Pumi

What Is a Pumi Dog?

The Pumi (the plural of which is Pumik) is a small- to medium-sized Hungarian sheepdog. Versatile at guarding, gathering, and driving livestock, many people refer to it as the “Hungarian Herding Terrier.” Unsurprisingly, the largest population of the Pumi breed can be found in Hungary. However, the breed is becoming increasingly popular throughout the rest of Europe and the United States.

What Does a Pumi Dog Look Like?

Pumi dogs have a thick curly medium-length topcoat with a soft undercoat, which is ideal for keeping them warm in the fields. With notably less fur than other Hungarian sheepdogs (such as the Komondor) the coat of a Pumi can still grow up to three inches long. Common coat colors include:

• Gray
• Fawn
• White
• Black
• Cream
• Brown
• Blue Merle
• Mottled

Born black, a Pumi puppy’s coat will lighten after eight weeks before arriving at its adult shade. It is possible to determine the dog’s final color by looking at the parents. Grooming is essential as the Pumi’s coat will become matted if it is not maintained. However, the breed does not shed much.

The light square body may appear larger on account of its coat. Nearly half of its narrow head is taken up by its muzzle, and its semi-erect ears are set high and surrounded by long hair.

A female Pumi stands between 15 and 17 inches tall and weighs up to 29 pounds. Their male counterparts can grow up to 19 inches tall and weigh as much as 33 pounds.

Pumi Temperament

Intelligent and lively, the Pumi has a natural suspicion of strangers. However, they are not aggressive or shy. As natural guards to flocks of livestock, they can be protective when it comes to their families. To prevent aggression with strangers, early socialization is essential.

A Pumi’s terrier instincts mean it may bark. However, they can easily be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. The Pumi needs plenty of activity and stimulation. Playing games and jogging together can prevent boredom, along with obedience and agility training.

A Pumi will usually get on with other animals and children. However, supervision is always important as is providing a gentle introduction.

History of the Pumi Dog

Descended from the Puli, French Briards, German Pomeranians, German Spitz, and other undefined terriers, the Pumi breed first emerged in the 17th century. The breed was given its name in 1815.  However, it was 1921 before they were recognized as distinct from the Puli breed. This was when Dr. Emil Raitsitz wrote a breed standard.

The breed’s evolution was natural and not planned. The founder of the Hungarian Academy of Science, Count István Széchenyi, was the first to breed Pumi. Throughout the 19th century, native Hungarian dogs were not encouraged to breed. During the early 20th century, different herding dogs were used in different areas. For example, the Puli was used on the eastern plains, the Pumi was used on the western hills, and the Mudi was common in the south.

Before World War I, controlled breeding began. However, many herding dogs and their herds were lost during the war. Between the two world wars, numbers rose, and 130 dogs were registered in 1924. Some were show dogs, while others worked. In 1935, the Pumi was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale under its scientific name “Canis familiaris ovilis villosus terrarius-Raitsitsi.”

During World War II, insufficient veterinary care, food shortages, and the shooting of many working dogs by soldiers caused Pumi numbers to drop again. Following the war, Hungary was controlled by the Soviet Union. Up until the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, breeding was not possible.

In 1973, the first Pumi were exported to Finland. This was followed by exports to Sweden, the Netherlands, and Italy in 1985. By the 1990s, the breed was exported to the United States, and an international breed standard was defined in 2000. The Hungarian government recognized the significance of the Pumi in 2016 when a gene bank was set up to preserve the Pumi breed, along with the other seven indigenous breeds.

Pumi Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Pumi is 12 years. This will be dependent on the dog’s lifestyle, environment, and diet. Regular checkups will identify the early signs of any health concerns, allowing a veterinarian to address these promptly. In addition, providing recommended vaccines (such as those for rabies and parvo) will help to ensure good health. GoodPooch also recommends providing preventive medication for fleas, ticks, and heartworm, which will help protect against flea infestations and Lyme disease.

Pumi Health

Although most Pumi dogs are healthy, there are several genetic concerns that owners should be aware of, including hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and primary lens luxation. Owners should speak to a veterinarian and have their dogs screened for these conditions.

• Hip dysplasia is one of the most common genetic concerns that affect the Pumi breed. It occurs when the two pieces of the hip’s ball and socket joint form at different rates. A mismatch in size and shape will cause the dog to limp and can cause lameness and arthritis. The condition can be detected using an X-Ray. Surgery can help to correct the issue.
• Elbow dysplasia happens when the cartilage and surrounding structures of the elbow develop abnormalities. This can lead to osteoarthritis. It most commonly affects younger dogs and will cause forelimb lameness. Assessment using X-Ray and CT scans will identify the condition. Treatment can be surgical or may involve physiotherapy, weight management, and exercise modification.
• Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive condition affecting the dog’s spinal cord. The disease can lead to paralysis. Usually found after the age of seven, this incurable disease can be identified through DNA testing.
• Primary lens luxation is a genetic disease that is known to affect the Pumi breed. Behind the pupil, a crystalline lens directs the light toward the retina where an image is formed. This lens is held in position by “zonules.” If these break down, the lens becomes unstable. If left untreated, the dog’s vision will be lost. Considerable pain will also be experienced. Removal of the eye will become the only option. However, if caught early enough, various procedures to remove the luxated lens will be an option.

Where to Buy a Pumi Dog

As a canine that requires plenty of activity, it is easy to underestimate the commitment involved in owning a Pumi. Because of this, there are often Pumi dogs for adoption in rescue shelters. Before buying, always try to adopt. Use a no-kill shelter. Strict policies mean these types of shelters will not euthanize a healthy dog.