Breed Standard
Head: Long and snippy. Slightly domed skull. Straight muzzle. Pointed nose.
Ears: Held erect, pointed, in the shape of an upside-down "v".
Eyes: Oval, set slightly oblique. Dark brown color.
Body: Oblong. Short straight back. Short, sloping croup. Topline sloping from rump to withers. Long, deep chest.
Tail: Short or docked at the length of two or three fingers.
Hair: traight, short and smooth on the head and front of the legs. Longer (5 to 7 cm) (2-3 in), thick, wavy and glossy on the rest of the body.
Coat: Black, white, or black and white pied, with spots of medium size over all the body. Color of the feet is always that of the dominant coat color.
Size: 35 to 47 cm (14-18,5 in).
Weight: 8 to 13 kg (18-29 lb).
History
The Hungarian herdsman's dogs were all classified together until the 1930s, when the Mudi was separated from the Puli and Pumi. This all-purpose breed does not appear to be the result of planned breeding. The breed formed spontaneously and is only about one hundred years old. It is rare, even in Hungary. Its conformation stabilized in the early 1900s and its standards were written down according to these original traits. Perhaps much of the reason for the rareness of this breed can be attributed to the present Puli and Komondor, older and more popular Hungarian working breeds. Perhaps the least known of all Hungarian dogs, it is noted for the multiplicity of its uses both inside and outside its native land. It has served as a flock guardian, sheep herder, cow herder, guard dog, hunter of wild animals, killer of mice and weasels and as a companion. He is capable of handling his own flock without assistance. In Finland they are used as mountain rescue dogs.
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 during World War II. The breed became recognized by The Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1966. On Jan. 5th 2022, the Mudi was recognized by the AKC as a purebred breed.
Behavior
This rustic, hardy, lively, vigorous dog is always on the alert, rather vocal and has a seemingly unlimited supply of energy. Docile and affectionate, the mudi bonds to only one person and must receive firm training. He needs someone in control who can give him a mission or a job to do. Having a tendency to bite, this dog is respected for its ability to guard the herd and the home. His keen sense of smell makes him a good dog for hunting boar.
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.
he is firstand foremost a herding dog, and as with most herding breeds he can displaya 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.
Function
Herder (cattle), Hunting Dog (large game), Guard Dog.
Health
This is a very healthy breed and has a high level of disease resistance, although some cases of hip dysplasia have occurred, but not many.
