At a glance the quick version
Weights from Wikipedia; neither the FCI nor the AKC standard sets a weight.
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.13
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
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 Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Mudi. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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.5
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.6
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.7 Furry Diary 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.31 Furry Diary 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.7 Furry Diary 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.7 Furry Diary 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.2 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Puli
Pumi
Croatian Sheepdog
Shetland SheepdogLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI standard no. 238 Mudi fci.beused for recognition, history, height, coat, colours, temperament
- Wikipedia: Mudi en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, lifespan, recognition years, history, activities
- AKC Mudi breed standard images.akc.orgused for height, coat, colours, temperament, recognition dates
- AKC: Mudi akc.orgused for temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.