Pumi

The Pumi — referred to in the plural as the Pumik — wasn’t recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club until 2016, but its stuffed animal appearance and larger-than-life personality are winning it a lot of fans. Hailing from Hungary, the Pumi has both the personality and the stature of a terrier, and their role as herders means that they have a tendency to develop bossy personalities. Give these herding dogs something to do, and you can count on them to meet and exceed your expectations. But leave them to their own devices, and you can expect them to get into some serious trouble.

This is a breed that demands a lot from its owners, but they’ll pay you back with their fierce sense of loyalty, their relentless work ethic, and their infectious optimism.

History of the Breed

The Pumi has been around for quite some time, having originated in Hungary around the 18th or 19th century, and is a descendant of the Puli, a breed that is believed to have been introduced in Hungary about 1,000 years ago. The development of the rare herding Pumi dogs began by mixing the ancestral Puli-type herding dogs, which are said to be the Pomeranian Schafpudel, a sheep poodle, with German herding spitz, the Hütespitz (considered an extinct breed), as well as terriers.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Pumi

Pumik are adorable, but that’s not reason enough to make them a part of your family. If you’re considering tracking down breeders for this Hungarian dog, here’s what you should know.

Size and Weight

Pumik have huge personalities, but they lean towards the smaller end of medium-sized when compared to other dogs. Males are slightly larger than females, and they have a few extra pounds on their bodies to compensate. On average, a pumi is going to stand at a height of roughly a foot and a half tall, and their weight can vary from about 22 to almost 30 pounds depending on their size and their gender.

Common Health Issues

Pumik rank among one of the healthier breeds, likely in part because these miniature Hungarian sheepdogs haven’t been over-bred like some of their purebred counterparts. Still, there are a couple of health conditions that are common to this Hungarian dog. Primary lens luxation is a relatively common but manageable eye condition that can lead to blindness if untreated. Some pumik also carry the gene for a disease known as degenerative myelopathy, but you can determine whether or not your particular canine possesses it with genetic testing. They’re also prone to hip dysplasia — a common condition in dogs that results in a deformed bone.

Temperament

Herding dogs have a tendency to be hyperactive, agile, and whip-smart — and pumik are no exception. And while they can be standoffish to strangers and other animals when they just meet them, they show a bright and loving personality to the people they choose to let into their lives. These are not a dog for families that just like to lie around, nor is it one for people who aren’t willing to put in the effort to set boundaries. As a herding dog, they’ve gained the tendency to be bossy — and they’ll extend that bossiness to you if you give them half a chance.

How To Take Care of a Pumi

Pumik can require a bit more care than the average dog, but this breed tends to reward that effort with its own diligent work ethic and overgrown affection. Here’s what you need to know to care for Pumik from the time they’re puppies all the way through the length of their lifespan.

The Best Dog Food

Pumik don’t come with any particular dietary restrictions, but you may want to seek out food that’s designed for more active dogs. Make sure that you’re feeding them the right food for their age and that you’re using high-quality food with a decent meat content. Treats can be a great way to reward behavior and train Pumik, but be careful that treats don’t become a de facto replacement for a real meal.

Degenerative myelopathy is a heartbreaking condition for dogs like Pumik to go through. So when looking for the right dog food, Pumi owners should prioritize dog food nutrients that are essential to the nervous system.

Maintenance And Grooming

The uniquely curly coat of Pumik is made up of a combination of soft and wiry hair, and these hairs winding together cause the coat to puff up. But there’s no need to worry if that curly hair is intimidating, as Pumik require little in the way of grooming. These dogs rarely shed, and they only need to be combed every three to six weeks. Be sure to get the fur wet after combing to make sure the fur curls back up. A semi-regular trim should be performed to keep the fur neat, but only do it after the fur has curled again to keep the length consistent.

Training

Pumik are smart dogs, but that also means they have a tendency to overthink. This can quickly lead to them developing their own habits — and their stubborn nature ensures that these habits can be hard to break. Fortunately, Pumik love having a task to perform and engaging actively in training. Their intelligence can sometimes get the best of them, however, and they can grow bored with the same tasks over and over again. Making sure that you find the right motivation to keep them engaged and offer some variety in their training will lead to significantly more successful results.

Exercise

Pumik were raised to manage entire herds of sheep and cattle, so it only makes sense that they’re highly active dogs. You should be walking your Pumi regularly, but these dogs require diversity in their playtime. Built to be nimble, they excel at agility tasks and can make great performers. Even if you keep your Pumi engaged, you can expect them to climb over, under, and around everything in your home. Active play is a necessity, and Pumik are particularly prone to enjoying fetch. Frisbees and balls will get a lot of use in a home with this breed.

Puppies

A Pumi can be a handful fully grown, and that’s doubly true of puppies. Highly social with the people they bond with and incredibly active, you can count on your new Pumi puppy to require a lot of your time. Socialization should start early, as these dogs tend to naturally be shy and hesitant about animals and people that they haven’t met before. Obedient, training should be adopted early and consistently, as Pumik will push back against training if the process isn’t thorough and devoted. Pay special attention to noise training, as these dogs are very vocal — and very shrill — by nature.

Pumi And Children

Curious, vibrant, and friendly, Pumik can be great with kids if properly socialized. Starting them off as puppies and making sure that the children they interact with know the proper etiquette for dealing with dogs can go a long way toward ensuring a harmonious relationship with Pumik and the kids in your household. It is always important to remember that these are herding dogs through and through, and they may have a tendency to treat children as their flock. Early and persistent training can reduce the likelihood of them herding and nipping at the heels of smaller children.

Dogs Similar to Pumi

Pumik have only recently gotten attention throughout the world, but this breed dates back a long time in their native Hungary, and they share obvious similarities with quite a few breeds. These similarities can be most dramatically seen when comparing these dogs to the Corgi, Puli, and Berger Picard.

• Puli: The similarly named Puli is actually believed to be an ancestor of the Pumi. As a smaller variety of herding dog, they’re known for their unique coats, which resemble a large and dense bundle of yarn.
• Berger Picard: Pumik are believed to share a lineage with French herding dogs like the Berger Picard. These larger dogs have the same confidence and work ethic as the Pumi, but they tend to have a more mellow personality, making them appropriate for less active homes.
• Corgi: The Corgi is technically two separate breeds, but both share the size, purpose, and energetic optimism of the Pumi. They may not have the same woolly coats, but they’re plenty adorable in their own right.