Pumi

The history of the Pumi breed is closely intertwined with the sheep farming traditions of Hungary. According to most cynologists, the Pumi began to develop as a distinct breed in the 17th-18th centuries. It’s believed these dogs emerged from crosses between the Hungarian herding dog, the Puli, and German and French terrier-type sheepdogs with upright ears, which arrived in Hungary with flocks of sheep. There are also suggestions of bloodline contributions from breeds like the Briard and other European herding dogs.

Initially, Pumis weren’t distinguished as a separate breed, and they were often confused with Pulis and Mudis, another Hungarian herding breed. However, over time, the Pumi’s distinctive features – particularly their unique ears, square body shape, and more active, “terrier-like” temperament – became evident. Dedicated breeding efforts began in the early 20th century. Dr Emil Raitsits, a Hungarian cynologist, played a pivotal role in standardising and popularising the breed. He was the first to describe the Pumi as a separate breed in 1902, and the first breed standard was developed in the 1920s.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) officially recognised the Pumi breed in 1966 (Standard No. 56). In the 1970s, an updated standard was approved, and Pumis began to gain popularity outside Hungary, notably in Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, where they were valued not only as herding dogs but also as sports dogs and companions. In the 1990s, the first representatives of the breed arrived in the USA. Despite growing popularity, the Pumi remains a relatively rare breed in many parts of the world, making it even more appealing to enthusiasts of unique dogs. In Hungary, the Pumi is considered a national treasure, and its image can be found on postage stamps and other national symbols. By the way, you can also find a lot of interesting information about a related breed, the Portuguese Sheepdog, on our website.

The Pumi is a medium-sized dog that combines the characteristics of a herding dog and a terrier. Its appearance exudes vivacity, alertness, and readiness for action. The dog’s overall look is square, compact, with well-developed but lean musculature.

• Head: The Pumi’s head is elongated and wedge-shaped when viewed from the side and above. The muzzle makes up approximately 45% of the total head length. The cranial part is relatively broad and slightly domed. The stop (transition from forehead to muzzle) is barely perceptible. The nose is narrow, blunt-ended, and always black, regardless of coat colour.
• Ears: The ears are one of the most distinctive features of the Pumi. They are set high, upright, and medium-sized. Approximately two-thirds of the ear stands erect, while the top third folds forward and down. The ears are highly mobile and express the dog’s mood.
• Eyes: The eyes are medium-sized, oval in shape, slightly obliquely set, and dark brown. Their expression is lively, intelligent, and alert.
• Body: The body has a square format, meaning the body length is roughly equal to the height at the withers. The back is short, straight, and strong. The loins are short and muscular. The croup is short and slightly sloping. The chest is deep but not overly broad, with well-sprung ribs.
• Tail: The tail is set high and carried curled over the back in a ring or semi-circle. It’s covered in dense hair. In some countries, tails may be docked, leaving 2-3 vertebrae, but a natural tail is preferred.
• Limbs: The front limbs are straight, parallel, with lean muscles. The hind limbs are also straight and parallel, with well-developed musculature and clearly defined angulation of the hock joints. The feet are round, compact, with strong pads and dark claws.

Pumi Coat and Colour

The Pumi’s coat is one of its defining features. It’s never smooth or corded. The coat consists of harsh outer hair and soft undercoat, with a ratio of approximately 50/50. The hair is medium length (4-7 cm), forming characteristic curls or waves all over the body, but it doesn’t form dense cords like on a Puli. The longest hair is on the back of the thighs, the shortest on the muzzle and paws. Pumi puppies are born with softer coats, which develop their characteristic texture with age.

Permissible Pumi colours:

• Grey: Various shades of grey (born black, lighten with age). This is the most common colour.
• Black: Rich black colour.
• Fawn (Fako): Various shades – from cream to reddish-yellow. Often with a dark “mask”.
• White: Pure white, without shades.

An important standard requirement is that the colour must be solid and intense. Small white markings on the chest (up to 3 cm in diameter) or on the toes are permissible but not desirable. Patchiness or any other colours are disqualifying faults.

Pumis are exceptionally lively, energetic, and intelligent dogs. Their temperament can be described as a combination of herding vigilance and terrier-like tenacity. They are always ready for action, curious, and inquisitive. Pumis form strong bonds with their families and owners, eager to be involved in all household activities. They are companion dogs who don’t cope well with solitude and require constant human interaction.

