Pumi dog

Overall description of the breed

The Pumi is a Hungarian working dog breed with origins spanning several European countries, including France, Germany, and Hungary. Resulting from the crossbreeding of German shepherd dogs (such as Schafpudel or Hütespitz), with influences from the Briard breed and even some terrier types observed.

Specialized in herding and protecting cattle, it stands out for its remarkable intelligence and particularly talkative nature. Primarily developed in western Hungary, in the Transdanubia region, the Pumi was long considered a variety of the Puli breed. The distinction between the two breeds was officially made in the early 1920s. Thirty years later, on August 11, 1954, the International Cynological Federation definitively registered it. Its current standard was published on June 4, 2000.

The Pumi belongs to the category of medium-sized dogs, displaying a uniform and balanced morphology overall. Active and dynamic, it is a highly energetic dog that requires intense daily physical activity to feel comfortable. Its body is square, with a length equal to its height at the withers. Its bone structure is sturdy, and its musculature is well developed.

Its head is relatively small compared to its body, elongated in shape, with a moderately long muzzle, a slight stop, and a slightly rounded skull. Its back is short and straight, its loin is strong, and its chest is well raised. Its tail is thick, abundantly covered in hair, and is usually docked to two-thirds of its length. The Pumi's coat is abundant, curly, forming a soft undercoat that effectively protects it from cold and harsh weather. Coat colors allowed by the standard include fawn, black, gray, and white, evenly distributed over the body.

The Pumi is an excellent working dog, willing and attentive to its owner. In addition to its serious demeanor, it is very expressive towards its family and sociable with its peers. Possessing a cheerful temperament, it greatly enjoys sports activities, herding, and tracking. Versatile, it can also become a proficient vermin hunter with encouragement from its master.

Its exceptional endurance makes it an indefatigable walker, although it prefers country life where it can expend its energy fully. As a guardian, the Pumi excels as an alert barker, even though it doesn't typically engage in direct confrontation. However, without firm training, its incessant barking could become a challenging trait to manage. Obedient and affectionate, it needs guidance from a young age to become a perfect life companion. Naturally protective and wary, it will care for its family with dedication and deep affection.

In adulthood, the Pumi will weigh between 8 and 13 kg (17.5 to 28.5 lb), with a withers height ranging from 40 to 47 cm (15.5" - 18.5") for males and 38 to 44 cm (15" - 17.5") for females.