Pumi

Origins and History

The Pumi originated in the mountainous regions of western Hungary in the 18th century. Developed from herding dogs brought by Transylvanian shepherds and later refined by crossing with the German Spitz, the breed was officially recognized by the Hungarian Kennel Club in 1935 and accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1966. Historically the Pumi worked as a livestock guardian and herding dog, prized for its agility, intelligence, and distinctive “bark‑and‑yelp” vocalisation used to control flocks.

General Characteristics

• Compact, square‑built, well‑muscled; height roughly 43–53 cm (17–21 in) with a balanced proportion.
• Alert, lively, and highly intelligent; eager to please but can be independent.
• Originally bred for herding cattle, sheep and goats; today excels in obedience, agility, and rally work.

Disclaimer: Information is based on official breed standards and widely reported health data; individual dogs may vary.

Physical Specifications

• Height: Males 45–53 cm (17.7–20.9 in); Females 43–51 cm (16.9–20.1 in).
• Weight: Males 13–20 kg (28–44 lb); Females 12–18 kg (26–40 lb).

Coat and Color

• Medium‑length, wavy to tightly curled, dense and water‑repellent; the coat should not exceed 5 cm (2 in) in length.
• Accepted colors: black, brown, fawn, ash, merle; each may have white markings on the chest, feet, or tail tip. Solid white is not permitted.

Temperament Considerations

The Pumi’s high energy and strong herding instinct mean it thrives on mental challenges and purposeful work. Its vocal nature can be noisy if under‑stimulated, and a tendency toward independence may require a firm, consistent hand.

Training Essentials

• Early socialisation with people, children, and other animals to temper herding instincts.
• At least 1 hour of varied exercise daily, including free‑run, fetch, and agility‑type activities.
• Positive‑reinforcement methods work best; avoid harsh corrections which can lead to shyness or over‑excitability.
• Consistent cueing for “leave it” and “stay” helps manage the instinct to chase moving objects.

Daily Grooming

• Brush the coat 2–3 times per week with a slicker brush or pin brush to prevent mats, especially behind the ears and under the legs.
• Bathing as needed; avoid over‑bathing to preserve natural oils.
• Trim nails regularly; check ears weekly for debris and clean gently.
• Dental care: brush teeth several times per week or provide dental chews.

Show Preparation

• Begin a structured grooming schedule 2 weeks before the show: hand‑strip excess hair, trim feathering to the standard length, and shape the ears to a forward‑pointing “V”.
• Apply a light, water‑based coat conditioner 24 hours before the ring to enhance shine without weighing the coat down.
• Ensure the dog is fully exercised and mentally calm on the day of the show to present a steady, attentive gait.

Common Health Issues

• Hip dysplasia – screening with OFA or PennHIP recommended.
• Patellar luxation – especially in smaller individuals.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hereditary cataracts – annual ophthalmologic examination advised.
• Epilepsy – monitor for seizure activity and discuss with a veterinarian.
• Dermatologic sensitivities – coat can be prone to hot‑spot infections if not groomed regularly.

General Care

• Regular, vigorous exercise to maintain musculoskeletal health and mental well‑being.
• Balanced diet formulated for active medium‑sized breeds; maintain ideal body condition to reduce joint stress.
• Lifespan typically 12–14 years; routine veterinary wellness exams every 6–12 months.