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Pumi Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Pumi so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
Popularity Rank162
Reviews3
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Pumi dog profile picture
OriginHungary flagHungary
Other Names
What other names does the Pumi have?
Hungarian Herding TerrierHungarian Pumi
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the Pumi Breed

Pumi Size and Weight

Size
Is a Pumi small, medium or large dog?

How big do Pumi get?

What is the average size of a Pumi?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Pumi weigh? How much should a Pumi weight? What is the normal weight of a Pumi? How much does a full-grown Pumi weight?
Male: 22–33 pounds (10-15 kg), Female: 18–29 pounds (8-13 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Pumi?
Male: 22–33 pounds (12.5 kg), Female: 18–29 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Pumi? Pumi height:
Male: 16-19 inches (41-47 cm), Female : 14-17 inches (38-44 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Pumi?
Male: 17.5 inches (44 cm), Female : 15.5 inches (41 cm)

Pumi Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Pumi puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Pumi in the United States? How much money is a Pumi?

Where to buy a Pumi with a good pedigree?

$500-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Pumi, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Pumi for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Pumi gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Pumi? How many Pumi are there in the world?
Frequent: The Pumi is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Pumi Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Pumi? Is the Pumi breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Pumi ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Pumi dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Pumi?
Pumi dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Pumi good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Pumi dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Pumi dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Pumi dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Pumi dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Pumi Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Pumi have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActiveProtectiveAlertSensitiveIntelligentLivelyRestlessReservedVocalExtremely BoldSuspicious Towards StrangersNoisy
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Pumi sensitivity:
Pumi dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. They aren't receptive to their owner's emotions and handle soft punishment quite well.

They don't mind an always changing daily routine, a hectic household, young children, a noisy or office environment, and frequent guest visits.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Pumi a good family dog?
High: Pumi dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Hungarian Herding Terrier need? Pumi social needs:
Pumi dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Pumi to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Pumi roam?
Pumi dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Pumi have high prey drive?
Pumi dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Pumi Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Pumi is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Pumi dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Hungarian Herding Terrier bark?
A lot: Pumi is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Apartment Friendly
Is Pumi good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Pumi in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Pumi indoors.

Pumi Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Pumi dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Pumi be left alone? How long can you leave a Pumi alone?
Pumi dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Pumi Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Pumi has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Pumi? How much bite force does a Pumi have? How strong is a Pumi bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Pumi bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Pumi measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Pumi is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Pumi bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Pumi bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Pumi puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Pumi, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Pumi bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Pumi can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Pumi bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Hungarian Herding Terrier? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Pumi? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Pumi has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Pumi do?
Pumi dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Pumi dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Pumi Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Pumi dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Pumis tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Pumi breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Pumi breed? Most common health risks of Pumi:
Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationElbow DysplasiaDegenerative MyelopathyPrimary Lens Luxation
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Pumi breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Pumi see the vet?
Frequent
The Pumi should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Pumi dogs live? How old can a Pumi be? What is the age limit of the Pumi? How many years can the oldest Pumi live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Pumi?

How long is the lifespan of a Pumi?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Pumi: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Pumi Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Pumi have? What is the activity level of the Pumi?
Pumi dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Pumi need? How much exercise do Pumi dogs require per day?

Do Pumi dogs need a lot of exercises?

Pumi dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Pumi breed need?
Pumi dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Pumi Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Pumi need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Pumi breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Pumi? How much food should I feed my Pumi?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Pumi risk for obesity:
Average: The Pumi has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Pumi weight regularly.

Pumi Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Pumi have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
WiryDenseCurlyWavy
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Pumi coats?
Black White Grey in various shades (normally, the colour at birth is black, turning grey with time)Fawn. Primary colours: red, yellow, cream (a trace of black or grey and a distinct mask are desirable).A white mark on the chest less than 3 cm in diameter and/or a white line on the toes are not faulty. The coat colour must always be intense and solid.
Grooming
How to groom the Pumi and how often? How often should I take my Pumi to the groomer?
Average: The Pumi requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Pumi, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Pumi dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Hungarian Herding Terrier? Do Pumi dogs shed a lot?
Pumi dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Pumi need a bath? How often should you give a Pumi a bath? Can I bathe my Pumi every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Pumi breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Pumi dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Pumi has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Pumi drool?
The Pumi is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Pumi Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Pumi dogs get along with other pets? Are Pumi dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Pumi dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Pumi temperament with other people:
Pumi dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Pumi dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Pumi temperament with children:
Pumi dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Pumi dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Pumi breed live with a cat?
Pumi dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Pumi good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Pumi dogs get along with other dogs?
Pumi dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Pumi breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Pumi breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Pumi dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Pumi dogs good office canines? Do Pumi dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Pumi is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Pumi dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Hungarian Herding Terrier temperament with senior people? Are Pumi dogs good for elderly owners?
Pumis are usually recommended for elderly people.

