The Pumi is a rather lesser-known but equally popular dog among connoisseurs. Originating from Hungary, they were traditionally used as shepherd dogs. These medium-sized quadrupeds have a sturdy coat that can come in various colors. The intelligent and eager-to-learn dogs are perfect for family life.

History of the Pumi

Primarily, the Pumi was used in the Puszta region of Hungary to herd sheep. It was perfect for the job because of its strength, robustness, intelligence, and quick reflexes. Its close relatives are the Mudi and the Puli, both of which are also relatively unknown. If you’re looking for a very lively and active dog, you might have just found it. However, do note our tips and tricks for purchasing below. The Pumi is very interested in human closeness yet remains a very active and independent dog.

Appearance of the Pumi

Externally, the Pumi bears some resemblance to various terriers, although it is not related to that breed. The Pumi has a sturdy and robust build, holding its neck very upright, giving it a proud appearance, with its muzzle usually elongated. The upper part of the ears points slightly forward, covered with dense hair, as is the entire head. However, the eyes remain visible. The slightly curly and wavy hair gives the coat a dense appearance with curls. Pumis can be found in different colors such as white, black, or gray, and these colors can mix, creating a very interesting pattern.

There is often a white spot on the chest. Unfortunately, there are some overbreeding issues with this breed. Avoid buying completely white Pumis, as they may eventually develop hereditary diseases.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	High
Amount of Shedding	Low

What breed is a Pumi?

The Pumi dog is classified by the FCI as a shepherd and herding dog. You’ll quickly notice this when walking with the puppy for the first time in the forest or any other place where other animals might be present.

Character and Temperament

When you first observe the Pumi, it will likely remind you directly of today’s herding dogs. Nevertheless, it can easily live in a family environment. You’ll quickly notice that it guards you and wants to keep all potential dangers away from you. To prevent this behavior from becoming excessive, you must keep it adequately occupied and regularly attend a dog school or engage in dog sports. Otherwise, the Pumi may tend to bark. This breed is very clever and agile, always interested in something new.

However, keep in mind that it has an almost restless temperament. This means that you must regularly dedicate time to it. Only then will you have a content and balanced dog in your home. It’s brimming with energy and will only rest when truly tired.

By the way: The Pumi is often bred as a companion dog.

What should I consider when buying?

Before making a purchase, be sure to look at the parent animals. They should also not be completely white. Otherwise, there is a possibility that your quadruped may also suffer from a hereditary disease, which you should naturally avoid. Ideally, the respective provider only breeds Pumis and no other breeds. This way, they have the necessary expertise to guide you on how to keep the Pumi content.

Under no circumstances should there be inbreeding. Look at the pedigree and check if a name appears twice. If this is the case, refrain from purchasing and buy the dog elsewhere instead. A reputable breeder will offer you the opportunity to see the mother dog with its siblings and then choose one.

How much does a Pumi cost?

A reputable breeder provides free advice and explains how the Pumi should live. Similarly, they charge a price between $600 and $1,000 for a purebred puppy.

Development and training of the puppy

As mentioned earlier, you need sufficient time to keep a Pumi. Likewise, it is advantageous if you are still physically fit. Because they need plenty of exercise. And there is nothing better than participating in dog sports together with your quadruped. This strengthens your bond and also benefits your health. Keeping a Pumi keeps you fit and active. However, a certain level of consistency is required here. Otherwise, the Pumi may repeatedly urge you to do something, even though you may have just arrived home.

How do I keep a Pumi?

The Pumi needs a lot of exercise and movement. It can be kept by singles, couples, and families with children. Even active retirees find a loyal companion in it. Keeping it with other pets, such as cats, is usually not a problem. However, you should already accustom the dog to them from a young age.

Activities with the Pumi

The Pumi is a very active dog and needs plenty of exercise. Likewise, it enjoys various dog sports, such as agility. Find out if these are offered in your city. It also loves to play with children and other family members. Therefore, it is advantageous if you either have a garden or don’t have to walk far to reach a large meadow. The Pumi loves to retrieve and is also interested in search and catch games.

Care of a Pumi

Even though the Pumi has a fairly dense and curly coat, it is quite low-maintenance. Comb it at least once a week with a coarse comb to prevent matting. Additionally, trim the claws of older dogs with a special claw clipper. Younger individuals usually don’t have such strong issues with this and typically wear down their claws automatically.

A loving and pleasant coexistence naturally also includes regularly petting and scratching the quadruped. The Pumi is very interested in closeness and will also demand it.

Health and Genetic Diseases

With reputable breeding, the Pumi is a very robust breed. There are no specific diseases that regularly occur. However, refrain from buying completely white specimens. These have a higher risk of developing certain conditions later on. This includes, for example, primary lens luxation. This is a genetically inherited eye condition where the lens spontaneously shifts and moves away from its normal position, resulting in a loss of vision for the quadruped.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

The Pumi is very lively and is suitable both as a working dog and as a family pet. It guards you and your property very reliably. However, note that if not sufficiently engaged, it can bark a lot. Provide it with adequate engagement, and you will lead a content and happy life together. The Pumi usually has no problems with children and other pets.

Summary

If you are looking for an active, intelligent, and lively dog, you should take a closer look at the Pumi. However, before purchasing, keep in mind that you need sufficient time for it. The Pumi breed requires a lot of engagement and exercise. Similarly, you should not only challenge the quadruped physically but especially mentally. Search and catch games are very suitable for this.

The Pumi dog is suitable both as a working dog and as a family pet. You should accustom it to other pets at a young age to enable a harmonious coexistence later on. The breed is very loyal, friendly, and easy to care for.