Key Pumi character traits:

1. Intelligence and cleverness: Pumis are very intelligent dogs; they quickly learn new commands and tricks. Their minds need constant stimulation, so they require not only physical but also intellectual activities.
2. Energy and activity: These are very active dogs that require significant physical exercise. Long walks, jogging, games, and dog sports (e.g., agility, obedience, flyball) – all are ideal for Pumis. Without enough activity, they can become restless and even destructive.
3. Alertness and guarding qualities: Pumis have a well-developed guarding instinct. They are suspicious of strangers and will always alert their owner to approaching unfamiliar people with loud barking. This makes them excellent watchdogs, though their small size doesn’t allow them to be a serious threat.
4. Tendency to bark: One of the breed’s characteristics is their “talkativeness.” Pumis love to comment on everything happening around them with loud and clear barks. This trait needs to be controlled from an early age through proper training and socialisation.
5. Devotion and affection: They are boundlessly devoted to their family and love spending time with their owner. Pumis can be somewhat persistent in their desire to be close.
6. Attitude towards children and other animals: With proper socialisation, Pumis generally get along well with children, especially if they grow up together. They can be patient and playful companions. However, due to their herding instinct, they might try to “herd” small children by gently nipping at their heels. They can also coexist with other dogs and cats if they’ve been introduced from a young age. Their hunting instinct, however, might surface towards small rodents.

The Pumi is a dog for active individuals who are prepared to dedicate ample time to their four-legged friend. They’re not suited for those seeking a calm, couch-potato dog. Their cheerful nature and constant readiness for adventure make them wonderful companions for energetic families.

Generally, Pumis are considered a robust and healthy breed with good immunity. They adapt easily to various weather conditions. However, like any breed, Pumis have a predisposition to certain genetic diseases. Responsible breeders test their breeding dogs for these conditions to minimise the risk of passing them on to their offspring.

The most common health issues in Pumis:

• Hip Dysplasia: This is a common condition among many dog breeds, characterised by abnormal development of the hip joint. It can lead to arthritis and lameness. X-ray screening of parents before breeding is recommended.
• Patellar Luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position. It’s often seen in small and medium breeds. It might require surgical intervention in severe cases. Testing parents is crucial.
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): A progressive spinal cord disease that leads to weakness and paralysis of the hind limbs. A genetic test is available to identify carriers.
• Primary Lens Luxation (PLL): An inherited eye condition where the lens dislocates, which can lead to glaucoma and blindness. A genetic test is available.
• Eye Diseases: Apart from PLL, Pumis can be prone to other eye problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. Regular check-ups with a veterinary ophthalmologist are important.

Preventative measures to maintain Pumi health:

• Choose a responsible breeder: Only purchase a puppy from reputable breeders who test their dogs for genetic diseases and can provide relevant certificates.
• Balanced diet: Provide your dog with high-quality food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
• Regular physical activity: Keep your dog in good physical condition through daily walks and active games.
• Regular veterinary check-ups: Conduct annual preventive examinations with a vet, as well as vaccinations and parasite control.
• Dental, ear, and nail care: Regularly brush your dog’s teeth, check and clean their ears, and trim their nails as needed.

Pumis often live long lives. There have been known cases of this breed living up to 19 years. Proper care, attention to health, and the owner’s love will help your Pumi live a long and happy life.

Caring for a Pumi isn’t overly complicated, but it does require regularity and attention to certain aspects, particularly their unique coat and high activity needs.

Caring for the Pumi’s Curly Coat

The Pumi’s coat needs regular attention to prevent matting and keep it tidy. It’s recommended to brush your Pumi approximately once every 2-3 weeks. More frequent brushing can fluff up the coat and diminish its characteristic curls. For brushing, use a wide-toothed comb or a specific brush. Before brushing, the coat can be lightly misted with water from a spray bottle.

Bathing: Bathe your Pumi as needed, typically once every 1-3 months, or if the dog gets particularly dirty. Use a mild dog shampoo. After bathing, the coat should be towel-dried and then allowed to air dry naturally. A hairdryer can be used on a low setting, but this might make the curls less defined.

