Breed library

Mudi

Mudi photograph.
Hondenras Mudi.jpg - Vulpes at Dutch Wikipedia. Public domain. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hondenras_Mudi.jpg. License: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hondenras_Mudi.jpg#Licensing. License: Public domain.

Breed overview

The Mudi is a herding dog breed from Hungary. It is closely related to the Puli and Pumi, from which it was separated in the 1930s. They continue to be used in herding, as well as participating in a variety of dog sports.

  • Breed type: dog breedBreed reference breed kind.
  • Country of origin: HungaryBreed reference country of origin.

Breed facts

  • The Mudi was first discovered as a breed in 1936 by Dr Dezso Fenyes in Hungary, where it became known as the "driver dog".
  • Mudis nearly disappeared shortly after their recognition, as many were killed off during World War II.
  • The breed became recognized by The Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1966.
  • On January 5, 2022, the Mudi was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a purebred breed, and by The Kennel Club on June 12, 2025, effective July 1.
  • The Mudi made its debut at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in June 2022.

Size and appearance

Mudis are a high energy breed, and tend to succeed in herding and agility. Mudis have a lifespan of 12-14 years with proper care. Adult Mudis are 14-18 inches in height and usually weigh around 18-29 lbs.

  • Body mass reference: 8 - 11 kgAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 8 - 11 kg. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Body mass reference: 8 kg or moreBreed reference body mass. female, minimum.
  • Body mass reference: Up to 11 kgBreed reference body mass. female, maximum.
  • Body mass reference: 11 - 13 kgAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 11 - 13 kg. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Body mass reference: 11 kg or moreBreed reference body mass. male, minimum.
  • Body mass reference: Up to 13 kgBreed reference body mass. male, maximum.
  • Height reference: 38 - 44 cmAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 38 - 44 cm. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: Up to 42 cmBreed reference height. female, maximum.
  • Height reference: 40 cm or moreBreed reference height. female, minimum.
  • Height reference: 41 - 47 cmAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 41 - 47 cm. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: Up to 45 cmBreed reference height. male, maximum.
  • Height reference: 43 cm or moreBreed reference height. male, minimum.
  • Coat length: medium
  • Coat texture: smooth
  • Coat texture: straight
  • Coat texture: wavy
  • Coat texture: curly
  • Height category: medium
  • Weight category: medium
  • Weight category: small

Personality and behavior

Care planning: record what your dog enjoys, how they greet visitors, and how they respond to new places. Add notes after walks and training so you can see their habits over time. Where this profile includes behavior research, use the same named measures when comparing your shortlist.

Exercise and activities

The Mudi is a very active breed. They need to be taken on daily, long, brisk walks or jogs. In addition, they will benefit from a large safe area where they can run free. They need a lot of running and other exercises to be in good condition. They love to play and will excel in all kinds of dog sports such as Frisbee. The Mudi can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, Rally obedience, Schutzhund, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Mudi that exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.

  • Activity guidance: active
  • Activity guidance: high energy

Training and enrichment

Care planning: choose one everyday skill to practice and keep a record of each session. Note the cue, the reward your dog enjoys and what went well. Rotate familiar games and new activities, and use your notes to choose the next small step.

Coat and grooming

Care planning: use the coat details above to discuss a grooming routine with your groomer. Record brushing sessions, baths and appointments in the app. Add the tools you use and your preferred schedule so the whole household can follow the same routine.

  • Coat length: medium
  • Coat texture: smooth
  • Coat texture: straight
  • Coat texture: wavy
  • Coat texture: curly

Health and lifespan

Care planning: keep your dog's veterinary records, health-check dates and agreed care plan together. Add reminders for appointments and record changes you want to discuss at the next visit. Use the linked breed organizations and original references to explore their current health resources.

Living with this breed

Care planning: compare this profile's adult dimensions, coat care and available activity information with your household's routine. Make a shortlist, plan who will handle daily care and save the questions you want to ask a breed club, rescue or breeder.

Compare breeds

Compare supported adult height and weight ranges, matching research measures and sourced coat and care categories.

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Breed history

The Mudi was first discovered as a breed in 1936 by Dr Dezso Fenyes in Hungary, where it became known as the "driver dog". Mudis nearly disappeared shortly after their recognition, as many were killed off during World War II. The breed became recognized by The Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1966. On January 5, 2022, the Mudi was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a purebred breed, and by The Kennel Club on June 12, 2025, effective July 1. The Mudi made its debut at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in June 2022.

Clubs and further reading

Sources

  1. Mudi - WikipediaWikipedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted excerpts from Wikipedia contributors, Mudi, revision 1374243066. CC BY-SA 4.0. Formatting, citations and selection changed. Source history: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mudi&action=history
  2. Wikidata structured breed dataWikimedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC0 1.0. Wikidata contributors (CC0).
  3. National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.PLOS ONE / Figshare Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY 4.0. Bohland, Kyle R.; Lilly, Meghan Leanne; Herron, Meghan E.; Arruda, Andréia G.; O’Quin, Jeanette M. (2023). National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.. PLOS ONE. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289356.s003 CC BY 4.0. Selected rows and field names adapted; values unchanged.
  4. File:Hondenras Mudi.jpgWikimedia Commons Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Public domain. Hondenras Mudi.jpg - Vulpes at Dutch Wikipedia. Public domain. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hondenras_Mudi.jpg. License: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hondenras_Mudi.jpg#Licensing.
  5. Palipaws everyday care planningPalipaws Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Palipaws original factual summaries. Palipaws. Original care-planning text, separate from breed measurements and licensed article summaries.
  6. AKC national parent club directoryAmerican Kennel Club Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Factual reference only. Names and verified external links only. No source descriptions, logos or endorsement reused.