Highly popular as a working dog in its homeland of Hungary, the Mudi is scarcely known in the English-speaking world. However, these intelligent, curious, and trainable purebred dogs are also extremely loyal and sensitive, making them excellent companion dogs and well-suited for families.

History of the Mudi

Essentially, the Mudi is a Hungarian herding dog, whose history remains largely in the dark. Nonetheless, this did not diminish its popularity in Hungary. It is believed that these vigilant dogs share ancestry with the German Shepherd and the Malinois. It is speculated that the Danube Swabians, who migrated to Hungary in the 17th and 18th centuries, brought their shepherd dogs from Germany to their new home. These were rugged shepherd dogs, likely resembling today’s old German Shepherd the most.

The dogs of the Danube Swabians quickly became popular among the Hungarian population and are still regarded today as multifaceted dogs, fulfilling not only their duties but also known for their courage and intelligence. The Mudi was used to guard sheep and cattle in Hungary, but it was also extremely popular among small farmers, as it also protects the property, guards chickens against foxes and martens, herds geese, and accompanies children on their way to school.

However, the Mudi was only officially recognized as a separate breed in the 1930s. Official recognition by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale occurred in 1961. Mudi breeders in America are supervised by the Club for Hungarian Shepherd Dogs, which registers only between 10 and 20 Mudi puppies per year in the United States. However, the rarity of the breed should not deter you from falling in love with the Mudi, as the Mudi dog possesses everything you could wish for in a loyal companion and lovable family dog.

Nature and Character

The Hungarian Shepherd has a solid character and an amiable nature. Intelligent, curious, and very trainable, it possesses all the qualities a herding dog should have. Because the Mudi can be very affectionate and people-oriented while displaying a dominant, courageous, and fearless demeanor, it is versatile. Although the Mudi is resilient, it is also sensitive and perceptive, making it a fantastic companion and family dog.

While the Mudi forms a very close bond with “its” people and maintains a very intimate relationship, it remains vigilant and aloof towards strangers. As a watchful dog, the Mudi also tends to bark relatively easily and often announces visitors even before they ring the doorbell.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	High
Amount of Shedding	Medium

Acquisition of a Mudi

If you are considering acquiring a Mudi, you should be aware that while the Mudi is a balanced and undemanding dog, it is also very active and very dependent on its owner. Therefore, the Mudi finds it difficult to cope with separation from its primary caregivers, and you should only choose a Mudi if you are willing to share your life, including vacations, with it. If you already have pets, you need not worry, as the Mudi gets along well not only with humans but also with other animal family members. However, it also tends to protect and guard these family members, just like “its” humans, which may initially confuse cats.

Otherwise, the Mudi gets along easily with children and loves spending time outdoors in nature. You should be aware that the Mudi needs to be kept busy and requires sufficient exercise in all weather conditions. Additionally, you should be prepared to provide a loving home for the Mudi for its entire life, preferably in the countryside with a garden of its own, or be ready to go on extensive outings with the Mudi every day or engage in active dog sports. If all of this is provided, the Mudi could be the right dog for you. The Mudi is a dog for experienced dog owners or committed beginners.

What should I consider when buying?

The Hungarian Shepherd is generally considered to be extremely robust, and Mudi puppies usually enjoy good health. When buying a Mudi, make sure it comes from a registered breeder. Due to the small number of breeders in the United States, a breeder from neighboring countries may also be a good alternative, or you can also find numerous reputable breeders in the Mudi’s country of origin.

Ensure that the puppies grow up in a clean environment with family contact and are appropriately socialized. If the first impression is good, you should also get an impression of the parent animals. Additionally, always ask to see the breeding papers and check the pedigree, as well as the veterinary records of the parent animals and puppies. In terms of price, expect to pay between $1,600 and $1,800 if you buy from a breeder in the United States, as the breed is rather rare here. Also, consider the ongoing costs and initial equipment.

Development and training of the puppy

The Mudi needs consistent but loving training. It is important to train the Mudi with the right measure and to use its attachment and willingness to learn. The Mudi does not tolerate aggressive training methods, as these independently thinking dogs are extremely sensitive and tend to withdraw. Therefore, the boot camp style, which is commonplace in some dog training areas, is counterproductive.

Since representatives of the breed have very high communication skills and are extremely clever, they love to work with “their” humans and show corresponding diligence. Consequently, the lovable dogs quickly understand what you expect from them and enjoy your praise. Therefore, a close emotional bond is the best foundation for training the Mudi and promoting and utilizing its diverse abilities.

How do I keep a Mudi?

Ideally, you can provide a rural environment for the Mudi, so that you can enjoy long walks in nature together. A farm or a house with a garden is perfect. However, the Mudi also feels comfortable in an urban apartment if it can romp around in the park daily and engage in dog sports. What is important for the Mudi is its primary caregiver and sufficient activity; then the clever and adaptable dog can cope with any living environment.

Activities with the Mudi

When it comes to the Hungarian herding and shepherd dog, never forget that it is originally a working dog. As perfect as the Mudi is as a companion and family dog, it also longs to be active, and you should therefore take plenty of time for joint activities. Perfect for the intelligent and active dog are dog sports such as agility, dog dancing, or even competitive dog sports. But the Mudi is also an excellent companion for jogging, cycling, and horseback riding.

Since the Hungarian herding dog has virtually no hunting instinct, it remains easily recallable even when enjoying off-leash freedom. Since dogs of the breed tend to become apathetic when under-stimulated, always make sure to provide the Mudi with variety through diverse activities. This can include clicker training and scent games, but of course, you should also plan conscious breaks for rest.

Health and Grooming

The Mudi can be confidently described as low-maintenance, as regular brushing and an occasional shower are completely sufficient. Of course, you should plan regular veterinary check-ups for preventive care, even though the Mudi is very robust in terms of health, and no breed-specific diseases are known so far.

However, you should not choose puppies in the Merle color or with light eyes, as they tend to deafness due to a genetic defect. In terms of nutrition, the Mudi is also uncomplicated and easy to please. However, for its health, you should naturally opt for high-quality food. Weight problems are rare in the Mudi, as it is very active.

Interesting and worth knowing

The Mudi is a perfect alternative to the Malinois or the German Shepherd. Although the Hungarian shepherd dog is slightly smaller, the breed does not suffer from the consequences of overbreeding and is far more robust.

Do you have a Mudi or are you planning to get one? Tell me in the comments what makes it so special in your opinion!