Pumi, or Hungarian Pumi, is descended from the Puli, which was crossed with other European herding breeds imported into Hungary in the 16th and 17th centuries. Although the specific herding breeds used are unknown, some breed experts believe that at least one of the breeds had upright, pricked ears and may have been an early ancestor of the Belgian sheepdog breeds.
Pumi dog breed stands between 15 and 18.5 inches tall and weigh between 17 and 33 pounds. The head is long and narrow, with a broad skull. The eyes are medium-sized, and the ears are upright and mobile. The body is as long as it is tall at the shoulder and is well-muscled. The tail forms a circle above the rump. The coat is double, with a soft undercoat and a wiry, wavy outer coat. The most common colors include gray, black, and fawn. The Pumi coat is more like a terrier’s coat than most other herding breeds and requires some specific hand-grooming. A Pumi breeder can demonstrate the correct technique. Between grooming sessions, the Pumi dogs should be brushed and combed twice weekly to prevent matting.
Pumi dog breed’s appearance embodies a thirst for action. The Pumi is always active and ready for duty. This dog breed needs vigorous daily exercise, but more importantly, she also needs a job to do. She can herd sheep or ducks, protect livestock from intruders, watch the family children, or hunt vermin. She can also train in agility, play flyball, catch a flying disc, or compete in obedience.
The Pumi is definitely not a sedentary lap dog! Training and socialization should begin early and continue into adulthood. The Pumi is also a noisy breed, so she is not suited to apartment or tract home life. The Pumi is bold and can be watchful and wary of strangers. The Pumi does best in a rural environment where she has an active owner and a job that will keep her busy. The Pumi dog breed can be good with children but can also try to herd them. This is a healthy breed.