Mudi Breed Magazine features information, expert articles, and stunning photos from AKC judges, breeders, and owners.
MUDI
Let’s Talk Breed Education!
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Official Standard of the Mudi General Appearance: The Mudi is an extremely versatile, intelligent, alert, agile all purpose Hungarian farm dog. The Mudi has courage, a trait useful for working the most stubborn livestock. The breed is a loyal protector of property and family members without being overly aggressive. The Mudi is sometimes used for flushing out wild boar in Hungary. The Mudi is medium in size and moderate in conformation. The profile is nearly square with a slightly sloping topline from withers to croup. The head is wedge shaped with erect ears. The coat is short and straight on the face and front of the legs. The rest of the body is covered by a coat that is very wavy to curly, growing to a length of up to approximately 3 inches. Size, Proportion, Substance: The Mudi is medium boned. The height from the withers to the ground is nearly equal to the body length from the point of the shoulder to the point of buttocks. The depth of the brisket is slightly less than half of the height at the withers. The Mudi should stand squarely on all fours and when viewed from the side, the topline, front legs and back legs should closely approximate a square. Size - Dogs are from 16 inches to 18½ inches, ideal 17½ inches, bitches from 15 inches to 17½ inches, ideal 16½ inches. Disqualification - Dogs less than 15½ inches and over 19 inches, and bitches less than 14½ inches and over 18 inches. Weight - Ideal weight in dogs is 24 pounds to 29 pounds and in bitches 18 pounds to 24 pounds. Head: The head is wedge shaped when viewed from the top with sufficient fill under the eyes to make a smooth wedge line from ear to nose. The length of the muzzle is slightly less than half of the total length of the head creating a wedge shape when viewed from the side. The stop is defined but not obvious. Expression - The Mudi expression is alert, lively and intelligent. Eyes - The eyes are almond shaped and set slightly oblique thus giving the Mudi a "dare devil" expression. The eyes should be as dark as possible. The following variations are permitted: Merle patterned dogs can have solid brown, blue, or brown speckled with blue eye(s). Brown, gray and gray-brown dogs can have lighter brown eyes. Yellow and white colored dogs can have dark brown, lighter brown, blue, or brown speckled with blue eye(s). Rims of lids are tight, close-fitting to the eyeball and completely pigmented. Brown and gray-brown dogs have brown pigmentation and gray dogs have gray pigmentation. Yellow and white dogs may have black, brown or gray pigmentation. Disqualification - Yellow eyes in black dogs. Pink (albino) eyes in white dogs. Incomplete or pink pigmentation of the eye rims. Ears - The Mudi ears are high set, fully erect and covered with abundant hair reaching beyond the edges of the ear leather. The ears are triangular and only slightly taller than the width at the base. The ears are very mobile and alert, able to move independently in reaction to any stimulation. Disqualification - Drop or semi- pricked ears. Skull - The skull and forehead are slightly domed. The occiput and brows are only slightly apparent. Muzzle - The muzzle is strong with the bridge of the nose straight and tapering to a blunt end at the nose. The lips are tight and the lip pigment corresponds with the pigment of the nose and eye rims. Whiskers shall be present. Nose - The nose is rounded in front with moderately wide nostrils. The bridge is straight. The nose color is black with the following exceptions: Brown and gray-brown dogs have brown noses. Gray dogs have gray noses. Yellow and white colored dogs may have black, brown or gray noses. The nose pigmentation is solid. Fault - Discolored areas. Disqualification - Pink or spotted nose. Bite – Full dentition preferred. Scissors bite preferred, level bite acceptable. Fault - One or more missing teeth are a serious fault. Disqualification - Over or undershot mouth, wry mouth.