Trimming: Pumis don’t shed excessively, but their coat grows continuously. To maintain the breed’s characteristic look, it’s recommended to have them trimmed or clipped every 2-4 months. Trimming can be done by hand (stripping dead hair) or with scissors. It’s important not to clip a Pumi too short, as this can disrupt the coat’s texture. Many owners consult professional groomers who are familiar with the specific grooming requirements of this breed. The main goal of grooming is to give the dog a neat appearance, highlighting its square silhouette and characteristic features.

Don’t forget to regularly check and clean your Pumi’s ears to prevent infections, and trim their claws if they don’t wear down naturally.

Activity and Physical Exercise for Pumis

Pumis are extremely energetic dogs that require daily long and active walks. A simple walk on a lead won’t be enough for them. They need at least 1-2 hours of active physical exercise per day. This could include:

• Brisk walks or jogging alongside their owner.
• Games of fetch or frisbee in a secure, enclosed area.
• Participating in dog sports: agility, obedience, flyball, or herding trials. Pumis excel in these disciplines thanks to their agility, intelligence, and willingness to work.
• Swimming (many Pumis love water).

It’s crucial to give your Pumi the opportunity to run freely in a safe, fenced area. Remember, this is a herding breed, bred for active work. Insufficient physical and mental stimulation can lead to undesirable behaviours such as excessive barking, destructiveness, or anxiety.

Pumi Living Conditions

Pumis can adapt to life in either a house with a garden or an apartment, provided their needs for activity and social interaction are fully met. If a Pumi lives in an apartment, the owner must be prepared for long and intense daily walks, regardless of the weather. Having a private garden is an advantage, but it doesn’t replace proper walks and engagement with the dog.

These dogs don’t tolerate loneliness well and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. They strive to be close to their family. Pumis are quite sensitive to their owner’s mood and require positive and consistent training.

Pumis are highly intelligent dogs that learn quickly and strive to please their owners. However, their intelligence and energy demand a consistent and engaging approach to training. Dull, monotonous sessions will quickly bore a Pumi.

Key aspects of Pumi training:

• Early start: Begin training and socialising your Pumi puppy as early as possible, from their first days in your home.
• Positive reinforcement: Use methods based on positive reinforcement – praise, treats, toys. Pumis respond well to their owner’s enthusiasm. Avoid harsh methods and punishments, as this can lead to a loss of trust.
• Variety and playful format: Training sessions should be short, interesting, and varied. Incorporate play elements to maintain the dog’s interest.
• Consistency and patience: Be consistent in your demands and patient. Pumis can be stubborn, so it’s important to remain calm and persistent.
• Barking control: As Pumis are prone to barking, it’s important to teach them the command “Quiet!” or “Speak!” from an early age (to control when the dog barks).
• Mental stimulation: In addition to physical exercise, provide your Pumi with mental stimulation – puzzle toys, scent work games, learning new tricks.

Pumi socialisation is incredibly important. Introduce your puppy to various people, sounds, places, and other animals (under supervision). This will help raise a confident and well-adjusted dog that responds appropriately to new situations. Remember that Pumis have an inherent guarding instinct and are wary of strangers, so early and correct socialisation will help prevent excessive aggression or timidity.

Pumis excel in various canine sports such as agility, obedience, freestyle, and herding trials. This is a wonderful way to satisfy their activity needs and strengthen the bond with their owner. Their natural inclination to hunt rodents can be useful in a rural setting – a Pumi might help get rid of mice or moles, combining the qualities of a sheepdog, guardian, and terrier.

Proper nutrition is key to your Pumi’s health, longevity, and high energy levels. As they are an active breed, their diet should be balanced and contain sufficient protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Main principles of feeding a Pumi:

• Quality food: Choose high-quality dry food from premium, super-premium, or holistic ranges, formulated for active, medium-sized dogs. Pay attention to the ingredients: meat (chicken, turkey, beef, fish) should be listed first. Avoid foods with high levels of grains (corn, wheat), artificial colours, flavourings, and preservatives.
• Natural feeding: If you opt for a raw or natural diet, the meals should consist of lean meat (beef, turkey, chicken), offal, marine fish (boneless), grains (rice, buckwheat), vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, courgette, broccoli), fermented dairy products (low-fat cottage cheese, kefir), and eggs. It’s crucial to balance the diet correctly and add vitamin and mineral supplements as recommended by your vet.
• Feeding schedule: An adult Pumi is best fed twice a day, in the morning and evening, at the same time. Puppies are fed more frequently (3-5 times a day), gradually reducing the number of feeds as they grow older.
• Portion size: The amount of food depends on the dog’s age, weight, activity level, and individual characteristics. Follow the food manufacturer’s recommendations or your vet’s advice. Don’t overfeed your Pumi, as excessive weight can lead to health problems.
• Fresh water: Your dog should always have access to clean, fresh water.
• Forbidden foods: Never give your Pumi chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, bones (especially cooked poultry bones), fatty, fried, smoked, or salty foods, sweets, or pastries.

