Pet Wiki

Mudi

Also called Hungarian Mudi, Driver dog

Lively, brave and always ready for a task, the Mudi is bright and adaptable without being nervous or aggressive.

SizeMedium
Weight8 to 13 kg (18 to 29 lb)males 11 to 13 kg, females 8 to 11 kg1
Height38 to 47 cm (15 to 19 in)males 41 to 47 cm, females 38 to 44 cm23
Lifespan12 to 14 years1
CoatWavy to slightly curly medium coat
OriginHungary, where it developed as an all-round farm and herding dog.21
GroupSheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (FCI group 1)
Recognised breedShort profile
versatile, hard-working farm dog
clever and quick to learn
alert watchdog that is loyal to its family
234

Personality what they are like

Lively, brave and always ready for a task, the Mudi is bright and adaptable without being nervous or aggressive. It is naturally a little reserved with strangers, which makes it a good watchdog, and it is devoted to protecting its home and family.234

Coat and looks how to spot one

wavy to slightly curly medium coat

Short, sleek hair on the face and front of the legs contrasts with a shiny, wavy or lightly curled coat of roughly 3-7 cm over the rest of the body, with some feathering on the forelegs, thighs and tail.23

Coloursblackwhitefawnash (blue-grey)brown (liver)ash-brownmerle (cifra) in any of these colours23

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Mudi. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High energy: it needs long daily walks plus active work or sport. It excels at herding, agility, obedience, rally, flyball and tracking.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The wavy coat is fairly easy care; a regular brush through keeps it tidy and shiny.32

Home where they are happiest

Happiest in an active home with safe space to run freely, ideally with a job to do.1

Company who they like around

Bonds strongly with its family and likes to be involved in daily life and work.43

The story where it all began

The Mudi took shape in Hungary during the 18th and 19th centuries, probably from crosses between Hungarian herding dogs and prick-eared German herders. Dr Dezső Fényes first described it as a distinct breed in 1936, and after numbers fell sharply following World War II it was rebuilt and gained FCI and later AKC recognition.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The Mudi was first described as a separate breed in 1936 by Dr Dezső Fényes.1

  2. 2

    Its merle colouring has a Hungarian name, 'cifra'.2

  3. 3

    It joined the AKC's Herding Group as a fully recognised breed in January 2022.1

  4. 4

    Mudis compete in a wide range of sports, from agility and flyball to Schutzhund and tracking.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Mudi' was first used in 1936 when Dr. Dezső Fényes presented the dogs at a breeding animal fair and submitted the first standard for the breed, with the committee accepting the description using the name 'Mudi'.5

Name ideas for your new friend

BodriPistaZsuzsiFickóTündeCsibeBetyárKaticaMiskaPanniViharCirmos

A day in the life told by a Mudi

I wake up with a job to do. The sheep need rounding up, and I'm on it. I dash around the flock, barking sharp commands. My human smiles, I'm the best helper. After the farm chores, we head to the training field. Agility is my favorite: I weave, jump, and sprint through tunnels. I'm a little wary of strangers, but I keep an eye on everything. When the day's done, I curl up by the fire, proud of a day well spent.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 238, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs), Section 1 Sheepdogs; current standard dated 25.09.2023. Wikipedia gives 1966 for FCI recognition.2
AKC
Fully recognised 5 January 2022 (Herding Group); current standard approved 12 May 2025, effective 4 August 2025.3
The Royal Kennel Club
Recognition announced 12 June 2025, effective 1 July 2025, according to Wikipedia.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Mudi, and at what times?

Feed your Mudi at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each day. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a personalized plan.6

What should a Mudi eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Mudi's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.7

How often should I bathe a Mudi?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your Mudi gets very dirty. General guidance is at least once every three months.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Mudi need brushing?

Brush your Mudi weekly to keep its wavy coat tidy and shiny. This is both the breed's recommendation and Pet Wiki's starting plan.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Mudi's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for help.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Mudi need?

Your Mudi needs long daily walks plus active work or sport like herding, agility, or flyball. This high-energy breed thrives with a job to do and safe space to run.1

How do I look after a Mudi's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's plan suggests ear checks every 7 days and teeth brushing every 2 days.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Mudi live?

A Mudi typically lives 12 to 14 years. Senior years usually start around age 8, so schedule annual vet checkups.1 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Mudi good with children and other pets?

The Mudi is lively, brave, and devoted to its family, making it good with children when properly socialized. It is naturally reserved with strangers and can be protective, so early training and socialization are important.234

Can a Mudi be left alone?

The Mudi bonds strongly with its family and likes to be involved in daily life, so it may not do well left alone for long periods. It is best suited to an active home where someone is around most of the time.43

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Mudi en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, lifespan, recognition years, history, activities
  2. FCI standard no. 238 Mudi fci.beused for recognition, history, height, coat, colours, temperament
  3. AKC Mudi breed standard images.akc.orgused for height, coat, colours, temperament, recognition dates
  4. AKC: Mudi akc.orgused for temperament
  5. ukcdogs.com ukcdogs.com
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.