Mudi

Herding Group Medium (25-50 lbs)
Height 15-19"
Weight 18-29 lbs
Lifespan 12-14 years
Price $1,500-$2,500

About the Mudi

The Mudi is a versatile Hungarian farm dog that combines herding drive with a terrier-like readiness to deal with vermin, and it needs an owner who will use that capability. Expect an intensely alert, quick, hardworking dog that bonds strongly with its family, watches strangers carefully before accepting them, and misses nothing happening around the property. Courage is notable for the size, and Mudis were expected to handle cattle and confront rats without hesitation. Exercise needs are high and, importantly, must include mental work, as this is a problem-solving breed that grows frustrated and noisy without a purpose. Herding, agility, obedience, scent work or genuine farm duties all suit it. Trainability is excellent, with fast learning and strong handler focus, though a Mudi will make its own decisions if left without direction. Barking is a defining characteristic, used deliberately in work and freely at home, and it requires deliberate management from puppyhood. Grooming is easy, with a wavy or curly coat over the body and smooth hair on the head and legs, needing brushing weekly and more during shedding, with little trimming and no clipping. Alone-tolerance is limited. Suited to active rural or sporting homes. The distinctive trait is that natural variation in tail length, with some individuals born with a naturally short tail.

Temperament

Affectionate Great with Kids Playful Protective Easy to Train
Affection Level
Good with Children
Good with Other Dogs
Playfulness
Protectiveness
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Intelligence
Adaptability

Physical Characteristics

Size Category Medium (25-50 lbs)
Height 15-19"
Weight 18-29 lbs
Coat Type Curly
Coat Length Medium
Colors
Hypoallergenic No

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

High (60-90 min/day)

60 minutes per day recommended

Grooming

Moderate - Weekly

Shedding:

Mental Stimulation

Needs plenty of mental challenges

Drooling

Living Conditions

Apartment Friendly
Good for First-Time Owners
Tolerates Being Alone
Cold Weather Tolerance
Hot Weather Tolerance

Cost of Ownership

Purchase Price $1,500-$2,500
Annual Cost $1,400/year

Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.

Health Considerations

Like all breeds, Mudis may be prone to certain health conditions:

Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.

Best For

  • Families with Children
  • Active Owners
  • Guard Dog

May Not Be Ideal For

  • Apartment Living
  • Long Work Hours Away
  • Sedentary Lifestyles

Guides for your Mudi

The story behind the Mudi

The Mudi comes from Hungary, where it existed for generations as an unremarked farm dog working sheep, cattle and pigs and killing vermin around holdings, without being distinguished from other Hungarian herding types. It was identified and described as a separate breed in the earlier twentieth century by Hungarian cynologists who separated it from the Puli and Pumi, with which it shares ancestry among old Hungarian sheepdogs and probably German spitz-type influence. The Second World War severely reduced numbers, and enthusiasts rebuilt the population afterward from surviving farm stock. FCI recognition came first, with full AKC recognition following much more recently. The Mudi remains numerically small, kept mainly in Hungary and among sport-dog enthusiasts elsewhere, and continues to be used on Hungarian farms.

Originally bred for: Sheep and cattle herding, Vermin control, Farm watchdog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.

Feeding a Mudi

An energetic medium farm dog needs a balanced everyday food given as two servings, scaled to real workload rather than assumed activity. Working seasons increase needs; quieter periods reduce them. Keep the dog lean and athletic to preserve the agility the breed depends on.

Watch for: No breed-wide food sensitivity is recognised. Active herding dogs sometimes develop loose stools during stressful travel or competition, which reflects circumstances rather than ingredients. Change foods gradually, and have a veterinarian examine any ongoing skin irritation or digestive trouble before restricting the diet.

Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.

Living with a Mudi

Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.

For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.

Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.

Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.

Compare Mudi with Other Breeds

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