Mudi
Mudi is a herding and sporting dog breed from Hungary, which is a close cousin of Puli and Pumi. High in energy and agility, these dogs are very active.
Breed Profile
Height
15 - 19
Inches
Weight
18 - 30
Pounds
Life Span
12 – 14
Years
Health
health
Epilepsy
What is it?
It is the recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from an abnormality of the brain. It is the most common neurological disorder found in dogs which affects about 1% of the entire population
Clinical signs
The clinical symptoms of this condition may include -
Collapsing
Jerking
Muscle twitching
Loss of consciousness
Excessive drooling
Tongue chewing
Foaming at the mouth
Treatment
There are some anti-epileptic drugs available which can make most of the dogs, seizure free. And it is very much possible that the dog will be on medication for the rest of the life.
Eligible vet bill
$500
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Hip or Elbow Dysplasia
What is it?:
This genetic health issue is the one where the hip or elbow joints loosens up which causes dysfunction and pain. Over time, this may result into arthritis, muscle atrophy and limitations in mobility
Clinical signs
Staying in bed instead of going out
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty or reluctance in climbing stairs, rising up, jumping or running
Loss of muscle mass in the thighs
Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles as they compensate for the hind end
Flinches when the lower back muscles are touched
Treatment
All cases of hip dysplasia may not be preventable but a proper care can reduce the probability or if noticed can try and contain the impact. The measures include
Chiropractic therapy
Supplements for joints
Anti-inflammatory medications
Surgery
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Agile
Bred for herding and sporting, this breed has competed in several dog agility trials with an above satisfactory result
Sporty
The breed does really well in rally obedience, schutzhund, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events.
Intelligent
The performance in sports and related activities show the intelligence levels of the breed which makes it easier for trainers to train them
Lifetime Care
Coat
It has a medium length, curly or wavy coat
Colors
A variety of colors are available in this breed including black, white, ash, fawn, black merle and brown.
Hypoallergenic
No
Grooming
The grooming requirements are very minimal for Mudi, which includes occasional bath, combing and brushing and a regular nail and teeth care.
Training
The highly active and intelligent breed with an eager to please nature, Mudis are very much trainable
The breed was found by Dr. Dezso Fenyes in Hungary in 1936 and soon it came to be known as a ‘driver dog’. They almost faced an extinction at the time of World War 2 and even today there are no more than a couple thousand of them in the world. The majority of the population is in Hungary, followed by Finland. In countries like the US or UK, the population is very scarce, making it a very rare breed.
The breed is a heterogenous one where there are different types of the same breed available. They resemble the Spitz dogs in the head and the Croation sheepdog in the body.
Mudi: Introduction to the Breed
These dogs, although having very similar looks to the Pumi and the Puli breeds, do have some unique physical traits. Some of them include -
Dark-oval and oblique eyes
Pricked ears
Natural stump tail or a no tail in some cases
Short curly hair
Mudi is best suited for:
Experienced pet owners
People with active lifestyles who can spend enough time with the dog
Houses with access to open spaces like gardens and parks
Families with young children
Things to watch-out before deciding to own a Mudi
These highly energetic and quick moving dogs tend to wander away when kept off-leash or in a backyard without a fence. Keeping an eye all the time will be mandatory.
Due to its rarity, the cost can be high compared to some other breeds.
If you have a backyard, then there is a high chance that it will be turned into a collection of holes as these dogs love to dig
What should a Mudi eat?
For any dog owner, it is very important to keep a close look on what the dog eats and not as it is directly linked to its energy levels, contact with diseases, etc. In case of Mudis, a high-nutrient vet recommended dry puppy food would do when given in 3-4 small meals rather than 1 big meal. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids will help keep the coat and skin healthy. A carbohydrate rich diet is necessary for active dog breeds like the Mudi. Lean Chicken and Turkey can form good sources of proteins to nourish the joints, muscles and tissues, especially in the hip areas.
Conclusion
Mudi is a rare, herding and a sporty breed from Hungary which is known for its high energy levels, intelligence and agility. It performs well in almost all sports making it very desirable for people who like to attend dog sports competition. If you are looking for such an active, energetic and at the same time protective and affectionate dog then the Mudi is for you.
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
Sources: