Mudi

The Mudi is an average sized, energetic, smart and docile herding dog from Hungary. The breed is deemed to be rare with just a couple of thousands Mudis worldwide, most of them live in its native Hungary as well as in Finland and quite few throughout Europe, America, and Canada. This dog is a capable contestant in various dog sports, including agility competition, obedience training and flyball.

The Mudi has been bred in Hungary for hundreds of years as a herding dog. It’s impossible to define the exact period of its appearance. Nevertheless, history has also preserved earlier testimonies of the Mudi’s existence. In Hungarian documents a herding dog with pricked ears and wavy coat resembling the Mudi was mentioned as early as XVII – XVIII centuries. This dog was referred as «Pulli» and according to some written evidences it is also considered to live in Croatia already in XIV – XV centuries

The official Latin name for the breed is Canis ovilis Fényesi and came from the Mudi’s discoverer, Dr. Dezsõ Fényes. It happened only in 1936 and at that time the dog was also called the «Driver Dog».

Appearance and typical behavioral patterns of the Mudi let the scientists believe that in its creation took part the Spitz type breeds and other herding breeds of that time and that area. The only substantial trait that separates it from Spitz dog is wavy to curly coat for which the Mudi is so renowned.

Consequences of the World War II was devastating for population of many Hungarian breeds and the Mudi was no exception. In the 1960’s, the rebirth of the breed was initiated by a few breeders and in the 1970’s they managed to recover its original status in Hungary.

The Mudi is truly versatile in its homeland and is used as a flock guardian, sheep herder, cow herder, guard dog, hunter of wild animals, killer of mice and weasels and as companion. In Finland it also serves as a mountain-rescue dog.

Nowadays the registration of the Mudi with the American Kennel Club (AKC) is impossible because too little dogs live in USA. For those owners who have registered their dog via AKC’s Foundation Stock Service (FSS), opportunity presents to contest in companion and performance events through the AKC.

In general, the Mudi is amicable and cheerful dog. At the young age some Mudis show a lack of self-assurance that may lead to timidity or, on the contrary, aggression (in attempt to hide its insecurity). It’s important to note, that as a herding dog the Mudi can express definite indifference during the first introduction. Once it gets acquainted and trusts the human being, it becomes good-natured, mischievous, and loving.

The Mudi is an obedient, adaptable and loyal companion that is a much better family dog than many other working breeds. It is playful and gets along well with children and other home pets when introduced to them from puppyhood.

This dog is very inquisitive and likes to explore the environment with outmost enthusiasm. Though it behaves itself with somewhat extreme caution in unknown conditions, the vast majority will fast acquire confidence and go on without any fear. You also need to know that this breed is quite noisy and can be too vocal.

The Mudi was used historically in many different ways, including herding sheep, hunting wild boar and even chasing rats. Its unlimited bravery sometimes exhibits itself in some unwanted behavior such as aggression against other dogs as well as stubbornness and outright obnoxiousness. These encounter not so often and mainly in male youngsters, but the future owner should consider this possibility nevertheless. Shyness is also an issue for the members of certain lines.

The most common problems for the breed include:

• canine hip dysplasia;
• epilepsy;
• eye problems.

The Mudi’s coat is easy to take care for. It has short hair on the head and front of the legs, and wavy-to-curly hair over the remainder of its trunk, so thorough brushing every week or so concludes its grooming requirements. The Mudi sheds light to medium.

The Mudi is considered to be an easy trainable breed. Methods with positive encouragement suit for it better than tough dominance-based techniques. Being a herding breed, it can be trained most effectively by strong and confident person whom the dog trusts and with whom it can work as a team.

Early socialization can fix such typical issues for this breed as shyness or fearfulness.

The Mudi is a vigorous and agile dog and can participate in almost any dog competition. It tends to be quite and relaxed in the apartment, but it prefers a good run once outside. No wonder, it has great aptitude for flyball, obedience, and Frisbee. And, of course, your dog will need a long daily brisk walk.

The dog can momentarily turn into uncontrollable little creature when it comes to digging or jumping. Sufficient amount of exercise will provide it a good outlet for this exuberant energy and help to minimize these habits.