Pumi Dogs, also known as Pumik in the plural, are medium-sized herding dogs from Hungary. These adorable muppets are easily recognized with their signature corkscrew curls, a lean, athletic body, two-thirds erect ears, a curled tail, and distinctive whimsical expression. In addition, these nimble-footed pups are well-known for their unique personality, boldness, and exceptional intelligence.
A Pumi Dog is easy to maintain in grooming and nutritional needs, with minimal attention needed to keep their distinctive curls in excellent condition. Their devotion to their loved ones and high energy levels makes these breeds perfect for active parents and families with kids. However, these playful puppies can also live in a home with plenty of outdoor space and harmoniously with other animals. However, they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation, so be ready to spend lots of time exercising and playing to create a happy life and bond with your Pumi.
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Male vs. Female
The female Pumi is slightly lighter and smaller than their counterparts. In addition, if you elect to have surgery for your Pumi Dog, neutering the male Pumi is not so complicated as spaying a female dog and is, hence, less expensive with a shorter recovery time. Spaying and neutering can potentially give your puppy a longer lifespan as it might prevent future health problems.
Pumi Dog Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Low shedding coat
May bark excessively
Kid-friendly and great with other pets
Prone to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing when bored
They communicate well and are eager to learn tricks and tasks.
The Pumi Dog originated in Hungary in the 18th century when the oldest Hungarian herding dog breed, the Puli, was crossbred with other terriers and Western European herding dogs to produce what we now know as the Pumi Dog. This interbreeding resulted in brilliantly driven canines who worked well at herding livestock and being an ideal watchdog and guard dogs. However, during the onset of the 20th century, a Hungarian breeder decided to distinguish between Pumi and Puli, hence began a program to standardize the two breeds. Finally, in 1921, the breeding program succeeded, and the Pumi was considered a separate breed from the Puli.
Despite being a popular breed in Hungary, Finland, and other European countries, the Pumi was not established in the United States until the 21st century. Pumi Dog’s international breed standard was approved in 1935. Thus, The Hungarian Pumi Club of America (HPCA) was founded in 2005, with the breed becoming acclaimed by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1996 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2016. The first Pumi dogs were imported to Finland in the early 1970s. More than 2,000 Pumi dogs are registered in Hungary, but significant populations are also found in Finland and Sweden.
Pumi Dog Highlights
In Europe, the Pumi Dog is described as a herding breed with a well-developed scenting ability.
Despite having a tough and vital job in history, the Pumi Dog is sometimes referred to as “the clown,” possibly because its ears are a singular blend of comedy and theatrics.
The Pumi dog is one of three Hungarian herding breeds; The Mudi and the Puli, but the Pumi Dog comes in as a little more popular than the Puli, with 151st rank than the Puli’s 160 out of 196.
Pumi Dog Personality
The Pumi dog is known for its fuzzy double coat full of corkscrew curls in stunning colors, including black, white, fawn, and gray. Pumi Dog also boasts a sturdy, muscular frame that hints at their hard working herding dog past with an adorable teddy bear’s looks and distinctive whimsical expression revealing their playful nature. The Pumi Dog has a square outline, with a long head, dark brown eyes, and fur-covered, semi-erect ears. They are very protective of their human families but are far more likely to warn their owners of suspicious strangers than become aggressive. In addition, they can easily share their home with kids and other animals with proper training and early socialization.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
Medium to high
Pet-friendly
Medium
Stranger -friendly
Low to medium
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
Medium to high
Good to new owners
Medium
Sensitivity level
Medium
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold-tolerance
Medium
Heat-tolerance
Medium
Pumi Dog Physical Features
Head: The head is elongated between the skull and muzzle. Their muzzle is 45% of the length of the head, which is equivalent to their neck length. The stop is hardly noticeable with a flat skull, properly fit lips, and strong jaws.
Eyes: They have dark medium-sized eyes with a playful expression.
Ears: Pumi has hairy ears set high on their heads. They are semi-erect, with just the top tip pointing slightly down and to both sides.
Nose: They have a black nose with a straight bridge.
Body: Their body is square-built.
Tail: Their curly, bushy tail is set high and arches in a circle form over the croup (rump).
Coat: Their undercoat is of wooly texture with a medium-length outer coat and corkscrew (wavy and curly hair) curls. The undercoat has a softer feel.
