Pumi
Temperament:
The small unknown dog from Hungary is an intelligent herding dog that is still used for hunting today. The breed is similar to the terrier and is widespread in Europe and North America. The Pumi is particularly common in its native Hungary. The Pumi is an excellent family dog. You will have a lot of fun with this breed, because Pumis are playful dogs that are up for any kind of fun.
Characteristics
The Pumi is listed in the FCI under standard number 56 and belongs to group 1 of herding and driving dogs. On average, this breed reaches a height of 38 to 47 cm and a weight of 8 to 15 kg. For this reason, the Pumi is described as medium-sized.
The average age of the breed is 12 to 13 years. The wiry top coat of the Pumi can be curly, wavy or shaggy and of medium length. The undercoat is soft. At first glance, the coat looks slightly matted, but it is not.
Once you have decided on a Pumi, you can choose between different colors. The color variants of the Pumi range from black, white and various shades of grey to different colors with the primary colors red, yellow and cream.
If you look at the Pumi's build, it can be described as rather strong. Its back is rather short and slopes backwards. The elongated head ends in a pointed snout. The V-shaped ears have a curved tip and point upwards. The tail of the breed is set high and curved over the loins.
The Pumi is a very lively and courageous dog.
You should also know that this breed loves to bark. The Pumi is an intelligent dog that is very playful, but also an attentive observer. It tends to react skeptically to strangers.
You have to be very consistent when training the Pumi. However, this breed is relatively easy to train as it learns through play. In any case, you need to make sure they have plenty to do on a daily basis. It is not suitable for the city apartment of a working person.
In its homeland, the Pumi is often used as a guard dog in addition to its work as a herding and driving dog. Outside Hungary, the Pumi is now mostly kept as a companion dog.
If you want your Pumi to be a family dog, you need to make sure that he is busy all day long. You can achieve this very well with various dog sports. Agility, obedience or even competitive dog sports are good options.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.
Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.
Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.
Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.
Health & Care
Grooming a Pumi requires a certain amount of time. It must be combed daily and trimmed at regular intervals.
As the dog is very agile and you are sure to be out and about in the fields and meadows with him often, you will certainly have to bathe your four-legged friend more often. Use a special dog shampoo for this.
You should avoid using a hairdryer when drying. This will cause the coat to lose its characteristic curls.
Teeth also need to be cared for regularly. Ears and eyes must be checked regularly and kept clean.
The claws must be trimmed regularly if they do not wear off by themselves.
Suitable accessories
As you have already learned, you should exercise your four-legged friend. In addition to the well-known dog sports, games of skill and the like can also help. It is therefore a good idea to have small educational games to keep your dog busy.
He also needs a dog cushion and bed, a water and food bowl, a drag line or lead and a collar or harness.
Other things you will need for your dog are tick tweezers, claw clippers, mild dog shampoo, brush and comb or rubber curry comb, toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs, a transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. It's best to ask your vet what should be in the first aid kit.
Origin & History
The Pumi is a very old breed of dog. Its history can be traced back to the 17th century. At that time, various herds came to Hungary with their herding dogs. The terriers of the time were crossed with the shaggy Pulis living in Hungary, and this is how the Pumi came into being.
You may also hear a different version about the origin of the Pumi. Some sources say that the Pumi is a cross between a Puli and a German Spitz. This story dates back to the 18th century.
It was not until 1920 that the Pumi was referred to as the West Hungarian Puli. Four years later, it was recognized as a pedigree dog.
