Mudi Dogs: Are They Hypoallergenic? Do They Need Grooming? (2024)

The Mudi dog was recently accepted as an official breed by the AKC. This medium-sized dog is intelligent, loyal, protective, and affectionate.

They have unique coats and are often used for livestock herding, but are they recommended for those with allergies?

Are Mudi dogs hypoallergenic? Mudi dogs are not hypoallergenic. They are considered moderate shedders, and many people have allergic reactions to the proteins in their dander, saliva, and urine. Proper grooming can help reduce allergens and also improve the Mudi dog’s appearance and health.

If you are interested in bringing a Mudi dog into your home, it’s a good idea to understand the dog’s coat and the care this breed requires.

In the following, we’ll discuss the allergens found in many dog breeds’ coats, including the Mudi, and take a look at all the grooming needs of the breed.

Mudi Dog Allergens

Mudi dogs are known for being loyal, intelligent, and active. Contrary to popular belief, they are not hypoallergenic.

While their fur is not what causes an allergic reaction, there are proteins found in dead skin cells and bodily fluids that can lead to a reaction.

Dander

Pet dander is one cause of allergies. When pets move, scratch, shake, or shed their skin cells, the dander can get on surfaces and travel through the air. 

When humans breathe it in, they may have an allergic reaction. Common symptoms of pet dander allergies include itchy eyes, sore throat, and a runny nose.

Saliva

Mudi dogs do not tend to drool heavily, but they may lick their owners, their own coats, and even surfaces in the home.

The protein in their saliva can cause an allergic reaction in humans. Symptoms include a rash, hives, red and itchy skin, coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

Urine Proteins

Urine contains ammonia which can cause breathing problems and itchy eyes. People who are allergic to ammonia or urine proteins can experience chest pain, asthma, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and red eyes.

Even when dogs are properly house trained, they may still have some urine on their fur and can bring it into the home where owners are then exposed to it.

Mudi Dogs and Shedding

Mudi dogs do shed and are actually considered moderate shedders. Because their hair is long and thick, it can easily stick to carpets and furniture. 

You can reduce shedding by grooming your dog regularly and providing a healthy diet. You can remove the shed hair with a broom, lint roller, or a vacuum cleaner.

Shedding will be heaviest in early to mid spring, but abnormal shedding is another issue entirely.

Excessive shedding could be caused by a poor diet, lack of proper grooming, pests, a nutrient imbalance or deficiency, skin condition, or other health issues.

Excessive or abnormal shedding typically hints at an underlying condition, and the best course of action is to take your dog to the vet for a checkup.

How To Properly Groom Your Mudi

Proper grooming is essential for any dog, not just for outward appearances but also for the health, comfort, and overall well being off the dog.

Here are some tips for properly grooming your Mudi dog.

Coat Care

Mudi dog coats are curly and long, but they are fairly easy to groom. In fact, you can easily groom your Mudi dog on your own rather than take him to a professional groomer.

They do not need to be bathed frequently, and doing so once or twice a month is usually more than sufficient. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that are pH balanced for dogs.

This combo pack is formulated with natural, soothing ingredients designed to nourish and moisturize the skin and coat and comes highly recommended.

They should be brushed at least twice a week to help distribute the dog’s natural oils through the coat to keep the fur and skin healthy. It is not recommended to trim the coat.

Ear Care

Mudi dog ears are floppy when they are puppies but perk up as they age. It is important to keep your dog’s ears clean during all stages of life to avoid infections and hearing loss.

Here is the cleaning solution I use with my dogs, and I have no complaints whatsoever. They actually get excited when they see the bottle, knowing that they are about to get a nice ear massage.  

Clean the ears by applying the solution directly to the ear canal, gently rub the ears, and use a soft cloth to gently wipe inside the ear. Never use a cotton swab or poke anything inside your dog’s ears.

If you are not comfortable cleaning the ears yourself, you can ask your vet to do it.

Nail Care

You should trim your Mudi dog’s nails at least once a month to every six weeks. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, he may wear the nails down naturally.

Indoor dogs may need their nails trimmed more often. 

When trimming your Mudi dog’s nails, be careful not to cut them too short. Make sure your Mudi dog is calm, and only remove the very tip of the nail.

You can use clippers or grinders (I recommend this pack that comes with a grinder and clippers – you’ll always have just what you need) or take the dog to a professional groomer for nail care.

Dental Care

Keeping your dog’s teeth clean will ensure fresh breath and better dental health.

You should brush your Mudi dog’s teeth several times per week with pet toothpaste and a toothbrush to remove plaque and bacteria.

You can also use dental wipes to wipe down the teeth. Your Mudi dog may also enjoy chew toys and treat bones that are designed to clean the teeth as your dog chews on them.

Related Questions: 

Are Mudi Dogs Good Family Dogs?

Mudi dogs are loyal and affectionate. They have calm temperaments and do well with families.

Because they are herding dogs, some may have a tendency to herd young children and come across as bossy when they are, in fact, just trying to protect them. They can also be very vocal.

Are Mudi Dogs Easy To Train?

Mudi dogs are very smart and eager to learn. They learn very quickly and enjoy pleasing their owners.

They do not respond well to aggressive training, so it is best to stay calm and patient and offer rewards for a job well done.

Conclusion 

Mudi dogs have been around for many years but officially became recognized by the AKC in 2022. These dogs are friendly, smart, and energetic, and they tend to make good pets.

Proper care and grooming will ensure your Mudi dog lives a healthy and happy life.

Last update on 2024-04-18 at 18:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API