This Hungarian dog breed sells for thousands of dollars in America

This cheeky and clever breed needs constant challenges. They are real thinker and loves to learn. And because of this, they are not for novice owners. It takes serious and determined attention to care for such a dog, which not many people are willing to do; the worldwide population of mudis is estimated to be around 3000-4000.

Many people, those living outside of Hungary, think that the Mudi is some kind of mixed-breed dog, usually a German Shepherd and miniature poodle or some kind of spitz mix. Here’s what else you should know about our country’s special, rare treasure!

The recognition overseas

As dog journalists, we were delighted to read that the American Kennel Club has recognized it as an official breed. They didn’t have anything against the mudi, the process of getting a breed officially recognised is complex. Other than the Hungarian greyhound, all the Hungarian breeds have now been officially accepted by the AKC. Let’s hope that these fast boys will soon be among the recognised breeds! But now let’s get to the mudi of the matter!

1. Puppies are born with misaligned ears

As with German Shepherds, their ears will straighten over time. But their tails are not ordinary either! Sometimes babies are born without tails, or with a short, chunky stump. None of these are mistakes according to the breed standard.

2. The Finns have also recognised the power of the Mudi

After Hungary, the largest number of them is found in Finland. The mudis can best show their charming selves and qualities by herding  They can coordinate up to 500 animals with masterful elegance, but they are also flawless protectors of the family and the property. We are very proud that the Finns and the Americans often use them as rescue dogs because they learn very easily and even the smallest signs won’t escape their attention.

3. One of the last

Their origins date back to the 15th-18th century, however, htey weren’t recognised as a stand alone breed until 1936. Between 1930 and 1936, thanks to the work of Dr. Dezső Fényes, the breeding programme was started. Hence the official Latin name for the mudi, the canis ovilis Fényesi. Dr. Fényes found the most typical specimens in Pest, Nógrád, Fejér and Békés counties. During the Second World War, like most Hungarian breeds, they almost became extinct, but in the 1960s the Mudi was rehabilitated. They are considered to be among the last species in the world that are still naturally bred for herding.

4. Thrush dog, the sample female Mudi

Rehabilitation in the 1960s resulted in the birth of the breed standard in 1963, based on a female named Rigó (Thrush bird), who was also awarded the title of the first registered dog of the breed in the pedigree book. The pedigree of the breed is still open to this day, with the disadvantage that other non-typical dogs have been included in the breed to maintain the heterogeneity of the breed.

But if we look at the positive side of this situation, we have managed to maintain a breed that is exceptionally healthy with no particular hereditary diseases.

5. Even without words

It is said that humans understand each other from half words, such is the Mudi’s fantastic ability of observation, meaning that they too understand their owner in a flash. But as much as they listen to us, they expect the same in return, they are relatively easily offended. However, with kind words, pets and rewards, they can be easily placated.

They are also a single-owner breed, they may be aloof with strangers because of their protective personality. However, dogs that are well socialised as puppies do not become shy and withdrawn as adults. They also get on very well with children.

6. Hefty price tags

In the US, depending on the quality of the dog, you can ask up to $1500-2500 for the breed, which translated to Hungarian forint is around 500 000-850 000 ft.

Their popularity is growing worldwide, so breeders and enthusiasts are worried about backyard breeders. In addition, there is a risk that, with different crosses, the mudi may also end up as designer dog. If you like them and you’re serious about buying them, please think carefully and only buy from a trustworthy source! You not only have the health of your dogs in your hands, but also the future of the whole breed!