Pumi

The Pumi is a herding dog that originated in Hungary. They have a curly coat and a smiling, happy expression. They are intelligent, agile, and curious dogs. Medium in size, they are tougher than they appear and as whimsical as their smiles. Their boundless energy and good nature make them a good companion dog for those who like to be outdoors and get active.

Pumi Breed Overview

These dogs are fun-loving, vivacious, and affectionate with their families. They have a deep curiosity and are always ready to explore the outdoors. Created in Hungary, they are one of three types of sheepdog there: the Mudi, the Puli, and the Pumi. They likely were first bred around 800 A.D. and were further mixed with Western European herders and terriers. For a long time, they were considered a variety of the Puli, but now are recognized as an independent breed.  

Pumi Facts

• They are one of three types of Hungarian sheepdog.
• They are more tenacious and courageous than they look.
• These dogs were used to herd flocks in Western Hungary.
• They are very popular in Finland and used as traditional herders there.
• Despite being on the smaller side and with a lapdog appearance, these dogs need lots of exercise.
• Pumis are good family dogs.

How to Care for Your Pumi

Here’s what you need to know about caring for your Pumi, including nutrition & feeding, health & wellness, grooming & hygiene, and living with the breed.

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Pumi

While the Pumi looks like an oversized lapdog, they are hardy, hard-working farm dogs used to lots of activity. They need food that can match that, high in quality protein, moderate carbs, and good, healthy fats. Look for active formulas, such as Purina Pro Plan Sport food, to help them maintain their caloric intake and get the nutrients they need.

How Much to Feed a Pumi

Consult your vet or your dog food label to get an understanding of how much to feed your Pumi. It should preferably be done over two scheduled feedings. However, you can get a more accurate feeding amount by using a tool like the Purina Feeding Calculator. It uses information like your dog’s weight, activity level, age, and more factors to help you get the exact amount of food they need.

Treats & Supplements

Low-calorie, high-protein treats are a great addition to positive reinforcement training methods, to which the Pumi responds well. Treats should not exceed more than 10% of the dog’s overall daily calories. Your vet may or may not say that your dog needs supplements for potential issues like skin coat health, gut health, or joint health. Consult them before starting your dog on any supplements.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Pumis are generally healthy breeds, but they will benefit from having regular vet checkups. While there, you can ask about things like vaccine schedules, spaying or neutering your dog, parasite prevention, dental hygiene tips, and more. Two issues dogs of this size have are hip dysplasia and luxating patellas, both of which are joint conditions. Your vet can advise you on preventive care if necessary.

Pumi Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Don’t be fooled by their smiles and cuddliness – these dogs are ready to run. High-energy, nimble, and ready for action, they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to be happy. Consider switching things up for them and adding activities that involve chasing, jumping, running, and mental challenges. They’ll excel at things like fetch, frisbee, and even agility courses.

Understanding Your Pumi’s Behavior

Generally eager to please, the Pumi can have a stubborn streak, which will require some patient and consistent training. They can be independent thinkers, so you might need to take more time training them. If not properly exercised and mentally engaged, they can become bored or anxious. Dogs that are bored and anxious can become destructive and chew or dig, or they can suffer from separation anxiety. To decrease the likelihood of this, give them plenty of mental stimulation and do not leave them alone for too long. Their herding instincts are strong, something to keep in mind around small animals and children or other unpredictable moving things.

What to Expect as Your Pumi Ages

A healthy Pumi can live between 12 and 14 years if well cared for. As they age, they’ll slow down as expected. To support them, switch them to a senior dog food when your vet recommends doing so. These formulas can help with mental sharpness, joint health, and more common aging conditions.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The Pumi’s curly coat is distinctive with its luscious curls or waves. It requires frequent brushing to prevent matting, which can be painful for the dog. It will also remove loose or dead hairs. These dogs are relatively low-shedding. Avoid bathing them too much; it can strip their coats of essential oils. They require a lot of drying time after a bath, too, something to keep in mind with schedules and lifestyles. (It’s preferable that the curls air dry.) When in doubt, contact a groomer for professional help with this high-maintenance coat.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Check your Pumi’s ears regularly for signs of infection, like discharge, and clean them with a vet-approved regimen. Similarly, check their paw pads for any cuts or scrapes, especially since these dogs spend a lot of time outdoors. They may or may not be able to wear their nails down naturally; if not, trim them frequently to prevent painful splitting and cracking. A good dental care routine is an important part of a dog’s grooming. Be sure to brush their teeth regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and offer dental chews if appropriate.

Anal Gland Care

Your Pumi may or may not be able to express their anal glands naturally. If not, a blockage can form, causing an impaction. If not fixed, this can lead to an abscess, which will require veterinary care. If your dog is scooting, licking excessively, emitting a foul-smelling odor, or having trouble going to the bathroom, it’s time to call your vet.

Living With a Pumi

Living Space

Pumis are medium-sized dogs that can get by with less indoor space than bigger breeds. However, they need ample access to the outdoors, preferably where they can run free with a fenced-in yard, such as in a suburban or rural area. They were bred to alert and bark, so they might have trouble with delivery people. Their prey drive might also make chasing small animals tempting, so never leave them alone unsupervised outside.

Socialization

These dogs can integrate well into family life if they are socialized early and often. Introduce them to new and unfamiliar people and places. Their natural alertness and suspicion of strangers can be helped by proper socialization. Take care to introduce other pets to them slowly, and keep in mind that smaller pets like small dogs, rodents, rabbits, or cats might not mix well with them due to their prey drive. Small children might find themselves being herded, but older children could enjoy participating in the training and exercise of this dog.

Climate Considerations

The climate of Hungary is fairly temperate, which is ideal for this dog breed. Their coats give them good protection in winter, although not in extreme temperatures. They could suffer from heat exhaustion in warmer places or months, so try to exercise them during the coolest parts of the day and offer plenty of shade and water. They enjoy swimming, which is a good cooling-off activity.

Potential Challenges

Boundless energy, a happy expression, and a zest for family life define the Pumi dog. So long as owners are highly active and can provide them with outlets for their energy, these dogs are happy. They might require a little more training and socialization to help with prey drive and herding instincts.

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