Many people are on the lookout for new and interesting dog breeds. Sometimes, these dog breeds may seem new but have been established for a long time. The resurgence of interest can help bolster a breed’s popularity.
If you’re looking for a dog that is on the smaller side, but with huge personality, look to the pumi dog breeds. These breeds have been around for a long time. Many owners have been pleased with their energy and intelligence. Read below to find out more about the pumi dog breeds.
Pumi Dog Breeds History
There are actually three pumi dog breeds that are interlinked. These breeds are the mudi, the puli and the pumi.
The pumi’s ancestor, the puli, can be traced back to around 800 A.D. The puli is an ancient dog breed from Hungary. The puli can also trace its roots back to Tibet and China.
While the puli is the oldest ancestor, it was only within the last three or four hundred years that the puli was breed with Western European herding dogs and terriers. This breeding led to what we know today as the pumi. The pumi was a popular breed in the 18th century when many Merino sheep were imported into Hungary. They were dogs that would watch the flock and maintain order.
For a long time, people only considered the pumi a regional variant of the puli. This changed in the beginning of the 20th century. People began to standardize the two different breeds, and in 2016 the pumi received full American Kennel Club status.
Physical Traits
The pumi is a medium sized dog that is very energetic. Males weigh from 27 to 29 pounds and stand 16 to18 inches tall. The females weigh 22 to 24 pounds and stand 15 to 17 inches.
Usually very alert, the pumi is energetic and agile. It was bred for the farm. Pumi would herd cattle, sheep and pigs. This leads to a dog that is very comfortable with other domesticated animals and would love taking orders from its master.
Lively and intelligent, the pumi has a coat that is a combination of both wavy and curly hair. Its fur forms corkscrews or curls over the entirety of its body. The pumi has little undercoat which leads to a combination of coarse and soft fur.
The pumi is a muscular dog that is ready for any adventure. It’s also a very loyal dog that keeps a close eye on their family to make sure everyone is safe.
Pumi Health Traits
Pumi dog breeds have a typical lifespan for a dog if this size, which ranges from 12 to 14 years.
While pumi’s can live long, healthy lives, they should be watched for certain issues.
Hip Dysplasia
This can happen when the hip socket of a dog is not formed correctly. This problem causes pain and can be a serious concern. It’s also painful for the dog.
If your dog is showing decreased activity, decreased range of motion, loss of thigh muscle mass or even more of a hop or skip in their step, this could be a sign of canine hip dysplasia.
Degenerative Myelopathy
This disease is similar to ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in humans. With canine DM, the white matter of the spinal cord begins to degenerate. This leads to difficulty sending and receiving information within the dog’s body.
Symptoms include loss of coordination, unsteady walking, weakness and loss of continence.
Primary Lens Luxation
This inherited condition can be painful and lead to blindness. It’s caused by the fibers that support the eye’s lens breaking down.
Elbow Dysplasia
Just like with hip dysplasia, this occurs when the dogs elbow joint is not correctly formed. It can lead to pain and can even cause the dog not to use that paw. There is no cure, but the symptoms can be treated with pain medications.
While you cannot be sure if your pumi will or will not develop any issues, you should talk to your breeder and your veterinarian about these problems.
Grooming a Pumi
The pumi does not shed, but it will need regular brushing to maintain its coat. Be sure to comb out any knots or places where the fur has become matted. The pumi’s coat can also attract things from outside, like sticks or leaves. Be sure to brush this out to keep your pumi looking great.
When you bath your pumi, be sure to let its fur dry naturally to maintain its curly, wavy nature. Do not use a hair dryer on a pumi because it will remove the dog’s natural curls.
Pumi Dog Breed’s Temperament
The pumi is a very lively and intelligent breed. They are incredibly energetic and will need exercise every day.
They have a tremendous ability to work hard, but they also like to cuddle up and stay warm at the end of the night. While they like to snuggle, pumi do not usually pick a “favorite” family member. They are willing to have fun with any member of the family.
Pumi’s are also a herding dog, so they may be prone to nipping at ankles or pant legs to get attention. This can be diffused by showing your pumi a more desired behavior and positively reinforcing that behavior.
Pumi loves living with other pets, as well. As long as the other pet keeps things orderly and is not too pushy, they may happily cohabitate. Though, because pumi are great hunters, it might be best to keep small pets like hamsters or mice away.
Final Thoughts
The pumi is not an especially well-known breed but can be an incredible companion. They love to be stimulated both physically with exercise and mentally with training. They love order, which means they’ll quickly learn where they fit in with your family.
If you have an active family that is looking for a smart and eager companion, the pumi might be your next dog breed.