¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
- The Pumi is a Hungarian herding dog of terrier type, not a terrier breed. It was used to herd and manage both sheep and larger livestock, and also has a history as a farm dog and vermin controller.
- Males should measure 41–47 cm and weigh 10–15 kg; the ideal is 43–45 cm and 12–13 kg. Females should measure 38–44 cm and weigh 8–13 kg; the ideal is 40–42 cm and 10–11 kg.
- The ears are upright at the base, but the upper third should tip forwards. Completely erect ears are therefore not the correct breed ideal.
- The Pumi is very lively, bold, keen to work and often vocal. It may be reserved with strangers, but shyness is not typical according to the breed standard.
- The coat is wavy or curly, forms resilient curls and consists of harsh but not coarse topcoat with a soft undercoat. A small amount of loose hair does not make the breed safe for someone with allergies.
- The breed suits someone who wants to train regularly, can teach the dog to switch between activity and rest, and is prepared to work thoughtfully on barking, socialisation and health screening.
¶Appearance & Coat
The Pumi should be medium-sized, lean, well-muscled and square. Its body length should equal its height at the withers. The head is relatively long and narrow, with an elongated but not pointed muzzle. The dark brown eyes are oval and set slightly obliquely. The upright base and forward-tipping upper third of the ears give the breed its distinctive expression. The ears are very mobile and track what is happening around the dog.
The tail is set high and forms a wide circle over the croup. A naturally short tail and docking are not permitted under the FCI standard. A tail that normally hangs down or is carried in several entirely different ways is therefore inconsistent with the breed ideal.
The coat averages 4–7 cm in length and should form smaller or larger wavy or curly tufts. It must not be smooth or corded. The topcoat should be strong but not coarse, while the undercoat is soft. The eyes and foreface should be free from long hair.
Permitted colours are intense, solid grey, black, fawn or white. Grey dogs are usually born black and lighten over time. A white patch on the chest measuring less than 3 cm across and a white line on the toes are permitted, but a parti-coloured or chocolate coat is a disqualifying fault.
Let the comb and the condition of the skin determine the grooming schedule. Work through the coat from the skin, paying particular attention behind the ears, in the armpits and groin, and beneath a harness or collar. Deal with tangles before they pull on the skin, and bathe the dog when the coat is dirty. Lightly dampen the coat after combing and allow it to air-dry so that the curls reform. Introduce a puppy gradually to combing, paw handling and standing still.
For the traditional show presentation, the standard calls for hand trimming with only minor scissor corrections on the head and legs; shaping the whole coat with scissors is undesirable. A companion dog's practical trim need not copy a show dog's, but choose a groomer who understands the double, curly coat and can keep the skin free from matting.
¶Temperament & Personality
The Pumi should be lively, bold, attentive and always ready for action. The FCI describes the breed as somewhat suspicious of strangers and rather noisy. The same standard says that shy or phlegmatic behaviour is untypical. The fact that the breed can be reserved should therefore not be used to excuse persistent fear, threatening behaviour or uncontrolled barking.
The Pumi reacts quickly, which is a major advantage in herding and dog sports but also needs managing in everyday life. The dog may notice movement, sounds and changes immediately, and learn both desirable and undesirable behaviours just as quickly. How sociable, vocal or easily stressed an individual becomes is influenced by inheritance, early experiences, environment and training.
Meet the dam and, if possible, several adult relatives. Watch how they greet an unfamiliar person, respond to sudden sounds and settle again after play or excitement. Ask how full siblings and earlier offspring cope in new places, with physical handling and when meeting dogs. Older Swedish MH and BPH behaviour-assessment data may reveal historical patterns, but cannot predict how a particular puppy will develop.
¶Training & Exercise
The Pumi needs physical activity, scent work, problem-solving, cooperation and recovery every day, but no fixed number of hours suits every dog. An adult may enjoy walks over varied ground, tracking, search games, obedience, rally obedience, agility or herding. Adjust the amount to the dog's age, health and fitness, and to how well it can settle afterwards.
