Pumi Dog Breed

The Pumi is one of those breeds with an imbalance of reasons to have the dog as a companion; fortunately, the good reasons far outnumber the bad ones! This remarkably attractive dog may be difficult to acquire, however, and will require more than a moderate amount of responsibility (which should not be regarded as a downside). They should be welcomed less as a mere companion and more as a family member; doing so will be worth the "work"!

PROS

• Loves children
• Minimal shedding
• Great guard dogs
• Few health issues
• Superb agility dog
• Very easy to train
• Remarkably playful
• Vermin exterminator
• Excellent watchdogs
• Highly communicative
• Gets along with other pets
• Fantastic for highly active lifestyles
• Those ears!

CONS

• Barks a great deal
• High grooming needs
• Requires a lot of training
• Must be socialized with very small pets
• Not a lap dog despite somewhat small size

At first glance, you will probably in turn think, That's an odd-looking Terrier!, or What kind of Boxer is that? — and perhaps even, Is it a new kind of Poodle? Most people may have never previously heard of a Pumi let alone seen one — but once having seen one, you will never forget what they look like!

This breed is very intelligent. They are easy to train, work hard at adapting to the dynamic conditions of shepherding and vermin extermination, and are remarkably communicative with both people and livestock. They are highly alert and tend to have a high degree of recognition in order to distinguish possible foes from potential friends.

Pumis (or if you prefer the proper Hungarian plural, Pumik) are great family dogs and house pets — but be prepared for an active family member! These dogs are noted for their seemingly perpetual motion personality as well as their highly vocal style. They are not your typical yapper, however, for they use barks, yips and yaps when herding. You should understand their barking is not a habit to be stopped but a conveyance to be understood.

Shepherding livestock requires a great amount of stamina and strength. The Pumi is well-known for centuries of successfully managing herds, and you should understand the responsibility of living with such a dog. A tremendous amount of daily exercise is mandatory for a Pumi.

As a relatively new breed of dog, a Pumi doesn't have a lot of variation in specific physical features. Head size, or leg, tail, and ear length can vary a bit in in individual dogs, but this variety is naturally occurring and doesn't signify a specific breed variety.

The main variety in the Pumi breed is in coat texture. The Pumi is descended from the Puli, another Hungarian herd breed that has long, usually "dreadlocked" coat curls. So its Pumi cousin can have a coat with simple waves, to long "corkscrewed" curls. Otherwise, the Pumi coat is consistent: medium to long, with a combination of soft and harsh hair.

Pumi size is pretty consistent as well, at an average of 17 inches and 25 pounds. Breeders may use selective breeding techniques to develop small Pumis (12 inches, 18 pounds), then advertise a "Miniature Pumi dog" or "Toy Pumi" for sale--but again, these are considered the standard Pumi breed, and are not an actual variation.

Active, friendly, intelligent, loyal, and at times a bit bossy, the Pumi temperament is pretty typical for that of a herding breed. These dogs will be fun-loving, attentive, and playful with family members, and protective of them--but their herding instincts might make them try to "take control" of situations, especially as younger dogs. Pumis will need obedience training and socialization beginning during puppyhood if they're to be calm and easygoing as adults. Breed members will also get along pretty well with kids and other pets; owners say it's best if a Pumi grows up alongside and children and other household pets, so they're accustomed to each other's company.

In regards to training: Pumis are very smart, and are usually able to learn commands and tasks without too many repetitions. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best for these dogs.

And the Pumi usually has excellent watchdog skills. These dogs' loyalty, intelligence, and curiosity (combined with their frequent barking tendencies!) mean they'll usually investigate and bark at unknown sights and sounds--and while they're really too small to neutralize potential threats like intruders, their size won't stop them from trying!

Unlike most purebred dogs, the Pumi seems to have few health problems. While any such issues are cause for some concern, those that are noted as potentially developing in these dogs are not as serious as most known breeds.

• Eye problems
• Joint dysplasia
• Spinal ailments

With proper testing, vet care and a loving home, your beautiful Pumi should typically live to be 12 to 14 years old.