Quick Facts

• Weight: 18 to 29 pounds
• Height: 14 to 20 inches

The Look of a Mudi

The Mudi looks like a small black wolf. Its coat is a bit like a Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s, though longer. It is about two inches long, wavy to curly, and can be almost any color, including the rare blue-merle.

Mudis have sharply pointed snouts and large erect ears shaped like upside-down Vs. The tail is usually curled, though pups can be born tailless. They have a proud stance with wide-set hind legs, which help with balance in its herding duties.

Traits

• Unusual wavy-to-curly black coat
• Ease of grooming
• Tall, erect upside-down-V ears
• Incredible versatility
• Pleasant demeanor
• Lifespan: 12 to 14 years

Ideal Human Companion

• Those with time to train this breed
• Owners who work to keep this dog mentally stimulated
• Owners who are firm yet gentle
• Suburban or country dwellers
• Those seeking a brainteaser partner

What They Are Like to Live With

The Mudi is a herding dog that rivals the Border Collie in intelligence. Its fearlessness also rivals many breeds: At around 25 pounds, this dog will bravely take on much larger predators such as wild boar.

Perhaps surprisingly, Mudis have a very even temperament and make great companion dogs who are also guard dogs. They tend to bond mostly with one person but are pleasant with all family members. Small children should be supervised, as with any dog. You can take a Mudi to a dog park since they are canine-friendly, as long as they were socialized when young.

Grooming a Mudi is easy and takes little time, just a quick brush now and then.

Things You Should Know

Herding dogs such as the Mudi tend to be “on the job” all the time, which means they herd the children, the cat, and anything else that moves. This can be corrected with training.

Mudis need a lot of exercise, so don’t consider one unless you’re able to do a brisk daily walk or run. A large yard is preferable for this sporting breed, who makes a great Frisbee dog.

Health concerns for this breed are minimal, though some have issues with hip dysplasia.

History

The Mudi is from Hungary; its ancestors and relatives are the Puli and the Pumi. The breed’s standards were developed in the early 20th century. All Hungarian herding dogs were grouped together until the 1930s, when the Mudi was separated from the others. It remains a rare breed.

Mudis appear to have just happened — there was no effort to develop a specific breed. Though their main job is herding, they are extremely versatile and can guard flocks and kill vermin. They are often referred to as Driver Dogs.

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