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Mudi Dog Breed Introduction
A Mudi is a medium-sized, agile, alert, intelligent, and extremely versatile herding dog from Hungary. This pooch is closely related to the Pumi and the Puli from which it was separated back in the 1930s. Furthermore, the pooch continues to be used in herding.
Moreover, it also takes part in a variety of dog sports. The courage of this pooch is useful for working the most stubborn livestock. Without being overly aggressive, the pooch is a loyal protector of property as well as family members. Also, these dogs have found prominence in both the United States and Finland as search and rescue dogs.
These brilliant and highly intelligent dogs have a reputation for being able to control a herd of 500 sheep. Mudis can also have different colors which include white, black, fawn, and brown. Furthermore, they have high exercise needs and are also friendly with other dogs.
History
These dogs originate from Hungary. They were initially discovered by Dr. Dezso Fenyes as a breed in 1936 where it became known as the “driver dog.” Shortly after their recognition, they nearly disappeared. Many dogs were killed off during World War II. In 1966, they became recognized by The Federation Cynologique Internationale.
The pooch was then recognized by the AKC on January 5, 2022, as a purebred breed. Today, Mudis are estimated to be no more than a few thousand dogs globally. The greatest numbers are in Hungary. This is then followed by Finland. Mudis are even scarcer throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Life Span
These dogs usually have a lifespan of about 12 to 14 years with proper care.
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, this pooch is thought to be a low-maintenance breed that is easy to care for due to the enough texture that the coat possess and it is free of matting. To remove excess fur from their coats, these dogs only require occasional brushing, combing, or baths.
Furthermore, parents should check their dogs’ ears for dirt and debris, trim their nails using nail clippers, and brush their teeth with a Canine-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. Use a cotton ball with a formulated cleaner to gently clean your dog’s ears as needed.
Shedding
The Mudi dogs are not hypoallergenic dogs. They tend to loose a bit of their coat in Spring and Fall which allows dander and fur to spread in the house causing inflammation.
Coat
The Mudi dogs have a wavy to curly coat that is uniform and dense with a length of 1 to 3 inches. Although, the front legs and face are covered with a coat that is short, straight, and smooth. These dogs also have pronounced featherings on the upper thighs and the back of the forearms. The fur on the underside of the tail has a length of 4 to 5 inches.
Hypoallergenic
The Mudi dogs are not hypoallergenic dogs. They tend to lose a bit of their coat in Spring and Fall which allows dander and fur to spread in the house causing inflammation.
Mudi Colors
These dogs usually come in different colors. These colors include blue-grey (Ash colored), brown, black, and fawn. They can also be blue-merle. i.e. estriped, black speckled, brindle, or spotted on the lighter or darker bluish-grey primary color.
Merle
There are some dogs born with a black merle color. This color is both unique and striking. A pooch of this color is genetically black with a merle pattern.
Brown
This pooch can also be born with a brown color. It is a recessive color. This means that both parents have to carry not less than one copy of the gene. A brown offspring will be produced from two brown parents. Furthermore, brown can vary in shade from deep liver to light chestnut. In addition, these dogs can never have yellow, green, or brown eyes.
Brown Merle
Mudis of this color are genetically brown, with a merle pattern. Furthermore, they can range from a deep liver to a pale chestnut with spots anywhere along the spectrum of brown.
Training
These dogs only need one hour amount of training every day. It is paramount for Mudis to start training early as they are highly intelligent. Furthermore, owners are cautioned not to use harsh words when training them as they will end up becoming aggressive, anxious, and scared. Enlighten your pooch with some tricks due to their high intelligence.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are also another recommendation. Gentle exposure of the Mudis to a wide variety of situations, places, and people will assist the dog to be established into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult. Socialization also unveils the dog to a wide variety of sights, smells, experiences, surfaces, dogs, and sounds such as sirens, whistles, vacuum cleaners, doorbells, washing machines, and lawnmowers.
In order to instill positive canine behaviors in Mudis, verbal praises, treats, and rewards will assist in this. From the age of seven weeks, train the pooch in basic obedience lessons and command words like sit, stay, heel, and stop among others.
Temperament
- Enthusiastic.
- Adaptable.
- Biddable.
- Intelligent.
- Energetic.
- Alert.
- Vocal.
