Mudi

The Mudi is a rare breed of herding dog, originating in Hungary. It is able to herd livestock, to exterminate vermin on the farm, and to also stand guard over the flock. It has an exceptional disposition as a family companion. The Mudi was not intentionally developed in modern times, but has been herding in the rural areas of Hungary as long as anyone remembers. The second largest population of this breed is in Finland, where it is used as a search and rescue dog. The Mudi is able to work small and large livestock of any type, and utilizes both a droving and a gathering style as it works. Its abilities are comparable to that of a Border Collie. The Mudi, along with the Pumi, Puli and Komondor, are considered national treasures in Hungary. The Mudi is a member of the herding group of dogs, and as such is naturally intelligent, territorial and an independent thinker. This breed makes a good household companion and an excellent watchdog. It is naturally brave, and has an impressive sense of property boundaries which it will insist that the stranger honor. This breed is active, lively, and alert. Its hallmark traits are an agility of movement and a willingness to work. The Mudi is a medium-sized dog and stands from 15 to 19 inches tall, and weighs 18 to 29 pounds. It is sturdy, lithe and of medium bone. It has a straight back and is rather long. It has a wedge-shaped head with a convex skull that tapers into a long, pointed muzzle. The ears are triangular and prick The eyes are dark and oval, with an expression that is alert and ready. The coat is soft and thick, of medium length and falls in waves or loose curls over the body. This breed may have a naturally bobbed tail, or the tail may be long and natural. The tail is sometimes carried curved over the back; it is heavily feathered. The coat is short around the face, growing longer around the ears, neck and upper chest. Any color is acceptable for the coat, incuding red, gray, fawn, white, black and blue merle. Black is the most common color. In 1936, Dr. Dezsõ Fényes "discovered"� the ancient breed herding in the more remote areas of Hungary. Although its exact origins are unknown, a dog of similar description is documented in Croatia as early as the 14th century. Believing that the breed was a product of centuries of the selective breeding of shepherds for utility, and that the Mudi was a testament to a disappearing way of life, Dr. Fenyes set about studying the breed and working to preserve it. The Mudi shares many common traits with the Puli, another Hungarian herding breed. The Mudi does not possess the unique corded coat of the Puli, but it has long been observed that Mudi-like pups are born in Puli litters and that Puli-like pups are born to Mudis so the common ancestry is undeniable. It has been suggested that the Mudi may hve some of the northern Spitz type dog in its ancestry as well. Ancient herding breeds are believed to have traveled west with the Magyars of central Asia over one thousand years ago. These nomads valued the dogs highly it is said that amongst them a good dog was worth a year's salary. Their survival depended upon their ability to maintain livestock, and dogs that did not live up to expectations were culled.The Mudi is an active dog, and needs daily vigorous exercise. Activity should be offered in the form of play or a good hour long walk, in order to keep this breed physically and mentally fit. This breed is capable of long hikes when asked, and enjoys the outdoors immensely. Some Mudis are fond of water play. This breed can be prone to obsessive barking if bored. It tends to be very vocal when playing or being otherwise active, and it is not recommended for life in an apartment. The curly coat of the Mudi is surprisingly easy to care for. It is not prone to tangling, but it should be brushed a few times a week to prevent matting. Neglect of matting can result in a painful condition for the dog, and encourage skin infection. Additionally, mats can hide parasites and other debris.There is little available data on the health of the typical Mudi. Hip dysplasia has appeared in a few individuals. The average lifespan of the Mudi is 10 to 15 years. The Mudi is never lazy, and is always cheerful. Intelligent and playful, it will keep you on your toes. Like most herding breeds, it looks to the owner continuously for leadership and direction, and the owner must be able to provide strong, firm leadership for this breed. The Mudi has an enormous ability to empathize with human emotions.This breed is not recommended for households with very small children, because the individual Mudi may not be tolerant of rough handling and may want to herd and control youngsters. Generally, this dog gets along well with other household pets when raised with them, and is rarely dog aggressive. The Mudi is characteristically suspicious of strangers and visitors should be cautioned to let the dog come to them, rather than the other way around. A Mudi which is socialized as a small pup to many people and to other dogs and household animals, will be a much more balanced adult. The Mudi is considered highly trainable due to its intelligence and innate eagerness to please the handler. However the breed is extremely independent-minded and training should begin very early and must be consistent throughout its life. Repetitive training may lead to boredom in this breed, causing the dog to shut down. The handler should keep training interesting by varying location and task, and doing training in small increments of time 20 minutes at a time a few times a day is sufficient. The Mudi needs firm but fair leadership or can become obstinate and overly-independent. Mental stimulation is very important in this breed. The Mudi does well in obedience and agility competitions, and in search and rescue work. This breed can be taught to hunt, and has no fear of any type of game, including wild boar. And of course, the talented Mudi excels in herding training and trials.

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