20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Mudi Dog Breed
Source © Shutterstock
Mudi is a dog breed that is not that well known in North America. Don’t feel bad if you haven’t heard of the breed until now. It’s not a common dog breed in this part of the world, but this amazing dog is well known in certain parts of Europe. To bring everyone up to speed on this talented dog breed, here are 20 things you didn’t know about the Mudi.
1. The Mudi hails from Hungary
According to the AKC website, Mudis have their origins in Hungary. The breed has been used as a work dog since the 19th century. It’s a cross between a German Spitz, a Puli and a Pumi that came about naturally.
2. The Mudi is a rare dog
There aren’t many Mudis around. AKC reveals that this is a very rare dog breed. There are only a few thousand in existence throughout the world. There are some known to live in Hungary, Finland, and sparsely in Europe and the US and Canada, but in low numbers.
3. Mudi’s are intelligent
The Mudi is smart and highly capable of learning. This active dog can be trained to do the bidding of his master with ease.If trained properly, your Mudi will obey your commands.
4. Mudis are excellent herd dogs
Mudi’s have been used for herding cattle and sheep in Hungary. They are by nature, herd dogs. They are the happiest when they have a job to do.
5. Mudis make great rescue dogs
The Mudi is used to help find people who are lost. They are used in the United States and Finland to search for and find people who are lost in search and rescue missions. These wonderful dogs are capable of helping to save lives in crisis situations.
6. Mudi’s are capable canines
According to Dog Time, a Mudi is a fit and cable breed that is up to almost any task that he is asked to perform. He can herd up to 500 sheep because he takes his responsibility seriously. He makes an excellent driver dog. In addition he also makes a great watchdog for the family and home.
7. Mudi’s are alert
Not much gets by this highly intelligent dog. He’s alert, active and aware of his surroundings most of the time. These are traits that make this breed so highly prized as watchdogs.
8. Mudi’s are also hunters
A Mudi is a versatile dog that has also been used for hunting. He is able to stock prey with the best of them. His agility makes it easy for him to hunt in challenging environments and this is just one more thing that people love about the Mudi. There isn’t much that he cannot do when it comes to popular canine tasks.
9. Mudi’s are competitive
Following suit with most herding dogs, Mudi’s love to compete against others. They are dogs that can easily be trained to enter canine competitions and there’s a good chance that they’ll win the championship. This is because they’re obedient, smart, easy to train, and extremely aware. These are all traits that create a winning combination.
10. Mudi’s need plenty exercise
Your Mudi needs to get plenty of exercise. He’s an active dog that has high physical exercise needs. If you live in the country he’ll love going on long runs. If you raise him in the city, it’s important to take him for a daily walk so he can stretch his legs.
11. Mudi’s are loyal
With the proper training and nurturing, a Mudi will be your loyal companion for life. They love to please their masters. Mudi’s are fiercely loyal and would give their lives for their loved ones.
12. The Mudi is small to medium
Mudi’s are not very big. They’re classified as small to medium sized canines. An adult Mudi weighs between 18 to 20 pounds at full maturity. The height is up to 20 inches tall according to Cuteness.
13. The Mudi breed goes back to the 15th century
The origins of this Hungarian herding dog goes back hundreds of years. The first known time period of this old breed is dated in the 15th century. This makes the Mudi breed one that is 500 years old or better. It’s remarkable that the breed evolved through natural crossbreeding through the centuries.
14. Mudis almost went extinct
Mudi’s were almost wiped off the face of the earth. During the World War II era, Hungary was in dire straights and the canine population suffered along with the human casualties. Many Hungarian dog breeds suffered big losses. Mudi’s all but disappeared save a few. Survivors were rehabilitated to keep the breed alive in the 1960s and the numbers are beginning to increase thanks to man’s intervention.
15. Mudi’s are fearless
To add one more magnificent trait to the list, Mudi’s have no fear. There is nothing shy about the breed in general unless the dog has been mistreated. They do their jobs regardless of the dangers.
16. Mudi’s are aloof
The Mudi is a complicated dog that knows his human family and learns to trust them. When he meets a stranger he’s not usually defensive or menacing, but he may be rather aloof as though he doesn’t care. He’s not the kind of dog who will wag his tail and warmly greet a stranger. He remains vigilant and aware until he gets to know a person.
17. Mudi’s are affectionate with family
Mudi’s have a high capacity for love. They freely show affection to their owners. They are playful and fun to be around. This is common behavior with a Mudi who has been properly socialized from puppyhood.
18. A Mudi is usually easy going
Mudi’s are not generally overzealous or exuberant when they reach adulthood. Although the puppies can be scrappy and playful, adults mature into a more somber and aloof personality. They’re laid back and easy-going unless they have a job to do.
19. Mudi’s have the physical appearance of s stock dog
Mudi’s have the characteristics of a spitz. The head is wedge shaped, the ears stand straight up when alert. The body is compact with a sloping topline and their muscles are dense and well-formed to equip them to do a full day’s work.
20 The life expectancy of a Mudi is 14 years
In general, Mudi’s live their lives in about 14 years when they are properly cared for and nourished. These dogs are curious and upbeat, but not hyper. They only bark when there is a good reason. They need occasional grooming, but not excessive amounts. There occasional shedders who will quickly become an integral part of your family. They’re good with children and other pets when raised and trained properly. The Mudi comes in a range of colors and variations in the coat pattern. It’s a wonderfully versatile breed and we hope to see the numbers increase in the years to come.
