A lively, energetic, tireless working dog, the Pumi (pronounced poo-mee, plural Pumik) has a striking long corded coat that looks like a mop.
If you are interested in a Pumi (also called a Puli or Hungarian Water Dog), please read the following breed information to find out whether this dog will be a good fit for your lifestyle.
In terms of size, Pumik, which belong to the AKC’s Herding Group, are small to medium size dogs, standing 15-19 inches tall and weighing 22-29 pounds. The average lifespan of a Pumi is 12-13 years.
Pumik are highly affectionate with family members and very playful too. They do moderately well with young kids and other dogs provided they are introduced to kids and other animals in a variety of settings during puppyhood.
A Pumi will be moderately open to strangers but can make a good watchdog due to a vigilant nature. This is an adaptable breed that can adjust to changes in routine. This breed does well with apartment living but does not tolerate being left alone for long. Novice pet owners should consider other breeds because Pumik have high energy levels and exercise needs. A Pumi can adapt quite well to cold weather and slightly less so to hot weather.
Pumik are intelligent, responsive, and very eager to please, which makes these dogs easy to train with a reward-based approach. Pumik have a high tendency to bark and a strong prey drive and wanderlust potential. Early training is therefore key to make these dogs biddable and ensure they grow up into well-mannered adults Pumik.
Prospective owners of Pumik should know that these dogs have very high energy levels and are easily bored. They therefore do well with active families and are happiest when they have a job or activity to do. Games of fetch with a ball or flying disc can be a great way to burn the Pumi’s energy in a fun way.
The Pumi’s medium length curly or wavy coat requires a thorough combing every 4-6 weeks. This should be followed by wetting the coat and allowing it to curl back. The coat does not shed much at all but some hair may fall out during grooming. If you use a blow dryer on these dogs, they’ll lose the lovely curls. This breed is not a heavy drooler but can drool on occasion.
All in all, Pumik, which were bred as herding dogs in Hungary, are cute and confident family companions with expressive eyes and quizzical or whimsical expressions. They have characteristic corkscrew curls and are tireless in work and play.
If you think a Pumi would be the perfect pet for you, check out listings of reputable and responsible Pumi breeders on Puppy Hero. We’ve done all the homework for you and shortlisted the best breeders of Pumik so you can bring home an adorable, happy, healthy puppy with complete peace of mind.
