Breed History
During what was known as the 'Great Migration' between the 4th and 6th centuries, many different types of people and dogs arrived on the Great Hungarian Plain. The majority of the dogs were owned by herdsmen, sheepdog who travelled with the flock. There is evidence of Magyar/Hungarians keeping sheepdog from the end of the 9th century, but formal pedigree keeping only came about at the later half of the 19th century. Before this there were only two recognised categories for Hungarian Sheepdogs; Large or Small. Large being the Kuvasz & Komondor, small being the breeds now known today as the Puli, Pumi, and Mudi. More is known and documented regarding Puli and Pumi, Mudi were thought of as the 'third type' but it is believed their history is very similar.
One of the first promotors of native Hungarian breeds was a man known as István Széchenyi (1791-1860). He was the founder of the Hungarian Academy of Science and The Pest County Greyhound Society. Another notable man in the history of Hungarian dogs was a professor at the Veterinary Clinic in Budapest during the early 20th century, known as Dr. Emil Raitsits. While Dr. Emil Raitsits main interests were the Puli and Pumi, he travelled the country looking for good examples of the Hungarian Sheepdogs.
The Mudi, which at this time was only known as the ‘third type’ of small sheepdog, was still recognised in almost the whole of Hungary. In Ancient times it is said they could be found by their masters in Austria, the lowlands of Pannonia and former Yugoslavia. Some believe that the Mudi was produced from crosses between the Puli and Pumi. While others believe he comes from crosses to German breeds, such as the German Shepherd or German Splitz thanks to the expression and head shape of a Mudi.
​
Mudi were separated into their own breed in 1936 by Dr. Deszö Fényesi. Dr. Deszö Fényesi was one of the very first breeders to breed the Mudi as a seperate breed. He is also the man that chose to name the breed 'Mudi' although it is unknown why he chose this word for the small sheepdogs. Mudi were first recognised by the FCI in 1966, once a new breed standard had been written by Dr. Zoltan Balassy, written specifically to apply for FCI recognition. He based his standard on only a select few Mudi, the main differences between the original standard and the one he submitted being the acceptable colours and the size of Mudi.
​
A new breed standard was written by Dr. Zoltan Balassy in 1966 to apply for FCI recognition. This standard was based on only a handful of Mudi’s and the main differences between the original standard were accepted sizes and colors. The breed standard was accepted by FCI. The standard was updated in 2000, and again in 2004.
​
Despite being a recognised breed eligible for registration, many farmers do not register their Mudi litters through the kennel club. 'B Pedigree Mudi' are allowed and breeders are able to pass a Breeding Exam with their dogs to note them as eligible to contribute to the breed within Hungary. This is vital for genetic diversity.
​
The breed's story continues to develop, with the official FCI standard being updated in 2023.
