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.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2022 | 255
Powered by FlippingBook