Pyrenean Shepherd vs Mudi - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Pyrenean Shepherd vs Mudi - Breed ComparisonPyrenean Shepherd is originated from Spain but Mudi is originated from Hungary. Both Pyrenean Shepherd and Mudi are having almost same height. Pyrenean Shepherd may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than Mudi. Both Pyrenean Shepherd and Mudi has almost same life span. Pyrenean Shepherd may have less litter size than Mudi. Both Pyrenean Shepherd and Mudi requires Moderate maintenance.

History

pyrenean shepherd - historyThe Pyrenean Shepherd hails from Spain where he has always been used to herd sheep. Some people believe he is a descendant of the French Catalan Sheepdog while others say from the Briard. Nobody is too sure.

He is actually the smallest of the French herding breeds. It is interesting to note that he still does this herding job today. It was in the 19th century that a few of these dogs left for America with shepherds who found work herding flocks in the American West.

These dogs were also used in World War 1 as messenger dogs.

It was during the 1970's and 1980's that breeding programs were started for the dog and The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1987. The dog was also recognized in 2009 by the American Kennel Club.

mudi - historySometime between the 4th and 6th centuries, the Great Migration – a variety of dogs came to live in the Carpathian Mountains on the Great Hungarian Plain. This migration period brought sheepdogs and herders brought by shepherds. These dogs were of two sizes both small and large. The smaller ones were bred together – Pumi, Puli, and Mudi. Because of this, these breeds share the same history, with the Mundi being the oldest of them all.

The Mundi was finally separated from the other breeds about 1930 when Dr. Deszo Fenyesi began to breed them. It was in 1966 when the F.C.I. finally approved the standard for the breed. Still then as today, there were not many breeders developing the Mudi. They are working dogs – farm dogs – herders, guard dogs and ratters. He is also known as a tracker, with the majority of the breed living in Hungary.

As the Mudi was bred separately from the Pumi and the Puli, differences between the breeds became clear. Many Mudi are born with a stump or no tail at all. The Mudi is not a great dog for the first timer. He is stubborn, assertive and needs a lot of socialization and exercise. In 2004 breeders in the United States created the Mudi Club of America to preserve the breed and foster responsible ownership. This is a clever, active and keen breed, very loyal to his family but wary of strangers. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2006.

In Hungary, these are still a breed of herding dogs capable of running 500 sheep at a time. They are versatile, courageous, intelligent and agile. They are great in obedience trials, agility, and flyball. In Finland and the United States, they also work as search and rescue dogs.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Spain
Hungary
Height Male:
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
38 - 47 cm
14 - 19 inches
Height Female:
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
34 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
8 - 14 kg
17 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
6 - 11 kg
13 - 25 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Pyr Shep
Hungarian Mudi Canis Ovilis Fenyesi
Colors Available:
grey, black overlay occasionally, Fawn, some white - solid colors or tri-colored
marbled color, gray, , striped, black, bro spotted, stained
Coat:
Long or short haired - soft or wiry
curly, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Protective, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

pyrenean shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-sized dog standing at between 38 and 50cm in height and weighing between 14 and 20kg.

His head is fairly small with large, bright, expressive eyes. The ears are semi-erect. The tail has always traditionally been docked but often left long these days.

He comes with two different coat types – rough and smooth with sometimes both types being in the same litter. The dog is a regular shedder. The coat can be medium length or long and slightly wavy with a harsh texture. The coat can be of the shorter type with finer, softer hair. The coat is available in different colors and patterns, and can be a fawn color or grey and you will find a black overlay occasionally with some white. The coat can be tri-colored or he can be in solid colors such as cream or white.

Temperament:

Your feisty Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog with plenty of personality. He is also full of energy and will love to live with a outdoorsy-type family who are always on the go, because he’s in on everything.

He is distrustful of strangers and this together with the fact that he is so alert, makes him a splendid watchdog too.

He will need to be trained and socialized as he can be overly robust. He becomes obedient and well mannered, being totally dedicated to his owner. It isn’t easy for him to be separated from his beloved human owner.

mudi puppy - descriptionThis is a medium size dog with an almost square profile. They have erect ears on wedge-shaped heads. He is not a strong boned but medium boned. That square profile is based in large part on their very square stance. Their muzzle is about half the length of their head and they have what is considered a “dare devil” expression in their dark, almond-shaped eyes. The color of the eyes is important and must match with the color of the dog or the standard is not met.

Merle fur – brown, brown speckled, blue eyes.