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Neck, Topline and Body: Neck - Neck is of medium length in proportion to the body, placed slightly high on the shoulders, slightly arched and is well-muscled. The skin at the throat is tight, dry, and without a dewlap. Topline - Withers are slightly higher with the topline slightly sloping towards the croup. Body - The body is smooth and tight with hard, but not bulging muscles. Forechest is slightly curved, the point of the sternum only slightly protruding. The chest is moderate in depth with ribs that are slightly sprung that extends back to a slight tuck-up. The back is short, straight, and taut. The loin is short, straight, and firmly coupled. The croup is slightly sloped, and of medium breadth. The tail follows the natural line of the croup. Tail - Tails come in all natural lengths including a natural bob. When alert and during active movement all tail lengths can be carried higher than the topline. A full length tail can be carried over the back in a loose, semi-circular fashion. When relaxed all tail lengths may hang below the topline. The tail is abundantly coated; the hair on the underside can be 4 to 5 inches long. No tail length is preferred over any other length. Docking of tail is undesirable but is not regarded as a fault. Fault - A tightly cur led tail or “pigs - tail” should be faulted. Forequarters : The shoulders are moderately angulated, with long, well-knit shoulder blades and an upper arm matching in length. The angle formed between the shoulder blade and upper arm should be 100 to 110 degrees. The elbows are tucked firmly against the brisket. The legs are long and straight, with medium bone. The pastern is very slightly sloped. Feet are compact, oval in shape; pads deep and strong, toes moderately arched and close. The nails are strong and preferably black or slate gray. Front dewclaws are desirable. Hindquarters : The hindquarters are well-developed and muscular, and in balance with the forequarters having moderate angulation. The upper thigh is thick and strong, with a long, strong lower thigh. The hocks are short, vertical, and parallel to each other. A vertical line drawn from the point of buttocks down to the ground almost touches the front of the rear toes when viewed from the side. Hind feet same as the forefeet. Rear dewclaws are not desirable. Coat : Face and front of legs are covered by short, straight and smooth hair. On other parts of the body, the coat is uniformly very wavy to curly, dense and about 1 inch to 3 inches long. At some spots, cow-licks and ridges are formed. The coat is longer on the back of the forearms and the upper thighs, where it forms pronounced featherings. The tail is abundantly coated; the hair on the underside may be as much as 4 inches to 5 inches long. The unique nature of the easy care, self cleaning Mudi coat is reliant on having enough texture to its coat that it does not mat. The Mudi is presented in a natural coat, never appearing sculpted, wooly, fluffed nor blown dry so as to obscure the natural curls and texture of the coat. Disqualification - Short, smooth, flat coat on the whole body; long hair on the face. Color : Allowed colors are: Black – all over with no shading. Brown – color can range from a light brown to chocolate with lighter shades of brown on the breeches and underbelly. Gray - all over with no shading. Gray-brown – color is a dilute of brown (Isabella) with lighter shades on the breeches and underbelly. Yellow and white – color can range from white to a near-white cream to a darker shade approaching golden with lighter shades on the breeches and underbelly. The merle pattern may be present with any color. No color is preferred over any other color and there is no preference of the solid vs. merle pattern. Minimal white markings are tolerated but not desired on any color or pattern; this includes a white patch on the chest less than 2 inches in diameter and small white markings on the toes. Fault - Any white markings more extensive than the foregoing are a serious fault. Allowable light shadings are not to be confused with white markings. Disqualification - Wolf gray (agouti - alternating bands of color along each hair shaft), black and tan, albino (pure white with pale pink skin and pink eyes) or any other color or marking not listed.
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Gait : Action is true, free, supple and tireless, exhibiting facility of movement rather than hard driving action. The trot is not long striding yet covers the ground with a minimum of effort. The capability of quick and sudden movement is essential. Temperament: The Mudi is alert, energetic, intelligent, biddable, adaptable and always enthusiastic about any job that needs to be done. The Mudi is sensibly suspicious and therefore an excellent watchdog. Faults : Any deviation from the foregoing should be considered a fault, the seriousness of the fault depending upon the extent of the deviation. Disqualifications : Dogs less than 15 ½ inches and over 19 inches, and bitches less than 14 ½ inches and over 18 inches. Yellow eyes in black dogs. Pink (albino) eyes in white dogs. Incomplete or pink pigmentation of the eye rims. Drop or semi-pricked ears. Pink or spotted nose. Over or undershot mouth, wry mouth. Short, smooth, flat coat on the whole body; long hair on the face. Wolf gray (agouti - alternating bands of color along each hair shaft), black and tan, albino (pure white with pale pink skin and pink eyes) or any other color or markings not listed.
