The Mudi is a breed originating from Hungary that has traditionally been used for herding cattle. Over time, their high intelligence and adaptability have allowed these dogs to be used in different tasks and disciplines. However, its presence in the world is rare and it is a difficult breed to adopt outside its country of origin.
If you want to know more about the characteristics of the Mudi, we recommend that you continue reading this PlanèteAnimal sheet in which we will tell you everything about its origin, its character, its care and its possible he alth problems. he alth.
Origin
- Europe
- Hungary
FCI Nomenclature
- Group I
Physical Characteristics
- End
- Muscular
- Proportional
- Long ears
Size
- Average
Height
- 35-45
Adult Weight
- 10-25
Life expectancy
- 12-14
Recommended physical activity
- High
Character
- Balanced
- Society
- Smart
- Active
Ideal for
- Shepherd
- Sports
Recommended climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Short
- Medium
- Curly
Origin of Mudi
The Mudi is a herding dog from Hungary that emerged between the 18th and 19th centuries. Unlike other man-made breeds, the Mudi seems to have evolved naturally from crosses between Spitz-type dogs and other Hungarian breeds like the Puli or Pumi.
The breed was on the brink of extinction during World War II, but thanks to the great work done by the defenders of this breed, the Mudi has survived to the present day.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the breed in 1966 and then the American Kennel Club (2004) and the United Kennel Club (2006) did the same. Currently, the number of specimens of this breed is small. It is estimated that there are only a few thousand Mudis in the world, with Hungary being the most populous country, followed by others such as Finland, the United States and Canada.
Mudi Features
Within the racial standard of the Mudi, its main characteristics are:
- He is a medium sized dog. Females weigh between 8 and 11 kg and measure between 38 and 44 cm, while males weigh between 11 and 13 kg and measure between 41 and 47 cm.
- Their head is wedge-shaped and has a slightly marked stop (nasofrontal depression).
- Its facial expression is that of an alert, energetic and intelligent animal. His eyes are usually dark in color and set in an oblique position.
- His ears are triangular and have high insertions. Mudis always have erect ears and they detect stimuli by moving them very quickly.
- His tail is inserted halfway up. At rest, it hangs down to the hocks, but when the animal is alert, it assumes the position of a sickle.
- As for the coat, the head and front of the limbs are covered with short, smooth hair, while the rest of the body has long fur characterized by light curls.
Colors of Mudi
The coat of the mudi can have different basic colors:
- Bay
- Black
- Bluebird
- Brown
- White
On its base, white spots may appear, both on the chest and on the fingers.
Character of the Mudi
The Mudi is a dog characterized by a very great capacity for learning, a lively, courageous and alert temperament. All of these characteristics make the Mudi an extremely versatile breed. As already mentioned, it has traditionally been used as a herding dog for sheep and large animals. However, his myriad abilities and abilities have allowed him to also be used for other activities such as guard and defense or drug detection.
In addition, it is an excellent pet that stands out for its stable and playful temperament. The Mudi is a very sociable animal that loves family life and generally has a good relationship with both children and other animals. In general, he adapts easily to life inside the house, although it is important that he has access to a terrace or a garden where he can play and entertain himself.
One point to keep in mind is that this is usually a fairly vocal dog.Due to its origins as a herding dog, it is generally a barker dog. In addition, sometimes their territorial instinct can generate conflicts with other dogs. However, a good education and socialization from an early age will prevent these problems.
Mudi Care
The Mudi is an easy-care breed that doesn't have very specific requirements. However, like any other dog, he needs some basic care to stay physically and mentally he althy:
- Food: Whether they receive kibble or homemade food, Mudis should have a he althy, high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. In this other article, we explain what dogs eat.
- Exercise: although these are animals that adapt easily to life inside houses, they need to release their energy daily to stay he althy and to be balanced.Therefore, it is advisable to have a terrace or a garden where he can stretch his legs and it is absolutely necessary to take him for a long walk every day.
- Grooming: in terms of hygiene and brushing, they are undemanding animals. Weekly brushing and bathing when he's really dirty (about once a month) will be enough to keep his coat looking good and shiny. In addition, it is important to maintain good ear hygiene, regularly clip his nails and monitor the possible presence of external parasites in the coat.
Mudi Education
As is the case for all breeds of dog, the Mudi must receive adequate education and socialization from an early age in order to avoid the appearance of behavior problems as an adult. The Mudi is an extremely intelligent breed. Although he can be a little stubborn at times, he is generally a dog that is easily trained and likes to learn and work.Of course, to obtain good results without disturbing its well-being, it is essential to use animal-friendly training techniques, such as those based on positive reinforcement.
In general, Mudis are very active dogs physically and mentally, which makes them excellent candidates for training in certain disciplines such as Agility or Flyball. This type of training not only strengthens and strengthens the bonds between guardians and their animals, but it also helps to ensure that it is spent.
To help you in the education of your Mudi, it's here:
- How to train a puppy?
- How to socialize a puppy?
Mudi He alth
In general, this dog is considered a dog breed that enjoys good he alth. The fact that it arose naturally, without human intervention, makes it less prone to certain hereditary pathologies than other races.
However, some diseases tend to occur with a certain frequency, here they are:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Dislocation of the patella
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
On the other hand, it is essential to follow the vaccination and deworming schedule in order to avoid any he alth problems.
How to adopt a Mudi?
As we said before, the Mudi is a dog that is rarely found outside of its native Hungary. For this reason, it can be somewhat complicated to find a specimen of this breed in French shelters.
If you are considering adopting a Mudi, try to get closer to associations and shelters near you. In any case, remember that what is really important when adopting a new animal is not that it meets a breed standard, but that you can welcome it into your home and adapt to their needs and lifestyle.
Photos of Mudi
