MyDogBreeds
Smithfield is originated from United Kingdom but Mudi is originated from Hungary. Smithfield may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Mudi. Smithfield may weigh 11 kg / 25 pounds more than Mudi. Both Smithfield and Mudi has same life span. Both Smithfield and Mudi has almost same litter size. Both Smithfield and Mudi requires Moderate maintenance.
The Smithfield is also known as the Smithfield, Smithy or Tasmanian Smithfield and is a herding dog found in Australia but originating in the UK. There is also the possibility that there was an Australian dog bred at a place known as Smithfield, near Texas which is just inside the Queensland border.
It is thought by some that the Smithfield is extinct. The dog was first introduced to the Land Down Under in colonial times.
The Smithfield isn’t recognised by the Canine Councils, but in 1862 the first Dog Show was held in Australia.
Sometime 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.
The Smithfield is a medium to large sized dog, strong and square-bodied with a wedge shaped head. Many people liken his looks to a Bearded Collie.
He has a rough, medium length coat. The coat has different colors such as white, black, grey or reddish brown. The coat is shaggy and in fact they are often clipped to give them a groomed look and to prevent grass and burrs clinging to the coat.
The tail of the dog can either be a natural bobtail or it could have a longer tail. When the tail is long it is carried low with an upward turn at the tip. The ears are mostly floppy and held close to the head.
He stands at between 46 to 53cm in height and weighs between 16 and 25kg. A bright, alert expression is a distinctive feature of the Smithfield.
The Smithfield is an active, robust dog and they have well balanced, stable personalities. They are often described as being laid-back.
You won’t find any signs of shyness or aggression with these dogs and they are known to be gentle and calm. They are self confident and well adjusted and also hard working.
They are devoted and loving to their human family and are also intelligent. When they’ve been trained and socialized they make splendid family pets, wonderful with children, just loving to run and play. These are dogs you can rely on to be consistent in nature.
This 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.
Those who have owned a Smithfield love them and say that once you’ve owned one, you’ll want another.
These easy going dogs have all the characteristics necessary to ensure a good pet, playmate and companion. They are devoted to their human family, and given the chance will become a very special 4-legged member of any family who appreciates the friendship a such a dog offers.
Yes, they are great with children and love being a part of a large family or “pack”.
They are extremely versatile and great at herding and guarding.
They are adaptable if you are. They don’t need to live in the country, but they need space to run and play.
They are highly intelligent but a little stubborn. Their ability to learn is high but you have to be the boss.
These dogs enjoy exceptional good health and can reach between 10 and 14 years of age.
You have to be careful with your pet however, because there are quite a few common dog illnesses that can plague your pet, and we look at a few -
This is caused by a contagious virus. Infected dogs develop symptoms such as runny eyes, fever, coughing, vomiting and even seizures. Unfortunately this disease is often fatal. There is luckily a vaccine against it and it is highly recommended for your pet.
Also a very contagious disease which attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, vomiting and diarrhea. It is often spread by contaminated stools and feeding utensils of dogs. Many dogs die from parvo but there is also a vaccine against it.
This is terrible for your pet and is a huge risk for dogs during Summer. Never leave your pet in a car unattended, especially on a hot day. Remember that stub-nosed dogs such as Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are more prone to respiratory problems and heat can be deadly for them.
The Mudi does face several of the problems that medium to large dogs often face and some eye issues as well.
The Smithfield has plenty of energy and loves nothing more than lots of games with the children. He will also look forward to a walk every day as well as other activities.
When it comes to grooming, you can save money by grooming your dog at home. Whether you have your pet’s hair cut or you leave it as is, get into the habit of brushing the fur at least twice a week. You can speak to your vet or groomer and get advice on what comb of brush to use on your Smithfield.
It you want to cut your pet’s hair, it is important to use the right equipment so you don't accidentally injure him. Certainly if you feel unsure about shaving your dog at home, leave this grooming aspect to the experts.
Check your pet’s eyes. They must be clear and bright. Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Check inside his ears to make sure they aren’t red with infection.
Your Smithfield is relying on you to provide him with good food. For convenience, it is always a good idea to have a packet of the best dry kibble there is. Check out the label and make sure to buy one that has a good balance of vitamins and minerals.
Give him some tasty homemade food too. Remember to keep it plain and simple. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are nutritious and tasty. This food can all be chopped up and small portions added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.
You’ll never have to worry about digestion problems with your dog. A little bit of raw meat can also go a long way to ensuring his skin stays healthy and free of skin infections. Ensure that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.
The 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.
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.
They have great stamina and agility.
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