Exercise
These dogs require at least an hour per day of exercise since they are playful and very energetic. Mudis do excellent with large yards to run in. Furthermore, parents or owners should plan for mental exercises such as nose work or fetch as well as leashed walks to keep their dogs entertained.
Mudis enjoy running. Moreover, these dogs excel at games such as agility, Frisbee, and flyball sports. In addition, they may end up becoming mischievous and start chewing, jumping, or digging inside the house if not given enough activity.
Barking
These dogs have very high tendencies of barking. This barking can be a result of the pooch being left to his own devices. Furthermore, they can have their own fun when they become bored.
Size
The size of a male Mudi’s height varies but can grow up from 15 to 19 inches tall ( approx. 38 to 47 cm) and a weight of about 18 to 29 pounds ( approx. 8 to 13 kg ).
Height
The height of a male pooch varies but can grow up from 16 to 19 inches tall ( approx. 41 to 47 cm ) while the female Mudi’s height also varies but can grow up from 15 to 17 inches tall ( approx. 38 to 44 cm ).
Apart from Mudis, other dog breeds include:
Weight
Male Mudi’s weight is 24 up to 29 pounds ( approx. 11 to 13 kg ) while female Mudi’s weight is 18 up to 24 pounds ( approx. 8 to 11 kg ).
Health Problems
These dogs are generally healthy breeds. However, Mudis can be vulnerable to inherited health problems like most purebreds. Common conditions associated with the breed include elbow and Hip Dysplasia, Luxating Patella, Epilepsy, and cataracts.
Names
The dogs of this breed have some incredible names. Some of the names parents or owners give to their Mudis include:
- Simba.
- Gus.
- Spike.
- Maximus.
- Sparky.
- Beau.
- Bandit.
- Gizmo.
- Zeus.
- Rusty.
- Casey.
- Riley.
- Rusty.
- Jix.
- Rufus.
- Gaius.
- Ezra.
Food
These dogs are known to do well with home-prepared (under veterinary supervision) or high-quality commercial dog food. Another key necessity at all times is fresh and clean water. Furthermore, Mudis should be fed in moderation. Their diet should be controlled in order to avoid obesity-related issues or weight gain.
Mudi Dog Price
The price of a pup for this breed is usually $1,000 to $3,000. However, the cost may vary to $3,500 or higher depending on availability or pedigree. On the other hand, a full-grown pooch will cost you about $2,650 to $4,500.
Border Collie Mix
These are dogs that are from a purebred Border Collie and Mudi. The body of these dogs is similar to that of a Border Collie. They are known as Mudi Collies.
Hungarian Mudi Puppies
The puppies of this breed are extremely versatile, intelligent, alert, and agile. Furthermore, the puppies, originally from Hungary were referred to as driver dogs. In addition, these puppies are born with no tail.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Much Does A Mudi Dog Cost
A well-bred pooch will cost about $2,650 to $4,500.
How Much Are Mudi Puppies
Puppies usually cost between $1,000 and $3,000, but prices may vary to $3,500 or higher depending on availability and pedigree
Are Mudi Hypoallergenic
No. They are not hypoallergenic due to their profuse seasonal shedding coat.
Do Mudi Dogs Shed
Yes. They have low levels of shedding. However, these dogs tend to shed a lot during seasonal changes where an increase in shedding can be easily noticed.
What Is A Mudi Dog
It is a medium-sized, agile, alert, intelligent, and extremely versatile herding dog from Hungary. This pooch is closely related to the Pumi and the Puli from which it was separated back in the 1930s. Furthermore, the pooch continues to be used in herding.
Are Mudi Dogs Rare
Yes. These dogs are extremely rare.
Why Are Mudi Dogs Rare
They are considered very rare since Mudis are estimated to be no more than a few thousand globally. The greatest number of this breed is located in Hungary followed by Finland. An even scarce number is found throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Are Mudi Good Dogs
Yes. They are good dogs since they portray extreme intelligence, versatility, and all-purposefulness.
Are Mudi Dogs Good Family Dogs
They are good family dogs. Mudis are loyal protectors of property and family members without being overly aggressive.
Mudi Facts
- They are always enthusiastic about any job that needs to be done.
- They are adaptable.
- They are very trainable and eager to please.
- They are excellent watchdogs.
- They need plenty of exercises.
- They enjoy being part of the family.