Pumi As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Pumi be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Pumi is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Pumi be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Pumi be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Pumi is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Pumi be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Pumi is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Pumi be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Pumi is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Pumi be a boat dog?

Not really

Pumi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Pumi be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Pumi is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Pumi dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Pumi Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Pumi pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Pumi breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Pumi: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
If you want to contact a reputed breeder, here are our suggestions: Pumi Club of Hungary
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Pumi have in a litter? How many puppies can the Pumi breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Pumi have? How many puppies can a Pumi give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Pumi Recognition

AKC Group
Is Pumi recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2016 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Is Pumi recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Pumi breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubFoundation Stock Service

Pumi Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Pumi dogs are easy to train.
  • Hypoallergenic: Pumi dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Watchdog Ability: Pumi dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Pumi dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Pumi dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Pumis are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Pumi dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Pumis tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Mouthiness: Pumi dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Pumi dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Pumi dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Pumi is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Pumi History

Pumi is a sheepdog from the herding breed closely related to the long-haired, but more well-known Puli, both originating from the Central-European country, Hungary. Pumis were bred to guard and to shepherd the cattle and the sheep. The development of the breed is probably can be traced back to the Tsang Apso (the Tibetan Terrier). The breed is an ancient one, regarding the fact that it was introduced during the migration of the Hungarian people from Central Asia more than 1100 years ago. The ancestral Hungarian sheepdog appears to have been brought to the west during the migration from the Ural-Altay regions around 800 AD.

Others suggest that the Pumi is a result of a later crossbreeding of French and German sheepdogs, such as the Briard, Pomeranians, the Spitz, and several other varieties of terriers during the 17th and the 18th century. The breed evolved spontaneously and was not the result of a well-planned breeding process. In the 18th century, a lot of Merino sheep were imported to Hungary, with small Pyrenean Mountain Dogs that was also a major contribution to the development of the Pumi with their signature short and curly coats.

The first drawing representing a Pumi is from 1815, from Hungary, where the dog was portrayed while working on the fields with sheep. The founder of the Hungarian Academy of Science (MTA), Count István Széchenyi was the first to initiate the breeding of pedigree dogs in Hungary. During the late 19th century, within the Austro-Hungarian empire, breeding of native Hungarian dogs was discouraged. In spite of that, in the early 20th century, more precisely in 1902, the first distinction between the Puli and the Pumi was published because Hungarians started to separate their herding dogs into various breeds. In the 1910s controlled and well-planned breeding began, yet many large herds and their dogs were lost during the First World War, and later the subsequent division of Hungary. Later the geographic separation of Hungarian breeds became clearer within borders, the Puli was common on the east Hungarian plains, the Pumi in the hills of West Hungary.

In 1921, a breed standard was created for the Pumi by Dr. Emil Raitsits, who referred to the Pumi as a “sheepdog terrier”. The breed's population rose between the two world wars, with 130 dogs registered in 1924. Also, around that time, the breed entered into both national and international dog shows as working dogs. Being a fancier of the breed, Dr. Raitsits was determined to preserve the breed’s typical terrier qualities and behaviors. In 1927 the breed Puli and Pumi were officially separated and the Pumi standard drawn by Dr. Raitsits was approved by the FCI in 1935. The FCI also gave the Pumi its official scientific name in Latin after Dr. Raitsits.

After the Second World War breeding became possible again. The Pumi was first introduced to the Scandinavian region in 1972 when the breed was exported to Finland, where even to this day the Pumi is one of the most popular herding dogs. They also conquered Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, and in the early 1990s even the United States.

The Hungarian government named the Pumi as one of its eight indigenous dog breeds in 2016 and also created a gene bank to preserve the breed’s true and unique characteristics.

Rate The Pumi Breed

Pumi Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Pumi Owner

    Jan 8, 2023, 9:58:01 PM:

    I'm a first time dog owner and I love my pumi. He is a bit reactive towards other dogs tho since he's so curious and playful. So social training as a puppy is very important.

  • Poppy or another Pumi owner

    Mar 10, 2022, 6:53:22 AM:

    Pumi's are great dogs but really they are not for first time owners they are also very stubborn

  • Pumi Owner

    Jan 26, 2021, 12:10:31 AM:

    Who wrote this article? Do you actually own a Pumi? No one in their right mind who owns a Pumi would call it "easy going." Or "good for first time owners." This is a high-drive sheep herding dog that needs regular (and constant) exercise.