Approved October 9, 2017 Effective July 1, 2018
NEWS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: JESSICA D’AMATO Senior Public Relations Manager American Kennel Club Phone: 212-696-8346 E-mail: Jessica.Damato@akc.org
AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB EXPANDS ITS PACK IN 2022 - MUDI AND RUSSIAN TOY BRING RECOGNIZED BREEDS TO 199 –
Mudi Photo by ©Amanda Haldeman Russian Toy Photo by ©American Kennel Club
New York, NY - The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, announced today that the Mudi and Russian Toy have received full recognition, and are eligible to compete in the Herding Group and Toy Group, respectively. These additions bring the number of AKC-recognized breeds to 199. “We’re thrilled to have two unique breeds join the registry,” said Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary. “The Mudi, a medium-sized herding dog, makes a great pet for an active family committed to keeping this worker busy, and the small, loving Rus- sian Toy thrives on being close to its humans, making a wonderful companion for an owner who can be with the dog a great deal. As always, we encourage people to do their research to find the right breed for their lifestyle.” The Mudi joins the Herding Group, and is a medium-sized, ver- satile, all-purpose farm dog from Hungary. The breed is courageous and useful for working the most stubborn livestock. It’s loyal, and protective of property and family members. Mudi are very energetic, enjoying a good run. They are playful, affectionate, and can be calm and relaxed at home. They don’t have many grooming requirements. Occasional baths and a combing or brushing will do.
Joining the Toy Group, the Russian Toy dates back to the Rus- sian aristocracy. These dogs may be little, but they pack a ton of per- sonality. They are elegant, lively, active, and cheerful. They are intel- ligent, with a strong desire to please. Russian Toys thrive on human companionship, loving to snuggle and be close to their family. They can, however, be slightly aloof with strangers. The breed has two coat types—longhaired and smooth. The longhaired coat should be brushed two to three times per week and given baths monthly. The smooth coat needs weekly brushing and occasional baths. AKC recognition offers a breed the opportunity to compete at all levels of AKC-sanctioned events. Recognition does not neces- sarily mean that the breed is a newly created breed. Many of the breeds that gain full AKC-recognition have existed for decades, and some are ancient. To become an AKC-recognized breed there must be an active following and interest in the breed by owners in the US as well as an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders. There also must be a sufficient population of dogs in the United States, geographically distributed throughout the county. Breeds working towards full recognition are recorded in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service® (FSS®). Additional informa- tion on the process can be found at akc.org.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs, and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organi- zations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners, and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year, including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, and field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org. AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trade- marks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc. Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @AKCDogLovers.
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Mudi Colors BY THE MUDI CLUB OF AMERICA
O ne of the most attractive elements of the Mudi is the wide variety of colors and patterns avail- able. Read below to learn about each color/ pattern. While multiple colors of Mudi are accepted, each col- or or pattern must cover the entirety of the dog. White is undesirable—a small patch (less than 5 cm/2 in) on the chest is allowed, along with a small amount of white on the toes. White on the body, face, or Irish markings are unacceptable. BLACK (FEKETE) Black is, arguably, the most common coloration of Mudi. A small spot of white is permitted on the chest or toes, but not desired. Black is a dominant color. Black dogs can produce brown offspring only if they carry a copy of the recessive brown, and are bred with a dog that also carries at least one copy of brown. BLACK MERLE (FEKETE CIFRA) One of the most common varieties, black merle is strik- ing and unique. These dogs are genetically black with a merle pattern. Merle is a dominant gene, and cannot be “carried” by a non-merle dog (though it can be “masked” by some genes). Merle dogs should not be bred together, as homozygous merle dogs are prone to pigment-related health problems.
