Pumi

ATTRIBUTES: Energetic, Lively, Ready to Work

GROUP: Herding Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: Medium

COAT TYPE: Curly, Wavy

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Infrequent

SIZE: Small

TRAINABILITY: Easy Training

CHARACTERISTIC: Smallest Dog Breeds, Best Family Dogs

Breed Overview

Ancestry Icon
Ancestry

Puli, German and French Sheepdog

Origin Icon
Origin

Hungary

Registration Icon
Registration

2016

Ancestry Icon
Size

16 - 18.5 Inches (Male)

15 - 17.5 Inches (Female)

Origin Icon
Weight

27 - 29 Pounds (Male)

22 - 24 Pounds (Female)

Registration Icon
Expected Life

12 - 13 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed exhibits towards family members and other familiar individuals can vary. While some breeds tend to be more aloof and reserve their affection primarily for their owner, others are known for being highly sociable and treat everyone they know as their best friend. Each breed has its own unique temperament and personality traits that influence their affectionate behavior. It is essential to research and understand the specific breed's tendencies to determine how affectionate they are likely to be with various individuals.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior as well as their overall family-friendly nature, can vary greatly. It's important to note that dogs should always be supervised around young children or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs to ensure the safety and well-being of both the child and the dog.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The overall friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it is crucial to supervise and carefully manage dog-to-dog interactions and introductions certain breeds tend to have a higher likelihood of getting along with other dogs, both in their own homes and in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed leaves behind can vary significantly. Breeds with high shedding tendencies will typically require more frequent brushing to manage the loose hair and minimize the amount that ends up on furniture, clothing and floors. These breeds may also be more likely to trigger certain types of allergies due to the amount of dander and hair they shed.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
In assessing the grooming requirements for a particular breed, it is crucial to factor in the regularity of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. Moreover, consider the extent of your time, patience and budget allocated for this kind of upkeep when evaluating the grooming effort necessary. Keep in mind that all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
Consider the drooling tendency of a breed. If you value cleanliness dogs that have the capacity to produce long strings of slobber on your arm or substantial wet spots on your garments might not be the optimal choice for you.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Curly, Wavy
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
Evaluate the breed's inclination towards accepting strangers. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious tendencies when it comes to interacting with unfamiliar individuals regardless of the context while other breeds may eagerly engage with new humans whenever they are present.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
Take into account a breed's inclination towards playfulness, even as they grow past their puppy stage. Some breeds will maintain their desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into adulthood while others will be more inclined to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Take into account a breed's inclination to notify you about the presence of strangers. These breeds are more inclined to react to any potential threat whether it be the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Additionally, they are likely to display friendliness towards strangers who enter the house and are welcomed by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
Take into account the breed's ability to handle change, whether it involves modifications in living conditions, noise factors, weather patterns, daily schedules or other variations encountered in everyday life.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
Discover the level of convenience associated with training your beloved canine companion and explore their remarkable enthusiasm for acquiring new knowledge. Certain breeds exhibit an innate inclination to please their owners, while others prioritize fulfilling their own desires at their own time and in any setting they desire.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
Determine the exercise and mental stimulation requirements specific to each breed. High-energy breeds embody an unwavering enthusiasm for action, ceaselessly seeking their next thrilling escapade. They joyfully engage in running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds resemble contented couch potatoes finding pure bliss in serene lounging and afternoon snoozes.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
Consider the essential level of mental stimulation required by each breed to maintain their happiness and overall well-being. Purpose-bred dogs possess specific roles that demand decision-making skills, problem-solving abilities, concentrated focus or other qualities. Without adequate mental exercise these intelligent canines will seek to occupy their minds by initiating their own activities, which may not align with the projects you would prefer for them.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

White

199

Silver Gray

189

Gray

100

Black

007

Fawn

082

Born Gray

537

Born Brown

538

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Black & Tan Markings

039

Brindle Markings

007

About The Breed

The Pumi a Hungarian herding dog, stands out with its compact size, nimble-footed nature, and unique features such as a tightly curled coat, two-thirds erect ears and a charmingly whimsical expression. Renowned for its intelligence, agility, and courageous demeanor, the Pumi (pronounced POO-mee plural Pumik) was specifically bred to excel as a small yet fearless sheepherder, efficiently maneuvering flocks along the narrow paths connecting pastures in western Hungary. At first glance it may be astonishing to imagine this adorable and cuddly companion engaged in such demanding work. However, beneath the spiral curls lies a sleek and deep-chested herding dog, embodying a seemingly boundless capacity for both work and play.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A PUMI

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Pumi: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

Pumi are known for their overall good health and conscientious breeders take measures to screen for various health conditions including elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation degenerative myelopathy (DM), and eye disorders. For detailed information on Pumi health, the Hungarian Pumi Club of America the breed's parent club offers a comprehensive resource on their website.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Patella Evaluation

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) - DNA Test

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test

Health

Grooming

+
The Pumi boasts a unique coat composition with an equal blend of soft and coarse hair, both of the same length. Regular maintenance involves combing every three to six weeks, followed by thorough wetting to allow the coat to naturally curl up. Trimming can be done to maintain a neat appearance. Although the Pumi is a non-shedding breed, some hair may be released during grooming sessions. It is advisable to avoid using a blow-dryer on the Pumi's coat to prevent the disruption of the characteristic curls.
Health

Exercise

+
The Pumi is highly intelligent and brimming with energy necessitating consistent exercise and mental stimulation. Renowned for their agility they possess a remarkable ability to navigate over and under obstacles and have a penchant for perching in elevated spots to observe their surroundings. They particularly enjoy playing with toys such as tennis balls and flying discs often demonstrating a strong inclination for engaging in thrilling games of chase and fetch. These remarkable attributes have contributed to the growing popularity of the Pumi in activities like agility, obedience training and a wide range of canine sports and companion events.
Health

Training

+
The Pumi is an intelligent breed that approaches each new situation with a thoughtful mindset. Early socialization during their puppyhood is crucial to ensure their well-rounded development. These dogs exhibit a remarkable ability to learn quickly and possess an endless enthusiasm for work without becoming excessively fixated on it. Being an active breed the Pumi thrives as a wonderful companion when provided with daily exercise and mental stimulation. It's important to note that Pumik have a tendency to use their voices and as such reinforcing barking behavior should be avoided.
Health

Nutrition

+
To keep the Pumi in optimal health, it is recommended to provide them with a high-quality dog food either commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. The chosen diet should be suitable for the dog's specific life stage, be it puppy, adult or senior. Some Pumik may have a tendency to gain weight so it is important to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight level. While treats can be helpful for training purposes overindulgence can lead to obesity. It is essential to familiarize yourself with safe and unsafe human foods for dogs. If any concerns arise regarding weight management or diet it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian. Additionally, always ensure that clean and fresh water is readily available for the Pumi at all times.

Historiography

Hungary is home to three indigenous sheepdogs that have gained recognition the Mudi, Puli and Pumi. Among them the Puli is believed to be the oldest with its origins dating back to around AD 800 in what is now Hungary. Roughly 300 to 400 years ago the Puli was crossbred with herding dogs from Western Europe and terriers, resulting in the development of the Pumi. Initially the Pumi was considered to be a regional variation of the Puli. However, in the early 20th century, the two breeds began to be standardized separately distinguishing them as distinct breeds in their own right.

Blog Spotlight