Color: Pumi Dog comes in various colors, including; Black, gray, fawn, silver-gray, white, and brown (some born gray or brown, which fades over time)
Pumi Dog Temperament
Pumi Dogs are known for the following temperaments:
Loving and loyal
Energetic and smart
Affectionate and intelligent
Calm and eager to please
Excitable and quick learner
Caring and playful
Confident and adaptable
Pumi is a multi-functional, vigorous, and sturdy sheepdog with an exceptional guard dog and hunting dog instincts. Pumis, as ideal watchdogs, utilize their voice liberally and consistently. Good socialization practices and professional training can reduce excessive barking and overreactions to new situations. They are herding breeds, they might attempt to herd smaller animals and children and may nip at the heels and legs of kids to herd them, but they won’t hurt them.
Pumis are excellent family pets and enjoy bonding with the human family. They will quickly get along with all other pets, provided they are socialized as pups and were raised with them. However, just like with the kids, the Pumi might also attempt to herd other animals, and you should watch them around any pets other than cats and dogs. The only downside of their loyal and loving character is that they can easily undergo separation anxiety if left alone for long times.
Pumi Dog Training
It shouldn’t be that challenging to train a Pumi Dog. Since these breeds are intelligent and enthusiastic, they will quickly pick up the concept you accomplish. They also excel at advanced training for herding or dog sports as they grow older. However, behavioral issues like barking, digging, and an inclination to herd people by nipping their legs can arise without proper training. While they make exceptional watch dogs, they’re also likely to become excessive barkers. These traits should be discouraged early by positive reinforcement techniques.
Here are some of the training exercises that you need to do with your Pumi Dog:
Pumi Dogs are highly energetic breeds who need lots of daily exercises and activities to help with physical and mental stimulation. They will thrive with at least one hour of exercise daily combined with training lessons, play sessions, or activities like agility sports to keep their mind occupied. Pumis are playful and active breeds, but they retain a strong herding drive; therefore, those who can provide a doorway for these instincts are recommended. In addition, a tall fence around the yard is ideal as these breeds are agile and known to climb. You can meet your Pumi’s daily exercise essentials by:
The Pumi’s double coat with a soft undercoat and a coarse outer coat is quite simple to maintain. However, you will need to occasionally comb and trim every three to six weeks to prevent tangles and mats. Also, wet their coat after every brush and left to dry naturally. Bathe this dog once a month with a high-quality dog shampoo. Every two weeks, trim their nails and clean their ears. Examine their ears for indications of infection, such as redness or a foul odor. Using dog toothpaste, brushing their teeth should be done at least a few times a week to keep their gums and teeth healthy.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
Medium to high
Drooling tendency
Low
Amount of shedding
Medium
Pumi Dog Health
The Pumi Dog is generally regarded as healthy, but they are still prone to inherited conditions like other purebreds. Therefore, reliable breeders strive to maintain high standards by testing adult dogs before breeding. To maintain your dog’s health, make sure to take them for regular veterinarian check-ups and keep updated with their vaccines.
Health Overview
Overall health
Medium to high
Weight gain tendencies
Medium
Size
Medium
Hip Dysplasia: A disorder in which the socket section of the hip joint does not entirely fit the ball portion, putting the joint in danger of dislocation. This condition can manifest itself at birth or can develop later in life. On one or both rear legs, some canines display discomfort and lameness.
Elbow Dysplasia: Medium-sized dogs like Pumis are affected by this inherited condition. Joint laxity is staged by the three bones that make up a canine’s elbow developing at different rates. Extreme lameness can occur as a result of this. To treat the problem, your vet may recommend pain medication or surgery.
Patellar luxation: A condition where a dog’s kneecap dislocates, causing mobility tribulations to their limbs and can lead to paralysis.
Degenerative Myelopathy: This condition occurs when the spinal cord degenerates and leads to lame rear legs and incontinence, gradually ending in paralysis.
Parvo: Parvovirus is a highly poisonous and deadly virus that creates gastrointestinal sickness in dogs.
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL): This disorder starts to occur around middle age, and it is radical and can cause blindness. It is initiated by destroying the fibers that keep the lens in place.
Obesity: Medium-sized dogs are prone to obesity if proper diet and exercise are not provided. They may also get diabetes, which may be another cause of obesity.
Recommended Tests for Pumi
OFA on hip and elbow
Pumi Dog Diet and Nutrition
With your veterinarian’s supervision and approval, the Pumi Dog should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared. Some canines are prone to getting overweight, so watch their weight level and calorie consumption. Treats can be an essential aid in training, but giving too many treats can result in obesity. Consult your vet to provide your pet with a healthy diet and portion schedule based on your dog’s weight, age, and activity level.
Exercising your Pumi’s body and mind is more important than having a large fenced yard or living space. However, it’s worth noting that their distinctive herding dog bark could make apartment living a bit difficult. Nevertheless, they are ideal for active pet parents or families with kids. They require lots of engagement to maintain them mentally and physically stimulated. A yard with proper fencing is the most appropriate place to roam and play around.
