Herding Medium size 8-13 kg
Mudi
A rare, versatile Hungarian herder with off-the-charts drive and a sharp mind; superb for an active, hands-on owner, miserable in an idle, lonely home.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Medium
Size
8-13 kg, 38-47 cm at the shoulder
Very high
Activity
Built for daily work; needs a real job
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Bonds closely; dislikes long isolation
Easy
Trainability
Sharp and eager to learn
Low
Coat care
Wavy coat needs only occasional brushing
Good
Fit with kids
Good with active family children
Good
Other pets
Generally sociable with early exposure
Light
Health burden
Mostly hardy; some eye and hip risks
The Mudi typically weighs 8-13 kg, stands 38-47 cm, and lives 12-14 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a tireless dog for sport, herding or an active outdoor life,
you can give it daily physical and mental work,
someone is home often, or the dog comes along with you,
you enjoy training a quick, biddable, problem-solving breed.
Do not consider this breed if…
you want a calm, low-energy companion or apartment dog,
the dog would be alone and idle for long stretches,
you have no outlet for herding-level drive and stamina,
constant barking or busyness would frustrate your household.
A typical day with a Mudi
- 6:30 · MorningRun, fetch or herding-style work to burn real energy
- 9:00 · MidmorningTraining or a puzzle; it needs its mind used
- 12:30 · NoonWalk and a game to break up the day
- 16:00 · AfternoonDog sport, agility or a long hike
- 19:00 · EveningFamily time and one more active session
- 22:00 · NightFinally settles, close to its people
Family and environment
Kids Good
Great with active kids; may try to herd young ones.
Dogs Good
Sociable with early, ongoing socialization.
Cats Conditional
Often fine if raised together; herding drive is high.
Apartment Poor
Energy, barking and drive make flats a hard fit.
House with a yard Suitable
A secure yard plus daily real work is ideal.
City Conditional
Possible only with heavy daily exercise and training.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run and a job to do suit it best.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock; manage weight and activity
Progressive retinal atrophy Gradual vision loss; a genetic test is available
Epilepsy Seizures are usually managed with lifelong medication
Cataracts Clouding of the lens; treatable with surgery
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Close Hungarian herding cousin, similar drive
Pumi
A whip-smart, high-drive Hungarian herder that excels at dog sports - its energy and vocal alertness overwhelm a quiet or sedentary home.
View profile →
Related Hungarian herder with a corded coat
Puli
An agile, devoted Hungarian herder famous for its corded coat - that coat is high-maintenance and the breed needs a job and daily activity.
View profile →
Another intense, highly trainable herding breed
Border Collie
An exceptionally quick-learning working dog that needs daily physical and mental work - without it, it invents a "job" of its own.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Mudi cost?
The Mudi is genuinely rare, especially in the US, so expect waitlists, few litters and possibly importing from Europe; puppies commonly run about $1,500-$3,000. The purchase price is the small part: across a 12-14 year life, food, training, sport and routine vet care typically add $12,000-$18,000 or more, and this active breed can add unexpected costs from injuries or a condition like epilepsy.
Is a Mudi a good first dog?
Rarely. It is a high-drive working herder that needs daily physical and mental work and close involvement with its people. Experienced, active owners love it; first-timers who want an easygoing pet usually find the energy and intensity overwhelming.
Do Mudis bark a lot?
Yes, they are naturally vocal, alert herders that bark to communicate and to work. Training can channel it, but a quiet dog this is not, which matters for close neighbors.
How much exercise does a Mudi need?
A lot, and not just walks. Plan on one to two hours of real activity a day plus mental work such as training, herding or dog sports. Without an outlet, this breed becomes restless, noisy and destructive.