Mudi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Mudi is originated from Hungary but Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia. Both Mudi and Australian Cattle Dog are having almost same height. Both Mudi and Australian Cattle Dog are having almost same weight. Both Mudi and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same life span. Mudi may have more litter size than Australian Cattle Dog. Mudi requires Moderate maintenance. But Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance

History

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.

During the 19th century, in the New South Wales, lived a cattle farmer Thomas Hall. He wanted to have a perfect cattle dog so he mixed two breeds: dogs used by stockman with the dingo. The new breed was given an interesting name - Halls Heelers. Heelers was a part of the dog breed because this new breed of the dog inherited the nipping instinct. As time passed, one breed was developing in two breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

The Australian Cattle dog can be found in two available colours: red and blue. This is how they got their nicknames: Red Heeler and Blue Heeler.

Description

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.

The Australian Cattle Dog originally mixed with Australian herding dog that was kept near the cattle to guide them. Medium-sized, with the short coat, this dog is generally easy to groom and maintain. It does require more brushing during the shedding period, but it is still not an everyday need. He is easy to train because he likes challenging games and activities which are. It gets very attached to its owner, and he is always protective of them and their possessions. The most common health problems happen with their ears and eyes, but they are usually very healthy and they have a long life – up to 15 years.

Characteristics

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.

Around children

Children and Australian Cattle Dogs can grow up together in harmony. They will have a loyal and protective companion. After you properly train your dog and teach your child how to play with the dog, you will bring the friendship on the safe side. Some of them will have the instinct to nip at heels, so you should pay attention to this while training your pet.

Special talents: cattle dog, service dog, therapy dog, police dogs, drug detection dogs.

Adaptability

Australian Cattle Dogs can survive cool, hot and temperate conditions. They can live in a shelter outdoors, and they do well living indoors. But, be aware – without enough physical activity, this dog will end up being frustrated and unhappy.

Learning ability

They will absorb every new trick so quick that you will be amazed. They love to learn, and if you start with some good trick you will raise a great friend and maybe a great competitor in fetch, swim, bring-a-stick, or run-the-show dog sports.

Health Problems

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.

Health Problems: are mostly inherited. You can avoid this by searching for a good breeder that can clear out the hereditary diseases.

Eyes

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the breeds that can be born with progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive rod-cone degeneration is a disease that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to degenerate. It might lead to blindness.

Ears

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the rare breeds with recessive piebald alleles. This gene is the reason why they have white colour on their coat. But, unfortunately, this gene can be the reason why congenital hereditary deafness develops.

Caring The Pet

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

Feeding the puppy and adult

Herding dog have a history of the joint diseases. That’s why some of the pet suggest feeding a herding dog with meat like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish. Dry dog food, even premium quality, may not be enough for this energetic dogs and their bone structure. But it depends on the dog. The best advice is to always take an advice from your breeder or your wet.

Grooming

You won’t be very busy with grooming your Australian cattle dog. You don’t have to take everyday care of it. Occasional brushing will be more than enough. Bath the dog only when you notice odour problem.

Points for Good Health

The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, they love walks, spending time with people, running or doing any athletic sports with them, teaching them tricks since they have above average intelligence. Fetching will be super fun for everyone, agility, competitions or any other challenging activity. They love water and they swim very well so you can take the dog with you to the nearest pool and have a great time.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Hungary
Australia
Height Male:
38 - 47 cm
14 - 19 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
34 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 14 kg
17 - 31 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 11 kg
13 - 25 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hungarian Mudi Canis Ovilis Fenyesi
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
marbled color, gray, , striped, black, bro spotted, stained
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
Coat:
curly, dense
short double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Protective, Stubborn
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds