Pumi

also known as Hungarian Herding Terrier, Hungarian Pumi

Pros History


The Pumi's origins can be traced back to the 17th century, when Hungarian shepherds began crossbreeding local herding dogs with various European breeds, such as the French Briard and the German Schipperke. The goal was to create a versatile and agile herding dog that could handle the unique challenges of the Hungarian landscape and climate.

The breed's name, "Pumi," is thought to have been derived from the Hungarian word "pumik," which means "to mumble" or "to grumble," likely a reference to the breed's distinctive vocalizations.

The Pumi was developed by Hungarian shepherds and farmers, who carefully selected for specific traits in order to create a dog that would excel at herding cattle, sheep and swine. They were also used for hunting small game and as a general farm dog.

This breed was first registered by the FCI in 1936, and later by the Hungarian Kennel Club in 1946. Today, the Pumi is recognized by kennel clubs and organizations around the world, including the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC).

Breed Information


Type

Is Pumi a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Pumis originally used for?

Herding

Lifespan

How Long Do Pumis Live? What is average life expectancy for a Pumi? How long can Pumis live?

12-15 years

The average Pumi lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Pumi Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Pumi?

What is the average height of a Pumi? How big is a Purebred Pumi height? Pumi dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 16-18 inches (40.6 - 45.7 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm)
Female 15-17 inches (38.1 - 43.2 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 16.0 inches (40.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Pumi? How much should Pumis weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 27-29 pounds (12 - 13 kg) 16.5 pounds (7 kg) 21.5 pounds (10 kg) 28.0 pounds (13 kg)
Female 22-24 pounds (10 - 11 kg) 15.0 pounds (7 kg) 19.5 pounds (9 kg) 23.0 pounds (10 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Pumis get fat easily?

The Pumi is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Pumis Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Pumis are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Pumi personality? What are Pumi dogs best known for?

Active
Lively
Reserved
Intelligent
Protective
Vocal
Alert
Restless
Extremely Bold
Suspicious Towards Strangers
Sensitive
Noisy

Shedding Level

Are Pumis heavy shedders? How Much Does a Pumi Shed?

Pumi dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Pumi. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Pumi dog?

The Pumi dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Pumis come from?

Hungary

Ancestry

What are Pumis descended from?

Puli, German and French Sheepdog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Pumi breed?

American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

Date of Birth

When were Pumis first bred? How old is the Pumi breed?

1700s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Pumi?

Herding

Pumi Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Pumi eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Pumi nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Pumi coat be naturally?

Black
Gray
Silver

Coat Length

How long is a Pumis coat?

The coat of a Pumi falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Pumi Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Pumi?

Curly

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Pumi have in a litter? How many puppies can a Pumi have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Pumi can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Pumis are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Pumi Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Pumis have a lot of health problems?

The Pumi is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Pumi?

Patellar Luxation
Lens Luxation

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Pumis?

Hip Dysplasia
Degenerative Myelopathy

Occasional Diagnoses

Elbow Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Pumi breed?

Eye Examination
OFA on hips and elbows
DNA Test

Pumi Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Pumis have a lot of energy?

Pumis are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Pumis need socialization? How social are Pumis?

Pumi have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Pumis get?

The Pumi dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Pumi have? Do Pumis sleep a lot?

Pumis are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Pumi drool a lot?

The Pumi is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Pumi, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Pumi dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Pumis exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Pumis mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Pumi running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Pumi dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Pumi? How much energy does a Pumi have?

Medium

Pumis are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Pumi walk each week? How many miles should a Pumi walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Pumi, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Pumi should exercise a day? How much activity does a Pumi need?

45 minutes

In general most Pumis usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Pumi?

The Pumi is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Pumi?

Weekly

Pumi should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Pumis?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Pumi eat?

1.2 cups

For an average 27-29 pound (12 - 13 kg) Pumi feed 1.2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Pumi Cost Daily?

$1.40 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Pumi is somewhere $1.40 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Pumi Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Pumi is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Pumi Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Pumi?

Pumis has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Pumi is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Pumi dog?

Pumi dogs are a less sensitive breed known for their adaptability and resilience. They tend to be less affected by new environments, people and noises. They can make great companions for families or individuals looking for a balanced and less sensitive pet that are not as demanding as highly sensitive breeds.

Affection Dependance

Are Pumi dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Pumi do well in apartments? Are Pumis good indoor dogs?

Pumis are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Pumis good with kids? Are Pumis good around children?

Pumis are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Pumis good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Pumis good with cats? How friendly Pumis are toward cats?

Pumis are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Pumi dogs get along with other dogs? Are Pumis OK with other dogs?

Pumis are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Pumi dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Pumis friendly with strangers?

Pumis are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Pumis are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Pumis will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Pumis like to play? Are Pumis playful?

Pumis are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Pumi for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Pumi easily trained?

Pumi dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent
    Pumi is known to be an intelligent breed and easy to train.
  • Affectionate
    They are known to be affectionate and loyal to their owners.
  • Good with children
    Pumi gets along well with children and make great family pets.

Cons

  • High energy level
    Pumi have a high energy level and require a lot of exercise.
  • Grooming needs
    Their wiry, hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
  • Barking
    The Pumi is a breed known for its excessive noise.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    A Pumi may not be the best choice for a dog to have in an office setting.
  • Health problems
    Similar to other breeds, Pumis may experience certain health concerns such as Patellar Luxation, Lens Luxation, Hip Dysplasia and Degenerative Myelopathy.