Pet Wiki

Pumi

Also called Hungarian Pumi, Hungarian herding terrier

Recognised breedFCI group 1Short profile

From Hungary, developed in the 17th and 18th centuries.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male10 to 15 kg1
Weight, female8 to 13 kg1
Height, male41 to 47 cm1
Height, female38 to 44 cm1
Lifespan12 to 14 years23
Sizemedium

FCI figures; ideal 12-13 kg for males and 10-11 kg for females.

Bold and full of energy
Clever and easy to train
Playful 'clown' personality
142

Coat and looks how to spot one

wavy, curly double coat

A square, springy herder with a long narrow head and upright ears whose tips fold forward. Its 4-7 cm coat forms corkscrew curls that are never flat or corded, combining a springy outer layer with a soft undercoat.14

Coloursgrey (various shades)blackfawnwhite12

Personality what they are like

A lively, always-on-the-move dog with a cheeky, expressive face. It is brave, quick-witted and chatty, stays playful well into adulthood, and can be a little reserved with strangers.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs up to an hour of exercise a day and enjoys herding, agility, obedience and other dog sports.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Weekly grooming keeps the curls in order; the coat should stay curly rather than being brushed out flat.31

Home where they are happiest

Can live in a small house in town or country as long as it gets activity and mental work.3

Company who they like around

Enjoys being an active family member and sporting partner; it thrives with regular training and shared activities.12

The story where it all began

The Pumi grew from crosses between the Hungarian Puli and prick-eared German and French terrier-type dogs in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was long treated as a regional Puli type until Emil Raitsitz separated the two breeds around 1920-21.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name 'Pumi' is recorded as early as 1815.2

  2. 2

    Pumi puppies usually start turning grey at around 6-8 weeks of age.2

  3. 3

    The FCI standard says every part of a Pumi's body seems constantly on the move.1

  4. 4

    In Hungary the breed is nicknamed 'the clown'.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Pumi' is derived from the Hungarian word 'pumi,' meaning 'little shepherd dog' or 'herding terrier,' reflecting its role as a herding dog of terrier type.2

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

CsibészPöttyPusziBambaCicikeVidámFickóSassyZippyBreezyGigglesRascal

A day in the life told by a Pumi

I woke up with a yip, ready to stir up fun. I dashed around the yard, barking at leaves and chasing my tail like it was a new game. Mom laughed at my silly face. I helped with the morning chores by tripping over the broom. At the park, I bossed the other dogs and did a happy dance for a thrown stick. Home again, I chattered to anyone who'd listen, then dozed off with a grin.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 56, Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs; standard dated 13.09.2000. Wikipedia gives 1935 for FCI approval of the breed standard.1
AKC
Herding Group; entered Miscellaneous class 1 January 2011 and full recognition 1 July 2016, per Wikipedia.2
The Royal Kennel Club
Pastoral group, listed as Hungarian Pumi; recognised in 2015.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pumi. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Pumi tip

For a Pumi, choose low-calorie, high-protein treats and keep them small, as they are eager learners and respond well to positive reinforcement. Since they can be prone to weight gain and sensitive stomachs, stick to lean, vet-approved options and count treats toward their daily calorie allowance.

Source: petmd.com purina.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Pumi, and at what times?

Feed your adult Pumi at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps digestion, so choose set times that work for you. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should a Pumi eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Pumi's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw meat or bones. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.6

How often should I bathe a Pumi?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, which is about every two months. General guidance says at least once every three months, but you can bathe more often if your Pumi gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Pumi need brushing?

Brush your Pumi weekly to keep its curly coat in good shape. The coat should stay curly rather than brushed out flat, so use a slicker brush or comb gently. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days.31 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Pumi's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Pumi need?

Your Pumi needs up to an hour of exercise each day. It enjoys herding, agility, obedience, and other dog sports. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play to keep it happy and healthy.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Pumi's teeth and ears?

Brush your Pumi's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and gently dry them if needed. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Pumi live?

A Pumi typically lives between 12 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, your Pumi can enjoy a long, happy life.23

Is a Pumi good with children and other pets?

The Pumi is a lively, playful dog that stays playful into adulthood and enjoys being an active family member. It can be a little reserved with strangers, so early socialization with children and other pets is important. With proper training, it can be a wonderful companion.12

Can a Pumi be left alone?

The Pumi thrives on being an active part of the family and enjoys regular training and shared activities. How long it can be left alone varies by individual; it's best to ask a good breeder or your vet for advice tailored to your dog's personality.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI standard no. 56 Pumi fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Pumi dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition dates, lifespan, history, facts
  3. Hungarian Pumi - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, lifespan, exercise, grooming, home, history
  4. Pumi - AKC akc.orgused for traits, appearance
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.