically weigh 25-35 kg and stand 45-55 cm tall.

Overview

The Mudi is a herding dog breed from Hungary . It is closely related to the Puli and Pumi , from which it was separated in the 1930s. They continue to be used in herding, as well as participating in a variety of dog sports .

History

The Mudi was first discovered as a breed in 1936 by Dr Dezso Fenyes in Hungary, where it became known as the "driver dog". Mudis nearly disappeared shortly after their recognition, as many were killed off during World War II. The breed became recognized by The Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1966. On January 5, 2022, the Mudi was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a purebred breed, and by The Kennel Club on June 12, 2025, effective July 1. The Mudi made its debut at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in June 2022. At the breed''s inaugural Westminster competition, CH Luminary Alchemist ("Guava"), owned by Samantha Van Buren, won Best of Breed, becoming the first Mudi to receive the breed award at Westminster.

Appearance

The Mudi has a medium coat length and a curly coat type. Mudis are born with various lengths of tails from bobtails to long full length tails. Dogs born with short or natural bobtail will be indicated on the FCI pedigree.

Description

Mudis are a high energy breed, and tend to succeed in herding and agility. Mudis have a lifespan of 12-14 years with proper care. Adult Mudis are 14-18 inches in height and usually weigh around 18-29 lbs.

Exercise and activities

The Mudi is a very active breed. They need to be taken on daily, long, brisk walks or jogs. In addition, they will benefit from a large safe area where they can run free. They need a lot of running and other exercises to be in good condition. They love to play and will excel in all kinds of dog sports such as Frisbee. The Mudi can compete in dog agility trials, obedience , Rally obedience , Schutzhund , showmanship , flyball , tracking , and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Mudi that exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.

Considering a Mudi? Research breeders carefully, ask for health clearances, and consider adoption first. Check local shelters and breed-specific rescues before buying from a breeder.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key characteristics of the Mudi?

The Mudi is a medium-sized herding dog with a muscular build, erect ears, and a curly or wavy coat. They typically weigh between 25-40 kg and stand 45-55 cm tall. Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, and various shades of fawn and brown. They have a high energy level and require regular exercise.

Is the Mudi a good family dog?

Mudis are highly intelligent and active dogs that thrive on interaction and exercise. They can make great family pets for experienced dog owners who can provide them with the necessary attention and physical activity. However, they may not be suitable for very young children due to their high energy level and strong herding instincts.

What health problems do Mudis have?

As a relatively rare breed, there is limited information available on specific health issues affecting Mudis. However, herding breeds are generally prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on. Responsible breeding practices can also help minimize the risk of inherited health problems.

How much does a Mudi puppy cost?

The cost of a Mudi puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, you can expect to pay between $800-$1,500 for a puppy from a reputable breeder. Keep in mind that this is an investment in a long-term companion, and the cost of owning a dog goes beyond the initial purchase price.

Where do Mudis come from?

The Mudi comes from Hungary. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.

Related breeds

Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Mudi, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.