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MUDI COLORS
BROWN (BARNA) Brown is recessive, so both parents must carry at least one copy of the gene. Two brown parents will produce only brown offspring. Brown can vary in shade from light chestnut to deep liver. The nose and eye rim pigment of a brown dog will always be brown— never black. Brown dogs can have brown, green, or yellow eyes. BROWN MERLE (BARNA CIFRA) These dogs are genetically brown, with a merle pattern. They can range from a pale chestnut to deep liver, with spots anywhere along the spectrum of brown. YELLOW (FAKÓ) & WHITE (FEHÉR) Yellow is another recessive gene, so two yellow or yellow-car- rying parents are required for yellow offspring. “Yellow” can actu- ally range in shade from pale cream to deep orange. Some Mudi are so pale they are considered white, though still caused by the same gene. Yellow “dominates” all other color and pattern loci. A yellow dog will still be black or brown genetically, and will display black or brown nose leather accordingly. Additionally, yellow can hide other patterns, like merle, meaning that a dog could be yellow and merle, and look non-merle in appearance. Genetic color testing is critical in these situations to avoid pairing merles. ASH (HAMVAS) Ash, also called blue in some breeds, is the result of a black dog with two copies of the recessive dilution gene. The dog appears gray-steel in color, and is identified visually by nose leather color, which will be a bluish gray as opposed to black. Unfortunately, dilute colors in some breeds also correlate with a skin disorder called “color dilution alopecia” or CDA. Some Mudi do suffer from CDA, with mild to severe side effects, and at this time there is no genetic test available to identify the cause of CDA. ASH MERLE (HAMVAS CIFRA) Ash merles carry both the recessive dilution gene and the domi- nant merle gene. These dogs will not display any black patches. ASH BROWN/ISABELLA (HAMVASBARNA) Isabella, also called lilac in some breeds, is the result of a brown dog with two copies of the recessive dilution gene. The dog appears grayish-brown in color, and is identified visually by nose leather color, which will be a pale cream to tan as opposed to deep brown. ISABELLA MERLE (HAMVASBARNA CIFRA) Isabella merles carry: recessive dilution gene, recessive brown gene, and the dominant merle gene. These dogs will not display any deep brown patches, and will appear quite pale.
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Canis Ovilis Fényesi AN IDEAL FARM PARTNER
T he Mudi (pronounced “moody”) is a medium-sized Herd- ing Dog from Hungary that has been in existence since the 19th century. Today, the Mudi, though very rare, is seen as an active, intelligent, biddable working breed. It is esti- mated there are no more than a few thousand Mudi worldwide—and currently only about 300-400 live in the United States. Mudis excel at sports, including agility, obedience, disc, and dock diving. They are a true working breed, excel in herding both cattle and sheep, and have found fame as search and rescue dogs in both Finland and the US. Their herding style is upright and loose-eyed, and the breed does exceptionally well herding large flocks on difficult terrain. Mudi come in both a tailed and naturally bobbed varieties. They are prick-eared—drop or tipped ears are unacceptable. Mudis are not large dogs, though their personalities would suggest so. The Mudi averages between 16-18" at the withers, and typically weighs 20-28 pounds. Mudis are also relatively healthy and have a life expectancy of 12-14 years. This breed is known for their unique, curly coats. The level of curl varies between dogs and lines, but a Mudi can range from soft waves to tight, kinky curls. They do not have a Pumi or Poodle- type curl. The coat should be thick, and no part of the dog should be hairless or sparsely-furred.
