Pumis are small to medium-sized dogs. Males should weigh about 27 to 29 pounds, and females typically weigh 22 to 24 pounds. Male Pumis typically stand 16 to 18.5 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 15 to 17.5 inches.

Several factors influence a Pumi’s final size, including genetics, diet, and exercise. Genetics plays the biggest role, as a Pumi’s size can be influenced by the specific breeding lines they come from. Diet is also important — providing balanced nutrition during puppyhood helps ensure they grow to their proper size. Regular exercise, especially in a working breed like the Pumi, can also support their muscle development and overall body condition.

Pumis come in a variety of colors, with the most common being shades of gray, which can range from light silver to dark charcoal. They also come in black, white, and fawn (a sandy or yellowish-brown color). Interestingly, a Pumi’s coat may start out black or darker at birth and gradually lighten as they age, especially in gray-coated dogs.

Pumis are low shedders as their curly, dense coat doesn’t lose much hair. While they may shed occasionally, you won’t find much fur around the house. These curly-coated pups can be a good option for those who appreciate an especially clean home or for individuals looking for a dog who may trigger their allergies less.

Yes, you do need to groom A Pumi. While they are a low-shedding breed, their curly coat can become tangled and matted without consistent brushing. It’s best to brush them once a week using a slicker brush or a wide-toothed comb to help remove any loose hair and prevent tangles. A pin brush can also be effective for getting through the curls without damaging the coat. 

In addition to brushing, they may need a trim every two to three months. It’s also a good idea to check their ears regularly for dirt and debris and to trim their nails as needed.

Yes, Pumi dogs tend to be healthy and have a lifespan of about 12 to 13 years. You can support their health and longevity by providing regular vet checks, a balanced diet, exercise, enrichment, companionship, and a safe and loving living environment.

While an overall healthy breed, Pumis can still be prone to developing some diseases, including:

• Hip dysplasia: This genetic condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket, leading to pain and potential arthritis. It can result in reduced mobility and discomfort as the dog ages.

• Elbow dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is an inherited condition characterized by abnormal development of the elbow joint, which can cause pain and lameness. Affected dogs may have difficulty with physical activities, especially running and jumping.

• Patellar luxation: This condition involves the dislocation of the kneecap, causing it to slip out of its normal position. It can lead to lameness and discomfort, and severity varies from mild cases that may require minimal intervention to severe cases needing surgical correction.

• Degenerative myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord, leading to a gradual loss of coordination and mobility in the hind legs. It often starts with weakness and can eventually result in complete paralysis.

• Primary lens luxation: This hereditary condition occurs when the lens of the eye becomes dislocated from its normal position, which can lead to pain and potential vision loss. If left untreated, it may result in serious complications, including glaucoma.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic disorder that causes gradual degeneration of the retina, leading to vision loss over time. Dogs with this condition may initially show signs of night blindness, eventually progressing to complete blindness.

Wellness checks, screenings, preventative care, and early treatment can help prevent or manage these conditions, ensuring that your canine BFF lives a healthy and happy life for as long as possible.

No, Pumi dogs aren’t high maintenance, but they are an active breed and need daily exercise and enrichment to thrive. These pups are best suited for those who want to spend lots of time with their canine companion, take them on adventures, play interactive games together, and incorporate them into the family routine. Their curly coat also requires a bit more care and attention to ensure mats and tangles don’t form.

Pumis are from Hungary, where they originated in the 17th or 18th century. Pumis were accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2016 as part of the Herding Group. They first appeared in the U.S. in the 1930s, when a few Pumis were imported from Hungary.

The purpose of the Pumi dog has traditionally been herding livestock, particularly sheep and cattle. They were bred for their agility, intelligence, and ability to move large animals over challenging terrain. Pumis are also known for their versatility, working not only as herding dogs but also as watchdogs and, more recently, as active companion pets.

The Pumi is a mix of the Hungarian Puli and various European herding breeds, such as French and German herding dogs. This crossbreeding occurred in Hungary in the 17th and 18th centuries, creating a dog with the agility and herding skills of the Puli, combined with the versatility and structure of the Western herding breeds. This mix gave the Pumi its distinctive curly coat and energetic personality.

Yes, Pumi dogs are relatively rare, especially outside of Hungary. While they have gained more recognition, particularly after being accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC), their numbers are still limited compared to more common breeds such as Boxers, Labradors, and Spaniels.

Pumis can bark a lot, as is common with herding breeds. They tend to be quite vocal and require consistent access to exercise, enrichment, companionship, and restorative rest to prevent them from barking excessively. Under-socialized Pumis may also be prone to barking frequently from anxiety or defensiveness, so thorough, positive socialization in their puppyhood also helps prevent excessive barking.

Yes, most Pumis are good family dogs, especially for active and social households. The Pumi loves to be engaged in activities, so an active family that will provide plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental enrichment is the best match for this intelligent and energetic breed. They are affectionate with their family members and often bond extra closely with one person.

Yes, Pumi dogs can be easy to train as they are highly intelligent and eager to engage with their pet parents. They can pick up cues quite quickly, especially when you use positive reinforcement and incorporate treats, toys, and games into training sessions. You can also use herding games to keep them interested and engaged with learning. Just keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Yes, Pumis are often good with kids. They have an energetic and playful nature, making them great companions for active children.

However, as with any breed, early socialization and positive reinforcement training are essential to ensure they interact well with children. Teaching kids to respect the pup’s boundaries, handle them gently, and give them space when needed is equally important. Supervising playtime is always a good idea to promote safe and positive interactions.

Yes, Pumis can be good with cats, especially those who have been raised alongside their feline counterparts from a young age. As an energetic herding breed, they may feel compelled to chase or herd cats, so it’s important to teach your Pumi pal to interact calmly and gently with cats. 

Slowly introduce a Pumi to a cat by allowing them to become familiar with each other’s scents before any direct interaction. You can do this by swapping their bedding or using a soft cloth to rub both animals and then letting them smell the cloth. Once they seem comfortable with each other’s scent, allow them to see each other from a distance while keeping your Pumi on a leash. 

Gradually bring them closer together over several sessions, rewarding both the Pumi and the cat with treats for friendly behavior. Once they seem relaxed in each other’s presence, you can begin supervised interactions, allowing them to explore and interact while ensuring safety by keeping your pup on a leash until everyone is well acquainted and adjusted.