The Medji (AKA the Small Medimurje Dog) is a hundred-year-old Croatian rat hunting breed with a huge heart inside his tiny frame! He enjoys living life to the fullest, and his happy nature can be contagious to those around him! Although rodent duty was the first and primary job for this little dog, he was also used as a general farm dog and is currently classified in the herding category for the Croatian Kennel Club. Described in the standard as having features of a good guard dog without being aggressive (he will bark at new people but is otherwise friendly), he is loyal to his family (including kids) but reserved towards strangers. This is a very active breed that gets along well with other dogs but may not be a good match with free-roaming pocket pets such as mice or hamsters. This wonderful temperament combined with a compact size (and ability to live in an apartment) means that the breed is slowly gaining popularity in Croatia.
The Medji is easy to keep and fairly undemanding as long as his basic needs are met. He has a very level head and an exceptionally stable temperament. He loves to play and to shower his loved ones with affection. The breed is obedient, highly intelligent and easily trained. He can be successful in dog sports such as rally and agility, and is equally skilled at catching rodents. This has always been an adaptable breed and he can do almost any job asked of him, and tends to do so with a curious and excited nature. He has a working aptitude and enjoys being given a job to do!
The Medji comes in a variety of colors – including single-color, two-color or tri-color selections. Single colors include various shades of brown, as well as black, gray or yellow. Two-colors either combine two of the aforementioned colors or instead combine one of those colors with white. White should never account for more than one third of the body. Tri-color follows the same rules as the two-color patterns, although (obviously) with three colors. The high set tail is usually long and profusely feathered, although occasionally short-tailed dogs are born which are also permitted in the standard. Ears are erect, triangular and of a medium size. The body is rectangular with short legs. The coat is short, coarse and thick, and does shed regularly.