BY HEATHER CLARKSON MCA PRESIDENT
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CANIS OVILIS FÉNYESI: AN IDEAL FARM PARTNER
Personally, I like to describe the Mudi as 70% Herding Dog, 20% Terrier, and 10% Spitz. Their herding side is surely domi- nant, but the cheekiness and attitude of the Terrier will rear its head from time to time, and occasionally—when it suits her—the Mudi’s Spitz side will come out just long enough to give her han- dler “the middle finger” and keep doing what she wants. A “day in the life” of one of my working Mudis typically begins with helping turn out the sheep, then keeping the flock at bay while the chickens are fed (sheep are naughty!). From there, the dogs assist in moving the sheep to whichever pasture they will spend their day grazing. If sheep need doctoring, foot trims, or other han- dling, the dogs help in sorting and catching. Mudi are brilliant thinkers and love a challenge, but can grow bored with repetition. They truly shine on a farm where chores change by the moment. Trainers must keep sessions short and lively, with high rates of reinforcement. Mudis love movement and are excellent problem- solvers, and can often intuit what their owners want before the owner even has a chance to ask. It is important to keep in mind that the role of the Mudi, his- torically, was to be an all-around farm helper and guardian. They have many qualities that make them an ideal farm partner. Mudi are inquisitive and observant, and are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. They are alert barkers and always will be— but they should happily accept a stranger when given the “A-OK.” Mudi are brave, and will not hesitate to charge into a situation if they feel their assistance is needed. The Mudi is your typical “wash & wear” herding dog. Some Mudi are light, seasonal shed- ders while others may shed more heavily. (In the case of a heavy shedder, more regular brushing may be necessary.) They have a hardy, dirt-repelling coat that typically does not mat or cord. At most, the Mudi should receive monthly bathing and be air-dried, never blown, then combed sparingly if tangles are present. Typi- cally, after a long day of work, my dogs submerge themselves in the water troughs and that’s enough to have them squeaky-clean by the time they’re back on the couch for the evening. Like many Herding breeds, Mudi can be fearful and reactive if not properly socialized at a very young age. Additionally, some lines can be more fearful than others. These dogs can struggle to accept strangers in their environment, and display fearful aggres- sion with other dogs. Also, like most Herding and Working breeds, Mudi need regular, intense exercise—but they should have an “off switch” indoors and settle easily with training. Mudi are
energy-efficient and do not tire easily, and they recharge quickly. This breed is highly regarded for its speed, agility, and intelligence. If left to their own devices, Mudi can easily slide into their clas- sic niche: the high-alert farm dog, ready to charge into battle at a moment’s notice. Careful socialization, training neutral responses, and desensitization to the environment are critical for young Mudi to become appropriately social dogs. The Mudi may not be the ideal working dog for all situations, but for those looking for a smaller, scrappy dog that can work hard on and off the farm, the Mudi may be a perfect match! You can contact the Mudi Club of America to meet Mudis and breeders in your area.
BIO Heather Clarkson lives in Liberty, North Carolina, with her assorted pack of herding breeds, Spaniels, and Poodles. Heather has been involved in dog rescue and training for more than ten years, and she trains and competes in agility, dock diving, dog disc, and herding with both her purebred pups and rescued dogs. Heather and her husband, Scott, moved to North Carolina after receiving their law degrees. In her professional life, Heather has been working in the conservation advocacy and public policy field for more than a decade—including various conservation organizations in South Carolina, and now, as Outreach Representative for Defenders of Wildlife’s Southeast Program. She has served on multiple committees for hunting and fishing conservation organizations, and was also nominated to serve on the City of Columbia’s Blue Ribbon Animal Committee. Additionally, Heather directs a multi-state animal welfare organization in her “free time.” Mudis entered Heather’s radar when she met two young dogs at a local herding event. After spending time with Mudis, watching them work, and falling in love with their fantastic personalities, Heather dove straight into the breed. Heather and Scott now own a handful of Mudis who all enjoy dog sports and life on their farm. Heather has a special interest in herding with Mudis, and puts a great deal of time into bringing new Mudi owners into the realm of herding and other dog sports. Heather holds a J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in Columbia, South Carolina, and a B.A. in political science and environmental studies from USC.
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