The Pumi

The Pumi

Country of Origin: Hungary

History: The pumi was developed by breeding the Hungarian puli with the European dogs who accompanied Western Europeans to Hungary during the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries. It and the puli were indistinguishable until the puli fanciers worked to resurrect the original breed in the early twentienth century. It is a herding dog but is also used for hunting.

Physical Description: This is a medium-size, terrier-like, squarely built dog. It has a long, narrow head with a long muzzle and a narrow, black nose. The eyes are brown and the ears are naturally prick with the top third folded over. It has a long natural tail that is carried high and curved. The double coat is wavy and forms tufts but is not corded. The outer coat is long and elastic in texture. The coat is gray, black, or fawn, with or without white markings, or white.

Height: 13.5 to 17.5 inches

Weight: 18 to 30 pounds

Temperament: The pumi is terrier-like in its personality, noisy and constantly busy. It is very active and bold. It is cheerful and affectionate with family but wary with strangers and will react to provocation.

Activity Level: High

Best Owner: The pumi does best with an active family in a rural or suburban environment.

Special Needs: Attention, exercise, job or activity, socialization, training

Possible Health Concerns: None known