Featured Breed – Pumi

History

According to VetStreet, the Pumi is a Hungarian herding breed thought to have originated around 300 years ago when the Puli (a different breed) was crossed with herding dogs from France and Germany. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the Pumi was recognized as a distinct breed.

The Pumi was used to herd goats, sheep and cattle. According to K9Magazine, livestock was typically kept in the village at night and driven to pasture for the day, so the Hungarians needed a dog to work close in and drive livestock to and from pastures.

Looks

A medium-sized dog, the Pumi has a unique coat that comes in black, white, gray or fawn and has erect ears with drooping tips and a high-set tail.

The Pumi’s coat is a combination of wavy and curly hair, forming corkscrews or curls. There’s an even mixture of harsh hair and a softer undercoat.

Personality

The Pumi is an amusing and fun-loving companion for just about anyone. While the breed is a working dog and needs daily activity, it’s also known to enjoy some down time. They are adaptable to their environment, so raising them in a small home or even apartment, provided they get enough exercise, shouldn’t be a problem.

If you’re interested in sports, the Pumi is an ideal breed to participate in agility and herding competitions. Of course, the breed will enjoy a good game of fetch or even a nice swim.

Overall, the breed is a great option for just about any individual or family.

Fun Facts

• The Pumi is a part of the Herding Group for the AKC.
• The Pumi’s country of origin is Hungary with over 2,000 registered Pumis in the 1990s.
• Today, it’s the most popular of the Hungarian herding dogs in Finland.
• They are active, lively and energetic.
• The Pumi was officially recognized by the AKC in 2016.