Pumi
- Height at the withers
- 38 to 47 cm
- Weight
- 8 to 15 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Hungary
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 90 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A medium-sized Hungarian herding dog, agile and lively, with a mischievous terrier-like expression, a coat of corkscrew curls and upright ears with tipped-over points. Always on the alert, it is tireless at work.
History and origins
Developed in Hungary in the 17th and 18th centuries by crossing the native Puli with German and French herding dogs and terriers. Used as a versatile farm dog to drive cattle, sheep and pigs.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Primary lens luxation
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, curly coat. Almost no shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Pumi FAQ
How big does the Pumi get?
The Pumi stands 38 to 47 cm at the withers and weighs 8 to 15 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Pumi shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs average care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide.
Can the Pumi live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Pumi need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Pumi good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Pumi live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