Prioritise skills that help the dog cope with speed, distractions and barking without conflict:
- walking on a loose lead and turning calmly away from distractions
- recall that is first practised in safe, controlled surroundings
- watching people, dogs and movement without immediately barking or lunging
- a cue to leave a window, door or fence and reconnect with the handler
- a clearly defined resting place and the ability to sleep after activity
- cooperative handling of the coat, paws, mouth, ears and eyes
Reward-based training provides clear information without unnecessary conflict. Food, play, sniffing, increased distance and access to an activity can all be used as rewards. Keep sessions short while the dog is focused, and include breaks before arousal rises too far.
More activity is not always the answer to barking or restlessness. If the dog becomes faster and noisier and finds it harder to sleep after every session, it may need simpler tasks, fewer stimuli and longer recovery. Puppies and young dogs should move freely at their own pace over varied surfaces, but should not be subjected to long runs or numerous repeated jumps. Lameness, stiffness or reluctance to move should be assessed by a vet.
¶Health
In Sweden, both parents of a Pumi litter must have an official hip dysplasia result before mating. This means that a result must be recorded; it does not automatically mean that every parent must have an HD grade of A or B. The Pumi is not covered by the stricter breed rule that prohibits all breeding from dogs with HD.
The Swedish Kennel Club's general rules still apply: a dog graded HD E must not be bred from, a dog graded HD D may only be paired with one graded A or B, and a dog with clinical signs of HD must not be bred from regardless of grade. The breed-specific breeding strategy from 2017 states that A or B is desirable, and that a dog graded C should only be used after careful consideration of what it contributes to the breed. Ask for the exact grades and examination dates, as well as hip results from close relatives.
The same 2017 strategy recommends examinations of the kneecaps, eyes and elbows to improve knowledge within the breed, but these are not mandatory breed conditions under the 2026 Swedish registration rules. Ask which examinations have actually been carried out and request the results rather than accepting a broad claim that ‘all tests are clear’.
Primary lens luxation, PLL, has been documented in Swedish breed health records. The DNA test can show whether a dog is clear, a carrier or has two copies of the tested variant. The condition is inherited recessively, so a carrier may be mated to a genetically clear dog but not to another carrier if puppies with two copies are to be avoided. Red or painful eyes and sudden changes in vision require prompt veterinary attention because lens luxation can lead to glaucoma and sight loss.
Degenerative myelopathy, DM, is included in the American breed club's testing programme, but is not a Swedish registration requirement. A DM result showing two copies of the risk variant means increased risk; it does not mean that the dog has the disease or will certainly develop it. DM is diagnosed by excluding other causes of neurological signs, and the DNA result is only one part of the assessment.
The Swedish health survey used for the 2017 breeding strategy reported recurring skin problems and allergies. The information is self-reported and dated, but it gives buyers a reason to ask about diagnosed itching, hair loss and recurring skin or ear problems in the parents, siblings and earlier offspring. The material is not sufficient to state how common these problems are in the breed today.
¶History & Origins
The Pumi was developed in Hungary during the 17th and 18th centuries through crosses between the Puli and imported German and French dogs of terrier type with erect ears. The FCI classifies it as a herding dog of terrier type, not as a terrier breed. It became recognised as a separate breed in the early 20th century.
The work called for a quick, bold and vocal dog that could herd sheep and larger livestock and move close to stock without being heavy or slow. The standard also mentions a well-developed sense of smell and historical use against vermin and predators. This is documented background, but it does not mean that every modern Pumi automatically has the same working ability or is suited to a particular task.
The first Pumi arrived in Sweden from Finland in the late 1970s. The first Swedish litter was registered in 1980 and the next in 1984. Later imports, particularly from Finland and Hungary, have contributed to the Swedish population.
¶Living with the Breed
A Pumi can live in a flat if its owner can provide activity, rest and thoughtful training around barking and sounds. The breed's tendency to notice and bark at noises means that layout, neighbours, shared stairwells and the view from windows can matter more than the size of the home. A garden does not replace walks or training and may increase barking if the dog is allowed to patrol without guidance.
Active adult supervision is essential around children. Fast movement and loud sounds can raise the dog's level of excitement, but it should not be assumed that every Pumi will try to herd or nip children. Instead, teach both dog and children to take calm breaks, protect the dog's food and resting place, and end play before anyone becomes overexcited.
Living with other dogs, cats and small animals must be assessed individually. Introduce dogs calmly and provide cats with dog-free areas, high resting places and escape routes. Prevent chasing from the start. Early familiarity may help, but it does not replace supervision or knowledge of how the dog's adult relatives behave.
