Discover Everything About Pumi
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Pumi is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance, characterized by its curly coat texture and large, high-set ears. The ears are half erect, giving the Pumi a constantly alert appearance. The breed belongs to FCI Group 1, herding and driving dogs. Known for his agility and ability to herd livestock, he was specifically bred to work on the Hungarian plains. Unlike some other dog breeds, Pumis have no distinction between performance and show lines; All Pumis are able to shine both as working dogs and in exhibitions.
| Height | 38 - 44 cm (Female), 41 - 47 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 8 - 13 kg (Female), 10 - 15 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Energetic, Intelligent, Alert |
| Coat | Curly, medium length, dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | Various shades of gray, but also white, black and fawn are possible |
| Price | 1800 - 3000 € € |
History
The Pumi has its origins in Hungary and emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries by crossing native Hungarian herding dogs with imported dogs, especially the Puli and probably also with French and German herding dogs. The Pumi was mainly used for herding work and developed into an indispensable companion for Hungarian shepherds. He helped herd and herd sheep and cattle and was valued for his intelligence and alertness. The Pumi was officially recognized as a separate breed in 1920, but it took several more decades for it to become internationally known. In the 1970s, the breed began to spread across Europe, and in 2011 the Pumi was recognized by the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service. In 2016, the Pumi was finally recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club.
The Pumi was created by crossing the Puli with French and German herding dogs and was used as a herding and herding dog.
Hungary
1700
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.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that the Pumi is often referred to as the “clown” among dogs? Yes, it's because of his playful character and ability to make people laugh. It will definitely bring life into your everyday life!
Fun Fact!
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.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
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.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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