Character & Temperament

The Pumi's personality is as diverse as its appearance. As a herding dog, he is naturally very hard-working and needs something to do to be happy. He is an active dog with lots of energy and intelligence, and you will find that he is always ready to learn and discover new things. This makes him a fantastic partner for dog sports such as agility, obedience or even flyball. Don't forget that the Pumi was bred to be a herding dog and therefore has a strong need to work and keep busy. He can easily become overwhelmed if he doesn't receive enough mental and physical stimulation. The Pumi's temperament is more on the active side, and he is known to be a little hyperactive at times, especially as a puppy. When it comes to bonding with people, the Pumi is very people-oriented and forms close bonds with his family. He is alert and suspicious of strangers, making him a good watchdog. He is also quite playful and will love spending time with you, be it playing in the garden or exploring new places together. Because it was originally bred for herding sheep and cattle, the Pumi tends to exhibit strong herding behavior, which is sometimes confused with prey-catching behavior. It is important that you are aware of this and give him clear instructions about what he can and cannot do. Although the Pumi forms a close bond with his family, he can certainly learn to stay alone as long as he is properly prepared. It's important that you teach him that it's okay to be alone and make sure he has enough to do when you're not around. In terms of interaction with other pets, the Pumi can get along well with cats and other dogs as long as it is properly socialized from an early age. Note that due to his herding instinct, he may have a tendency to herd other animals, which can lead to conflict if not handled properly. In conclusion, the Pumi can be a wonderful addition to active families who are willing to invest the time and energy needed to keep this intelligent and energetic dog happy and well-balanced. He is best cared for in an environment where he can express himself physically and mentally and where he is viewed as a full member of the family. With proper socialization, training and employment, the Pumi is sure to become a loved and loyal companion for many years to come.

What Awaits You

Pumis are intelligent, barking dogs that are often reserved towards strangers. They are good guard dogs and often ready to defend themselves. Pumis need a lot of activity and training outside in the fresh air.

Housing & Care

The Pumi is suitable for both city and country life as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. He generally gets along well with children, but because of his energy it is advisable to supervise him around very young children. When it comes to other pets, including cats, the Pumi tends to get along well if properly socialized from an early age.

Training & Education

The Pumi is intelligent and eager to learn, which makes training easier. However, he is also an active dog who likes to work and can therefore become a "ball junkie" in some cases. It is important to offer the Pumi a balanced mix of physical and mental activity without overwhelming him. Training in dog agility or obedience can be a great way to keep the Pumi challenged and happy. It is particularly important to teach the Pumi to develop frustration tolerance and impulse control. This can be achieved through training that encourages patience and calm behavior.

Nutrition & Care

When it comes to nutrition, the Pumi is not particularly demanding. A balanced feed that contains all the nutrients necessary for its activity is ideal. Be careful with treats and extra portions, as small breeds can easily become overweight. The Pumi has an undercoat and its curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. The coat sheds moderately and weekly brushing is usually sufficient. The Pumi gets along well in the German climate, with its thick fur keeping it warm even in cooler temperatures.