Pumi

With their alert, playful temperament, the Pumi is always ready for action—especially when it includes their families, toward whom they’re incredibly loyal and affectionate. They instinctually take their protection detail very seriously, noisily alerting their pet parents (and likely the whole neighborhood) to anything and everything in the immediate vicinity. But take heart: With good socialization practices and professional Pumi training, you can reduce excessive barking and overreactions to new situations.

Not exactly social butterflies, Pumik (yes, that’s the plural of Pumi) are reserved when it comes to outsiders. All the more reason why these pups must get plenty of socialization, aka positive exposure to all sorts of people and places, starting when they are young dogs. Though they’re still likely to be aloof with strangers, they’ll be more willing to expand that circle of trust beyond their pet parents and immediate family—great news for your best friend and the local mailman.

Pumik are great with kids, particularly if introduced at a young age, and will match your toddler’s energy. Although they’re great playmates, watch out for their tendency to herd (nip at kids’ heels to round them up). That is what they were initially bred for, after all. The medium-sized Pumi is strong and built to work hard despite looking like a stuffed toy. While having your pet round up the whole brood for dinner may sound appealing, you should train your Pumi using positive reinforcement such as treats, toys and praise to keep undesired instincts at bay—and prevent them from nipping little ankles. 

And speaking of family—that also includes the furry kind. A Pumi is happy to fit in with dogs and even cats, provided they were all raised together from a young age. Introducing a Pumi puppy to existing pets is more manageable than adding an adult Pumi to the mix.

They are happiest when keeping active with their family. One of Pumik’s strongest traits is their very vocal bark. They will let you know exactly when they’re ready for attention, which, let’s face it, is practically all the time for these people-loving pets. Parents can keep their dog thriving by engaging their Pumi in vigorous activity, indoors or out. Prepare to play fetch for hours on end with your tireless pet. You can also keep them from barking too much with an assortment of chew toys at their disposal.

A Pumi pup is relatively easy to maintain in terms of nutritional needs and grooming, with surprisingly minimal attention needed to keep their distinctive curls in excellent condition. However, they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation, so plan to spend lots of time playing and exercising to create a happy life with your Pumi.

With a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years, the Pumi is a relatively healthy breed, but there are a few common health issues to watch out for. Luckily, most problems are increasingly rare thanks to sound breeding practices. It’s wise to educate yourself about any potential health problems so you can keep your pet going strong.

• Hip Dysplasia: There’s a roughly 10 percent incidence of hip dysplasia in Pumik, where the hip joints become unstable and cause pain and mobility issues. Signs of this condition can vary but can include limping, decreased activity and difficulty running or jumping. Luckily, because they’re a relatively lightweight dog, Pumik aren’t as prone to this condition as larger breeds such as German Shepherds or Great Danes. Treatment plans range from supplements to weight reduction to surgery in severe cases.
• Patellar Luxation: When a dog’s kneecap (patella) slips out of its joint, it can cause further problems in the joints, hips and legs. Excess weight can factor into luxating patellas, so Pumi weight management is one treatment option. There is also the option of surgery if the problem is more advanced.
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): A disease that affects the spinal cord, DM causes a dog’s hind limbs to become weaker, eventually leading to paralysis. It is mainly a condition that occurs in older dogs, which Pumi breeders test for, though it is rare for this breed. While there’s currently no effective treatment for DM, there are actions that can help prolong the quality of a dog’s life, such as physical therapy and weight management.
• Primary Lens Luxation (PLL): Just like DM, there is a test for PLL conducted by responsible Pumi breeders. PLL is a rare and inherited condition consisting of the lens migrating within the eye, leading to pain, inflammation and, potentially, blindness. Thankfully, several PLL treatment options exist, including surgery and topical or oral medications if inflammation is present.

The Pumi breed originated in Hungary in the 18th century when the oldest Hungarian herding dog breed, the Puli, was crossbred with other Western European herding dogs and terriers to produce what we now know as the Pumi. The interbreeding resulted in intelligent and driven dogs who worked well at herding livestock and being watchdogs and guard dogs.

Although considered a variety of Puli for many years, at the beginning of the 20th century, a Hungarian breeder decided that a distinction between the two was needed and thus began a program to standardize both the Puli and the Pumi. In 1921, the breeding program succeeded, and the Pumi was finally considered a separate breed from the Puli.

Despite being a popular breed in their native Hungary and in several other European countries, the Pumi did not become established in the US until the 21st century. The Hungarian Pumi Club of America (HPCA) was founded in 2005, with the breed becoming fully recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2016.

• If you’re looking to start your journey as a Pumi pet parent and are wondering about the Pumi price, you can find reputable Pumi breeders at the AKC’s website, where you can expect to pay around $2,000 to $2,500 for a purebred puppy. For that price, you’re likely getting a pup who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. As a relatively new breed, finding Pumik at rescue organizations might be a challenge. You can learn more about rescuing or fostering Pumik at the HPCA.

The Pumi is a highly intelligent breed with an opinion on everything—and, boy, will they let you know it! A loyal, loving friend is the reward for active pet parents ready and willing to give their Pumi the mental and physical stimulation they need. Oh, and did we mention the gorgeous curls?