Pumi

Developed in Hungary from the 17th–18th centuries, the Pumi likely descends from native Puli stock crossed with western European herding and terrier-type dogs brought by traders. The result was a quick, agile, “all-terrain” drover excelled at gathering sheep and cattle in tight, hilly pastures while serving as a keen farm watchdog. Modern breed standardization began in the early 1900s in Hungary; the Pumi is now recognized internationally (including by CKC/AKC) and is celebrated in dog sports for its speed and focus.

‍

A square, elastic mover with a curly coat and keen expression.

• Weight: 22–29 lbs (male), 18–24 lbs (female)
• Height: 16–18.5 in (male), 15–17.5 in (female)
• Coat Type: Double coat; harsh/curly outer hair + soft undercoat forming tight curls
• Coat Colors: Black, gray (all shades), fawn, or white; small white markings permissible
• Distinctive Physical Traits: High-set tail forming a “?,” semi-erect mobile ears, dry/lean build, tight corkscrew curls

‍

Low shedding but not low maintenance—routine keeps curls healthy.

• Brushing/Combing: Light finger-combing weekly; avoid vigorous dry brushing (frizz).
• Bathing: Every 4–8 weeks; after towel-dry, scrunch to reset curls; air-dry (no fluff drying).
• Trim/Shaping: Light scissoring every 8–12 weeks to maintain outline and hygiene.
• De-matting Checks: Weekly at armpits, behind ears, groin, and hocks.
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 3–4 weeks.
• Shedding: Low; loose hair stays caught in curls until removed during grooming.

‍

A true energizer—needs daily outlets for body and brain.

• Daily Exercise: 60–90 minutes (mix of brisk walks, off-leash fetch/herding games, conditioning).
• Sports: Agility, herding, flyball, disc, rally-obedience, canicross.
• Enrichment: Sniff walks, puzzle feeders, trick chains, impulse-control drills.
• Suitability: Can adapt to condos with robust exercise + training; thrives in active homes.

‍

Brilliant, biddable, and sensitive—with a dash of comedic mischief.

• Method: Reward-based, fast-paced sessions; rotate games to prevent boredom.
• Focus Areas: Reliable recall around motion, “quiet” on cue (they’re chatty), settle on mat.
• Socialization: Early, positive exposure to novel people/dogs/surfaces/sounds.
• Handler Notes: Avoid harsh corrections; channel chase/herding into structured tasks.

‍

Fuel the athlete—keep lean for joint health and speed.

• Food Type: High-quality kibble or balanced fresh diet for active small/medium breeds.
• Daily Quantity: ~1.5–2.5 cups/day split into two meals (adjust for workload).
• Schedule: Twice daily; optional small post-training snack.
• Diet Advice: Prioritize animal protein; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; monitor body condition monthly.

‍

Generally robust, but screen like a performance dog.

• Common Issues: Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, degenerative myelopathy (genetic test available), eye disorders (incl. PRA).
• Sports Care: Warm-ups/cool-downs to prevent soft-tissue strains; periodic conditioning checks.
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years.
• Recommended Testing: Hips, patellas, ophthalmologist (CAER); DM DNA testing for breeding stock.

‍

Source from preservation breeders or sport-savvy rescues.

• Breeders: Prefer CKC/AKC/FCI-affiliated breeders providing hip/patella/eye results and DM status; ask about temperament/work aptitude.
• Contracts & Support: Seek early socialization programs and take-back clauses.
• Rescue/Adoption: Check herding-breed/sport-dog rescues; ask local agility/herding clubs about rehoming.
• Canadian Resources: CKC breeder directory; Ontario/BC/QC herding clubs; Pumi Club of America for education/networking.

‍