Closely monitor your Pumi’s weight and overall condition. If you notice any digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight changes, consult your vet to adjust their diet.

• “The Hungarian Clown”: Thanks to their lively disposition, expressive facial features, and constant readiness to play, Pumis are sometimes called “the Hungarian clown.” Their amusing antics and enthusiasm truly can cheer anyone up.
• Indicator Ears: The Pumi’s highly mobile ears are a kind of indicator of their mood. By the position of their ears, you can easily tell if the dog is interested, alert, joyful, or surprised.
• Working Roots: Despite their charming looks, Pumis are serious working dogs. In Hungary, they are still used for herding not only sheep but also cattle and even pigs. They are known for their bravery and ability to manage large herds.
• Connection to the Puli and Mudi: The Pumi is a close relative of other Hungarian herding dogs – the Puli and the Mudi. It’s believed that the Pumi originated from crosses between the Puli and terrier-type dogs, which gave it a more lively temperament and characteristic coat structure.
• National Pride: In Hungary, the Pumi is considered one of the national breeds and is a source of great pride. It’s valued for its unique working qualities and distinctive appearance.
• Agility Masters: Thanks to their agility, speed, and intelligence, Pumis excel in dog sports like agility, often taking top places in competitions.
• Different Colours at Birth: Pumi puppies with grey coats are born black, and their fur gradually lightens, achieving its final grey shade only by 2-3 years of age.

Do Pumis shed a lot?

Pumis do not belong to breeds with intense shedding. Their curly coat, consisting of guard hairs and undercoat, sheds gradually. Regular brushing (once every 2-3 weeks) and periodic trimming or clipping (every 2-4 months) help remove dead hair and prevent its spread around the home. With proper care, the amount of hair in the house will be minimal.

Are Pumis suitable for apartment living?

Yes, Pumis can live in an apartment, but only if the owner can provide them with a sufficient level of physical activity and mental stimulation. They are very energetic dogs who need long (at least 1-2 hours per day) and active walks, games, and training. Without this, they may become bored, noisy, and destructive.

Are Pumis easy to train?

Pumis are very intelligent and clever, which makes them quick learners. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods. However, they can be somewhat stubborn and independent. Training should be consistent, engaging, and varied to maintain their interest. Early socialisation and basic obedience training are essential.

How do Pumis get along with children and other animals?

With proper socialisation from an early age, Pumis generally get along well with children, especially if they grow up together. They can be patient and playful. However, due to their herding instinct, they may try to “herd” small children by gently nipping at their heels, so interaction should always be supervised. With other dogs and cats they’ve grown up with, Pumis can also coexist peacefully. Towards unfamiliar small animals, they may show hunting interest.

Do Pumis bark a lot?

Yes, Pumis are known for their tendency to bark. This is part of their herding and guarding nature – they love to “comment” on everything happening around them and alert to the approach of strangers. This trait can and should be controlled through proper training and teaching the “Quiet!” command from an early age.

What is the lifespan of a Pumi?

The Pumi is a relatively long-lived breed. On average, they live 12-14 years, but with good care, proper nutrition, and sufficient activity, they can live up to 15-16 years, and sometimes even longer. There have been known cases of Pumis living to 19 years old.

How much does a Pumi puppy cost?

The price of a Pumi puppy can vary depending on the pedigree, the parents’ titles, the breeder’s reputation, and the region. On average, the price for a Pumi puppy from a responsible breeder who tests their dogs for genetic diseases might range from several hundred to over a thousand pounds (e.g., typically £1,000 to £2,500, but rare lines could be more). It’s important not to chase a low price, but to choose a healthy puppy with good genetics and temperament.