Brown or gray-brown fur – Brown eyes

Gray fur – gray eyes

What is not acceptable is having yellow eyes and black fur; pink eyes and white fur. The lips, eye rims, and nose must all have the same pigmentation. This should be black in all but the brown and brown-grey dogs. These dogs have brown noses, eye rims, and lips. The tail can be almost anything from full to bob. All are considered to be natural lengths for a Mudi.

Their coat is self-cleaning and won’t mat. It is on the long side. In fact, a short, flat, smooth coat is a disqualification from the standard. The color of the coat ranges from white to brown to gray, gray-brown, merle, golden, cream and white. Very little markings of any kind are usual.

Characteristics

pyrenean shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is essentially a one-person dog, becoming totally attached to one particular person in the family.

He is known as a dog who becomes totally loyal to his human family, getting on well with children as well as with other pets in the home.

He is aloof and wary of strangers. Training and socialization is important so as to avoid aggression and fear. This is one dog that requires being diligently exercised every day.

He is a great watchdog, and when you add up all his fantastic qualities, you get to realize what a splendid companion and pet this wonderful dog makes.

Children friendliness

mudi dog - characteristicsYes, they are great with children and love being a part of a large family or “pack”.

Special talents

They are extremely versatile and great at herding and guarding.

Adaptability

They are adaptable if you are. They don’t need to live in the country, but they need space to run and play.

Learning ability

They are highly intelligent but a little stubborn. Their ability to learn is high but you have to be the boss.

Health Problems

pyrenean shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is such a jovial little dog that you just can’t imagine him ever being sick. When he is lethargic, you'll know there is something seriously wrong with him because he is always as bright as a button.

He can however get sick, and there are a few dog illnesses such as epilepsy, eye problems and hip dysplasia that can be very painful ad debilitating for such an energetic dog. You don’t have to be too concerned though, as he is a dog known to have minimal health issues.

mudi puppies - health problemsThe Mudi does face several of the problems that medium to large dogs often face and some eye issues as well.

  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia can cause arthritis and lameness.
  • Patellar Luxation (knee cap slippage) can also cause lameness.
  • Potential variety of eye issues.
  • Thyroiditis – an autoimmune deficiency.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

pyrenean shepherd dogs - caringThis will depend on the coat type. Both coat types will essentially require you brushing him twice a week.

Exercise:

The Pyr Shep’s activity levels are very high and this dog will require living with people who love outdoor activities. He’s the perfect companion for those camping trips or hikes. He is always ready to join you on your walks and will be ready and waiting to jump right in when he sees you with a ball or frisbee.

Diet:

For all that energy, your Pyrenean Shepherd will be needing the best dog food there is. Food full of preservatives and colorants can be bad for your pet, detrimental to his health.

Good food full of vitamins and minerals will ensure your pet stands a good chance of living a long, healthy life. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, ensure its the best there is, with labeling on the packaging that tells you its for his age, his size and energy levels.

Consistency and simplicity is what your Pyrenean Shepherd wants, and home-made food can enhance his dry kibble. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure your pet’s eyes are continuously bright and alert and his tail constantly wagging.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also go towards ensuring his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Feeding the puppy

mudi dogs - caringThe Mudi needs a high quality, medium breed puppy dry food and should be fed 3 or 4 times a day for a total of 1 and ½ to 2 cups.

Feeding the adult

The adult should be fed at least twice a day with an adult medium breed high-quality dry dog food. Don’t overfeed as the breed can have a tendency toward obesity.

Points for Good Health

They have great stamina and agility.

Games and Exercises

This is a working dog and like most herding dogs, they need a job and a lot of activity. Long walks every day and either a large yard or visits to a dog park. Involve them in herding activities or Barn Hunt if you can. Playing is their way of working when they are not herding real animals. So, if you want this breed, be sure you have time for playing with them. They are great at agility, flyball, obedience, frisbee trials, tracking and of course herding

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Pyrenean Shepherd vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  16. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  17. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Pyrenean Shepherd vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  19. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  21. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  22. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  23. Pyrenean Shepherd vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  24. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Norwegian Buhund - Breed Comparison
  25. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Mudi - Breed Comparison
  27. Queensland Heeler vs Mudi - Breed Comparison
  28. Red Heeler vs Mudi - Breed Comparison
  29. Mudi vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  30. Mudi vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Mudi vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  32. Mudi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Mudi vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  34. Mudi vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. Mudi vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  36. Mudi vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Mudi vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  38. Mudi vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Mudi vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  40. Mudi vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  41. Mudi vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  42. Mudi vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  43. Mudi vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  44. Mudi vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  45. Mudi vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Mudi vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  47. Mudi vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Mudi vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  49. Mudi vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  50. Mudi vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds