Meet Britain's Newest Dog Breed: The Hungarian Mudi

Meet Britain's Newest Dog Breed: The Hungarian Mudi
Three different colours of Hungarian Mudi, merle, brown and black. Photo credit: Balázs Horváth.

By Jill Dando News

The Hungarian Mudi, which is believed to have existed since around the 18th century in its homeland, will become the 225th pedigree dog breed in the UK next month, when it becomes recognised by The Kennel Club, the UK’s registry body for pedigree dogs.

It is the fifth new breed to be recognised in the UK in the last five years, following official Kennel Club recognition of the Icelandic Sheepdog earlier this year, the Polish Hunting Dog in 2024, the Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog in 2021 and the Barbet in 2020.

The breed will go onto The Kennel Club’s Imported Breed Register from 1 July 2025, whilst a breed standard is produced and approved, and it will eventually move onto the main breed register, paving the way for the opportunity to win the prestigious Best in Show title at world-renowned dog show Crufts, held in March annually.  

The rare breed, traditionally a herding dog valued for its intelligence, agility, and versatility, has ancient origins and a rich history that dates back several centuries in Hungary.

Though references to Mudi-like dogs date back to the 18th century, it wasn't until 1936 that the breed was formally identified and the Mudi is recognised today for its distinctive curly or wavy coat, which comes in various colours.

Charlotte McNamara, spokesperson for The Kennel Club, commented:

“We’re pleased to officially recognise this versatile Hungarian herding dog as a pedigree breed in the UK. Becoming a recognised pedigree breed with The Kennel Club takes time and several generations of dogs, but once a breed is officially recognised, it means we can be confident in its lineage and that it offers predictable traits - like temperament, health, exercise and grooming needs - which helps match dogs with the right home and owner.”

Dorit Powell, from The Hungarian Mudi Club in the United Kingdom, added:

“The Mudi is razor-sharp, thinks independently, and is an affectionate, fiercely loyal family member. They are suitable for most types of living, as long as they are provided with a job or similar mental and physical stimulation, and their human companions can accept their breed-characteristic vocal and herding behaviour.” 

More information about all recognised dog breeds in the UK, including their suitability for owners and history, is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds-a-to-z/.

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