Mudi
VersatileAlertCourageous
Hungary · 12–14 years
About the Mudi
The Mudi (pronounced 'MOO-dee') is a rare Hungarian herding breed that developed naturally in the Hungarian countryside, with the breed not formally recognized until the 1930s. They are the most versatile of the three Hungarian herding breeds (Puli, Komondor, Mudi) — capable of herding, guarding, hunting, and competing in virtually any canine sport. Mudis are medium-sized dogs with a distinctive curly or wavy coat on the body, smooth face, and erect ears. They are intensely loyal, fearlessly brave, and remarkably agile. Despite being relatively unknown, they consistently excel in agility, obedience, and herding competitions.
Breed stats
- Height
- 15–18.5 in
- Weight
- 18–29 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Group
- Herding
- Coat
- Wavy to curly body coat, smooth face and front legs
- Origin
- Hungary
Coat colors
- Black
- White
- Fawn
- Ash (blue-gray)
- Brown
- Merle
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1–1.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Patellar luxation
- Cataracts
- Color dilution alopecia
Not every Mudi will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Mudis eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Mudis are exceptional at dog sports — arguably one of the most competitive sport dogs of any breed. They consistently place at the top of agility, obedience, flyball, disc dog, and herding competitions. Their combination of intelligence, speed, agility, and intense desire to work makes them natural athletes. They are smaller and more nimble than many sport breeds, giving them an edge in agility courses. Their trainability and focus rival Border Collies. Many dog sport enthusiasts who discover the Mudi consider them one of the best-kept secrets in competitive dog sports.
- Mudis are very rare worldwide, with an estimated global population of only a few thousand dogs. They are most common in Hungary and Finland but scarce everywhere else. The AKC only fully recognized them in 2022. Finding a Mudi puppy in the US requires connecting with the small community of dedicated breeders, often with waiting lists of a year or more. Their rarity is partly because the Puli and Komondor — Hungary's more visually distinctive breeds — have overshadowed them. As awareness grows through dog sport success, the breed's popularity is slowly increasing.
- Mudis can be good family dogs for experienced, active households. They are loyal, protective, and generally good with children they are raised with. Their moderate size and athletic build make them sturdy companions. However, they are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation — they are not suitable for sedentary families. They can be vocal, protective of their territory, and reserved with strangers. They need early socialization and consistent training. For active families who enjoy outdoor activities and canine sports, Mudis are devoted, versatile, and entertaining companions.
Similar breeds
Explore all dog breeds
DogDataHub covers 199+ breeds with full profiles, health info, and compatibility ratings.
Browse all breeds