The Hungarian Pumi

The Pumi is a distinctive Hungarian herding breed known for its lively personality, agility and unique appearance with its “teddy bear ears”. Quickly gaining popularity throughout Europe and the USA, the Pumi breed is now also soon to be recognized by the CKC.

1. Origin and History: The Pumi originated in Hungary and descended from the Puli for herding cattle and sheep.

2. Physical Characteristics: The Pumi is a small to medium sized breed standing around 15 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder. The Pumi has a curly, wiry coat that forms curls all over the body and is non-shedding. The Pumi colors can be black, white, gray, and fawn.

3. Temperament: Intelligent and alert, the Pumi is known for its quick thinking and problem solving abilities. The Pumi breed is lively and requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. The Pumi is very playful and affectionate and forms strong bonds with its owner and enjoys interactive play.

4. Trainability: The Pumi is highly trainable and excels in various dog sports such as agility, obedience and dock diving. Positive reinforcement methods work well due to their intelligent and eager to please nature.

5. Herding Instinct: The Pumi has a strong herding instinct, making it an excellent working dog. This instinct may manifest in unwanted behaviors without proper training.

6. Grooming: Regular grooming is essential to maintain the Pumi’s distinctive coat. The Pumi will need combing and bathing every two weeks and scissoring every 6 weeks.

7. Health Considerations: The Pumi is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended, and responsible breeding practices help maintain overall health.

8. Socialization: Early socialization is crucial to ensure that the Pumi develops a well-rounded personality. They can be shy so exposing them to various people, environments and experiences can help prevent fearfulness.

9. Living Conditions: The Pumi can adapt to various living situations, but they thrive in environments where they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation. Apartment living is possible, but only with sufficient physical and mental activity. They are prone to getting “the zoomies” and are extremely playful so this must also be considered. The Pumi is not at all suited for outdoor living conditions in the Canadian climate.

10. Conclusion: The Pumi’s combination of intelligence, agility and affectionate nature makes it a rewarding companion for active individuals or families willing to invest time in training and interaction