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Breed Characteristics
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Pumi
| Other Names | Hungarian Pumi |
| Country of Origin | Hungary |
| Weight | 18 - 33 lbs. (8 - 15 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 13 - 19 in. (33 - 48 cm) |
| Coat | The coat is curly, thick, and of medium length, approximately 7 cm long and consisting of a harsh topcoat and soft undercoat. The coat is maintained by combing every few weeks, and trimming every 2 to 4 months. The coat grows constantly (similar to that of the Poodle) and, if grooming is not maintained, the coat may start matting. |
| Colour | Most Pumis are gray, and any shade of gray is accepted in the show ring. Gray Pumis are born black but puppies usually start graying at the age of 6 to 8 weeks, and the shade gradually lightens. The final shade can be predicted by the colour of the parents. Other accepted colours are black, white, and maszkos fakó, which is yellow-brown with a darker mask. This colour is known as sable with mask in other breeds, such as the Terveuren. The graying often also affects the maszkos fakó Pumi puppies, and the adults are often just slightly shaded. Other colours are possible, but not accepted for shows. Black and tan, brown, blue, and wolf-coloured puppies are born occasionally. |
| Litter Size | 1 - 4 average of 2 |
| Life Span | 12 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | The Pumi has been used as a "general farm dog", shepherding not only sheep but also cows and pigs, and also for catching small rodents. It originated in the 17th or 18th century, when shepherding terriers were brought to Hungary from Germany and France. These terrier-type dogs mixed with the Puli-type dogs that were in Hungary, and the result was a terrier-type herding dog. As a working dog, it was quite freely bred until the 1970s, and other Hungarian dogs such as the Puli and Mudi were used for breeding. Until recently there has been a special B-registry for work bred Pumi. The parentage of these dogs are unknown, but if they meet the breed standard, they can be given a "B-pedigree". The Pumi received FCI recognition in 1966. The breed was quite unknown outside Hungary until the 1970s. In 1973, the first Pumis were exported to Finland, and in 1985 to Sweden. Later, Pumis were exported also to Germany, Netherlands, Italy, and in the 1990s to the USA. |
| Personality | Like the Mudi, the Pumi is a multi-functional dog. It is a vigorous and sturdy sheepdog, but also a successful guard dog and hunting dog. Its probable terrier heritage has given it a great interest in the lairs of wild animals such as foxes and hares. It is said to be a successful ratter and also makes a wonderful family companion. It is alert, watchful and energetic. If this dog senses his owners are weaker minded than himself, he will become willful, believing he needs to be the one making the decisions in the relationship. Ready to spring at the slightest noise, the Pumi is an ideal guardian for isolated houses or factories. This is an intelligent breed that is not difficult to train. They are smart enough to grasp what you mean quickly. It is affectionate with its master and when at home surrounded by familiar faces, it is a happy, cheerful fellow. Shy and reserved with strangers, socialize this dog well. A superb watchdog, the Pumi uses its voice liberally and consistently. If you are surrounded by neighbors where you live, it is sensible to teach the dog that after a couple of barks it must be quiet. If you find the dog is barking at you in order to tell you what he wants, you must hush the dog and look into your human to canine communication skills, as a dog who barks at you in that way is displaying dominance behaviors. A well brought up and socialized Pumi will get along with children as long as the dog sees humans as below him in the pecking order. This breed can be dog-aggressive if it is alpha and has a tendency to wander. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Known medical problems are patella luxation and canine hip dysplasia. The most extensive health records of the breed can be found from Finland and Sweden, and around 80% of the Pumik born there have healthy hips. |
| Grooming | The coat of the Pumi is easy to groom. The braided, medium-length coat does not mat easily. An occasional combing and brushing will keep it looking nice. Remove excess hair from inside the ears. Showing the dog requires special grooming. |
| Exercise | This breed needs a lot of exercise. They are outdoor dogs and will be at their best living on a farm where they will find enough work to do for themselves, such as guarding the entrance and keeping the livestock together. If these dogs are to live in an urban environment then you must find replacement activities to keep them occupied, which includes a daily walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. The Pumi will enjoy playing catch, chasing Frisbees, and will excel in agility skills classes. |
| Other Considerations | The Pumi is not recommended for apartment life. This is not a town dog and will be happiest where it has work for it to do for the family. This breed can sleep and live outdoors but also likes to be near their family and master. |
