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Pumi

Thinking about purchasing an Pumi? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Pumi breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Pumi owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Pumi and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Pumi Breeder:

When were your Pumis born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Pumi, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Pumi and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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Pumi Profile

The Pumi is a small, thickly-furred breed that came straight from Puli stock. They can come in colors of white, black, grey, or rusted black. They have very curly fur that is similar to the fur of a Puli puppy, but it never forms into cords. The Pumi is vigorous, alert, loving, fun and funny - much like their cousins. They are very energetic, and the actual standard used to describe the breed is "unable to keep quiet". Pumi enjoy being vocal, and a new owner will learn this shortly after their adoption of the breed. They are wary of strangers however, and do make excellent watch and guard dogs. They are daring, excited, loud-mouthed and spirited. Acting much like a terrier, the Pumi enjoys being active. Pumi have been known to be very intelligent, excellent problem solvers, and very good at what they were bred for, herding.

Other Names: Pumik (plural), Hungarian Pumi

Type: Herding Dog

Height: 13 - 19 inches.
Weight: 18 - 33 lbs.

Colors: Black, fawn, white, or various shades of gray. It can come with or without white markings.
Coat: Medium to long, very curly, but never corded. It is not felty like a Puli coat, it is elastic in texture. They have a double coat.

Temperament: Pumik are much like terriers in their attitude. They are noisy, constantly busy, active and bold. They like to herd and have a strong instinct for it. Pumik are joyous, loving and affectionate towards their family and friends. They like to be very vocal. They are wary with strangers, making them excellent watchdogs and guard dogs. They are quicker to anger than the Puli, and may bite if provoked. Pumik are relatively easy to train, intelligent, and will usually pick up concepts quickly. They are protective of their family.
With Children: Yes, but better with older children. They will react if provoked.
With Pets: Yes, good with other pets if socialized or raised with them. They are not as trustworthy with other pets as the Puli, however.

Watch-dog: Very High.
Guard-dog: Very High.

Pumi Care and Training: The curly Pumi coat needs to be brushed and combed to prevent mats from forming. Extremely energetic, the Pumi needs daily vigorous exercise or they may inhabit some destructive behaviors. They are like a terrier in energy and personality, and should therefore receive enough exercise and mental challenges.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Low. Problem Solving - High.

Activity: High.
Special Needs: Attention, exercise, job or activity to do, socialization and training.
Living Environment: A house with a yard is preferable or a rural area. The owner of a Pumi should be a strong, competent leader who has time to train, socialize, and exercise the Pumi. The best owner for this breed would be an active individual or family living in a rural or suburban home with a yard.

Pumi Health Issues: Few health conditions are known with this breed. Of them are hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.

Life Span: 12 - 13 years, although some have lived up to 17 years.
Litter Size: 4 - 7 puppies.

Country of Origin: Hungary
Pumi History: A town treasure to the Hungarians, the Pumi was developed from the Puli and the German spitz hound, Hutespitz. The Puli was brought across by the Magyars when they invaded Eastern Europe in the 9th century. Pumi have been used for at least 300 years as a herder of sheep, cattle and pigs, as well as used for hunting, destroying vermin, and for guarding the farm. Some sources suggest the breed was developed in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Both the Pumi and the Puli coexisted together and were bred together for centuries until after World War II. Due to the Wars, the Puli diminished into smaller numbers and was on the edge of extinction. A breeder named Emil Raitsits brought the breed back from extinction, this time not intermixing with the Pumi any longer. The Pumi had been distinguished as a separate breed in the 1920s. In 1815 the name Pumi was mentioned, but the breeds had not officially been separated until 105 years later! Although the breed has been established in North America as well as across Europe, its numbers remain small outside of its native Hungary. Today they perform well in dog shows in agility, obedience and, uniquely enough, dog dancing.

First Registered by the AKC: FSS (Foundation Stock Service - not yet registered by the AKC)
AKC Group: Herding
Class: Herding
Registries: UKC (Herding), NZKC (Working), ANKC (Group 5), FCI (Group 1)

Pumis

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Thursday, December 23, 2010