Begin alone-time training with very short periods, increasing them only when the dog can eat, rest and settle again. Persistent barking, restless pacing, destructive behaviour or refusing food indicate that the step is too difficult, not that the dog is being stubborn.
A first-time owner can succeed if they enjoy regular training and can obtain support from the breeder and a knowledgeable instructor. Check the parents' official HD status and grades, ask about patellas, eyes, elbows, PLL, skin and temperament, and request the actual results. Choose a puppy on the basis of how the adult dogs cope and settle in everyday life, not just their expressive ears or curly coats.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Aggressiveness | 2/5 |
| Child Friendly | 4/5 |
| Energy | 4/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 1/5 |
| Health | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 4/5 |
| Learning Ability | 4/5 |
| Barking Level | 4/5 |
| Height | 38 – 47 cm |
| Weight | 8 – 15 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 14 years |
¶Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of temperament does a Pumi have around family and strangers?
This breed is typically lively, alert and very people focused with its own family, often forming a close bond with one primary person. With strangers it tends to be reserved and vocal until properly introduced. Many are watchful and quick to sound the alarm, but should not be aggressive when well socialized.
How much exercise does a Pumi need each day?
This is a high energy herding dog that usually needs at least 60 to 90 minutes of physical exercise daily along with focused mental work. Fast paced walks, off leash running in safe areas, herding, agility or other dog sports suit it well. Without enough structured activity it can become noisy, restless or destructive.
How do you care for the Pumi’s curly coat and prevent matting?
The coat is a combination of wavy and curly hair that naturally forms loose corkscrews if maintained correctly. It should be combed through every week or two to the skin, then allowed to curl back up, and trimmed a few times a year to keep a tidy outline. Frequent brushing out to a fluff or close clipping will alter the typical look, so many owners work with a groomer who understands the breed.
Is a Pumi a good choice for apartment living?
It can adapt to an apartment if its high exercise and training needs are met very consistently. The breed is naturally vocal and reactive to sounds in the hallway or outside, which can be challenging in close quarters. Good sound management, daily intense activity and clear training around barking are important in a small home.
Are Pumik (Pumis) usually noisy, and can barkiness be managed?
They were developed as alert, quick reacting herding dogs, so vocal behavior comes naturally. Many will bark at movement, new noises or visitors unless guided from a young age. Early training that rewards quiet behavior, plus adequate exercise and mental work, can greatly reduce nuisance barking but rarely eliminates it entirely.
What health issues are most common in the Pumi?
Overall this is a relatively robust breed, but there is increased risk for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and some eye diseases such as primary lens luxation. Degenerative myelopathy and certain hereditary heart conditions may also be screened for in responsible breeding programs. Choosing a breeder who health tests parents and keeping a lean body weight are key preventive steps.
How well does a Pumi get along with children and other dogs?
Most individuals are playful and affectionate with respectful, dog savvy children, though their herding instinct may lead them to nudge or heel kids that run. They can live well with other dogs, especially if raised with them, but tend to be energetic and intense in play. Early socialization and supervision around small, fast moving pets are advised due to the chase and herding drive.
What kind of training works best for such a smart and intense herding breed?
This is a highly intelligent, quick learning dog that responds best to positive reinforcement, short sessions and plenty of variety. It can be sensitive and may shut down with harsh corrections, yet also becomes bored if work is too repetitive or easy. Activities that use both body and mind, such as agility, tricks, obedience or scent work, help channel its drive productively.
Is the Pumi hypoallergenic and how much does it shed?
The coat sheds very little compared with many breeds, and shed hair often becomes trapped in the curls rather than falling out. Some allergy sufferers find they tolerate the breed better than average, but no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Regular grooming and bathing help reduce dander and loose hair in the home.
What are the typical size and body structure of a Pumi, and how does that affect its activity needs?
Most adults are medium small, with a lean, squarely built body and a high set, curled tail that reflects their agility and endurance as herding dogs. Their light, springy movement and strong rear end are designed for quick turns and long days in the field. This structure supports vigorous activities such as agility, hiking and herding, and explains why they need more exercise than many similar sized dogs.¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Pumi with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
