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.13
Coloursblackwhitefawnash (blue-grey)brown (liver)ash-brownmerle (cifra) in any of these colours13
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.134
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.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The wavy coat is fairly easy care; a regular brush through keeps it tidy and shiny.31
Home where they are happiest
Happiest in an active home with safe space to run freely, ideally with a job to do.2
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.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The Mudi was first described as a separate breed in 1936 by Dr Dezső Fényes.2
2
Its merle colouring has a Hungarian name, 'cifra'.1
3
It joined the AKC's Herding Group as a fully recognised breed in January 2022.2
4
Mudis compete in a wide range of sports, from agility and flyball to Schutzhund and tracking.2
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
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.1
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.2
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
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
Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
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.
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?
Furry Diary'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.8Pet 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 Furry Diary's starting plan.31Pet 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.8Pet 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.2
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. Furry Diary's plan suggests ear checks every 7 days and teeth brushing every 2 days.8Pet 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.2Pet 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.134
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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