Mudi
Description
The Mudi is a medium-sized herding dog from Hungary, prized for its agility and versatility on farms. Weighing between 18 and 29 pounds, this breed combines a muscular build with a curly, medium-length coat that comes in colors like black, brown, gray, white, yellow, and graybrown, often with merle markings. Their alert expression and quick reflexes make them excellent at tasks requiring speed and precision. Mudik are vocal and protective, often reserved around strangers but deeply bonded to their families. They excel in herding, obedience, and agility, showing a strong work ethic and a tendency to herd even people by gently nipping. Despite their relatively small size, they can reach speeds up to 20 miles per hour, demonstrating remarkable stamina and focus in demanding activities. This breed remains rare outside Hungary, cherished by owners who appreciate its unique combination of traits.
Grooming
The Mudi's medium-length curly coat sheds lightly to moderately and requires weekly brushing with a rubber curry or bristle brush to prevent mats and maintain texture. Bathe your Mudi every 4 to 8 weeks, avoiding over-bathing to preserve natural oils and coat health. Nail trims should be done every 2 to 4 weeks, while ears need monthly checks and cleaning to prevent buildup. Their coat colors, including merle patterns, don't demand special stain care but do benefit from regular grooming to keep curls defined and free of debris. • Brush weekly with rubber curry or bristle brush • Bathe every 4–8 weeks, no more • Trim nails every 2–4 weeks • Clean ears monthly • Check for mats around ears and tail Pro tip: Use a detangling spray on curls before brushing to reduce breakage and keep the coat soft.
Learn the Curly routine:
→ Complete Curly Grooming Guide
Walking
Mudik require about 70 minutes of exercise daily, split into two sessions to manage their high activity and vocal tendencies. Morning walks can be brisk 30-minute jogs or agility drills, while evening sessions might focus on scent games or obedience training to engage their minds. This breed thrives on varied routines that challenge both body and brain, helping reduce barking triggered by boredom. Example routine: 30-minute morning jog followed by 40 minutes of interactive play and scent work in the evening. Consistency is key to channeling their energy productively and keeping them calm indoors.
Boarding
When boarding a Mudi, provide a crate sized 30 to 36 inches to accommodate their medium build comfortably. Mudis benefit from two active play sessions daily combined with scent or brain games to keep their sharp minds engaged. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and maintain a predictable routine to ease the dog's natural wariness of strangers. Their protective nature means they may be reserved at first but warm up with consistent, calm handling. Playstyle involves quick bursts of activity with plenty of mental stimulation, so enrichment items like puzzle toys and scent trails are essential. Staff should monitor vocalizations and redirect barking with interactive tasks. A quiet, structured environment helps Mudis settle and thrive while away from home.