What is a Mudi?
The Mudi is a fantastically unique and quirky breed! They are teeming with personality, intelligence and opinions.
Temperament varies across the breed as its currently not very refined. In general, as a whole, a Mudi feels very much like your typical quirky herder… but, with a bit of terrier and something primitive tossed into the mix.
They are extremely intelligent and calculating. They are thinkers. They are biddable and willing to please but, they also tend to have a threshold and attention span the size of a teaspoon. Repetition typically isn’t their forte as they get bored quickly and if they do something right the first time they are all like “um, well why would I do that again? I just did it…” 😆. Some are better than others but this is a common trend in the breed.
They are versatile and capable of dabbling in various sports, although I’m often cautious of recommending them to people who absolutely *need* a high level competition dog - not because they aren’t capable (because many have done well in various venues), but because they also tend to be quite soft and break under too much pressure…additionally many people who are used to working with other high level competition dogs (like mals and BC’s) can sometimes become frustrated by the Mudi as they want them to fit into this mould of a “mini” shepherd or collie… and they just aren’t quite that. They are entirely unique. So, as long as people are willing to accept the Mudi for what they are and their unique set of challenges, by all means! But just be ready to be challenged, humbled and to put your relationship with your dog first 🙂.
As they are intended as an all purpose farm dog (this includes alerting to intruders - animals or human), they are quite environmentally sensitive and notice EVERYTHING. So alert barking is a very real thing with them. It’s instinctual and can be managed to a degree, but is important to understand you likely will never get rid of it.
As well, neurotic, sharp and reactive tendencies do exist in the breed. It is not my ideal and not something I personally will breed for… but it’s there and even in the most careful breedings, will crop up from time to time.
Mudis have a very particular play style - they play rough and have the strangest mannerisms. Trainers and people who have not interacted with them tend to often mistake their behaviours for aggression, overstimulation etc - which can lead to a lot of frustration for the dog, trainer and owner.
They very much tend to have eyes only for their “person”. Many will politely interact with other people and dogs, but not with the same level of openness as a lab or golden. They tend to be more reserved.
They range from medium to high drive and energy, and typically have a pretty good “off” switch and settle in the home well 🙂.
They are very vocal as well - they particularly enjoy screaming when they are excited, and, as mentioned before, alerting to new things in their environment. They also like to “talk” and make assorted purring, growling sounds.
All in all, the Mudi breed has a ton of potential. It’s a versatile and unique little dog for those who are open minded seek a challenge and are ready to accept the breed for what they are - little wildlings!
Our ideal Mudi is:
• healthy and sound, with no illness;
•versatile and happy to do anything with it’s family;
•immediately identifiable as the Mudi breed through correct phenotypic appearance, expression and structure;
•a mid-high energy dog with an excellent off switch in the house (providing their daily needs are met); and
•thrives as an incredibly loyal and attentive, active companion.
If you are patient, tenacious, adaptable, looking for a ride-or-die right hand pup who you intend on spending lots of time with daily and prioritizing training and building your bond - the Mudi might be for you!
The Mudi is a fantastically unique and quirky breed! They are teeming with personality, intelligence and opinions.
Temperament varies across the breed as its currently not very refined. In general, as a whole, a Mudi feels very much like your typical quirky herder… but, with a bit of terrier and something primitive tossed into the mix.
They are extremely intelligent and calculating. They are thinkers. They are biddable and willing to please but, they also tend to have a threshold and attention span the size of a teaspoon. Repetition typically isn’t their forte as they get bored quickly and if they do something right the first time they are all like “um, well why would I do that again? I just did it…” 😆. Some are better than others but this is a common trend in the breed.
They are versatile and capable of dabbling in various sports, although I’m often cautious of recommending them to people who absolutely *need* a high level competition dog - not because they aren’t capable (because many have done well in various venues), but because they also tend to be quite soft and break under too much pressure…additionally many people who are used to working with other high level competition dogs (like mals and BC’s) can sometimes become frustrated by the Mudi as they want them to fit into this mould of a “mini” shepherd or collie… and they just aren’t quite that. They are entirely unique. So, as long as people are willing to accept the Mudi for what they are and their unique set of challenges, by all means! But just be ready to be challenged, humbled and to put your relationship with your dog first 🙂.
As they are intended as an all purpose farm dog (this includes alerting to intruders - animals or human), they are quite environmentally sensitive and notice EVERYTHING. So alert barking is a very real thing with them. It’s instinctual and can be managed to a degree, but is important to understand you likely will never get rid of it.
As well, neurotic, sharp and reactive tendencies do exist in the breed. It is not my ideal and not something I personally will breed for… but it’s there and even in the most careful breedings, will crop up from time to time.
Mudis have a very particular play style - they play rough and have the strangest mannerisms. Trainers and people who have not interacted with them tend to often mistake their behaviours for aggression, overstimulation etc - which can lead to a lot of frustration for the dog, trainer and owner.
They very much tend to have eyes only for their “person”. Many will politely interact with other people and dogs, but not with the same level of openness as a lab or golden. They tend to be more reserved.
They range from medium to high drive and energy, and typically have a pretty good “off” switch and settle in the home well 🙂.
They are very vocal as well - they particularly enjoy screaming when they are excited, and, as mentioned before, alerting to new things in their environment. They also like to “talk” and make assorted purring, growling sounds.
All in all, the Mudi breed has a ton of potential. It’s a versatile and unique little dog for those who are open minded seek a challenge and are ready to accept the breed for what they are - little wildlings!
Our ideal Mudi is:
• healthy and sound, with no illness;
•versatile and happy to do anything with it’s family;
•immediately identifiable as the Mudi breed through correct phenotypic appearance, expression and structure;
•a mid-high energy dog with an excellent off switch in the house (providing their daily needs are met); and
•thrives as an incredibly loyal and attentive, active companion.
If you are patient, tenacious, adaptable, looking for a ride-or-die right hand pup who you intend on spending lots of time with daily and prioritizing training and building your bond - the Mudi might be for you!