Also called Hungarian Pumi, Hungarian herding terrier · Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs · Hungary
A lively, always-on-the-move dog with a cheeky, expressive face.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8 to 15 kg (18 to 33 lb)males 10 to 15 kg, females 8 to 13 kg1 |
| Height | 38 to 47 cm (15 to 19 in)males 41 to 47 cm, females 38 to 44 cm1 |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years23 |
| Coat | Wavy, curly double coat |
| Origin | Hungary, developed in the 17th and 18th centuries.12 |
| Group | Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (FCI group 1) |
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
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
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pumi. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Needs up to an hour of exercise a day and enjoys herding, agility, obedience and other dog sports.32
Can live in a small house in town or country as long as it gets activity and mental work.3
Enjoys being an active family member and sporting partner; it thrives with regular training and shared activities.12
Weekly grooming keeps the curls in order; the coat should stay curly rather than being brushed out flat.31
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
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
Pet Wiki'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
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. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days.31
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
Your Pumi needs up to an hour of exercise each day. It enjoys herding, agility, obedience, and other dog sports. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep it happy and healthy.32
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
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
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
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.
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Pumi. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Abnormal development of the hip joint that can lead to stiffness and arthritis; breeders hip-score their dogs. Royal Kennel Club strongly recommends BVA/KC hip scoring for the breed; Wikipedia lists it ↗
Faulty development of the elbow joint that can cause lameness; breeders have elbows graded. Royal Kennel Club strongly recommends BVA/KC elbow grading ↗
The kneecap can slip out of place, causing a skipping gait. Wikipedia breed article ↗
A slowly progressive spinal cord disease of older dogs; a DNA test is available. Wikipedia breed article ↗
An inherited eye condition in which the lens slips out of place, which can cause glaucoma; a DNA test is available. Wikipedia breed article ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
Running costs for a Pumi, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
| Foodabout 60 kg of dry food a year | 197 GBP ↗ |
|---|---|
| Routine vet care | 345 GBP ↗ |
| Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age | 384 GBP ↗ |
| Dog tax | 0 GBP ↗ |
| Licence and registration | 12 GBP ↗ |
| Grooming6 salon visits a year | 330 GBP ↗ |
| Gear to start | 531 GBP ↗ |
| Microchip and registration | 26 GBP ↗ |
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Pumi in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
See the rules and sources for every country
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
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
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
No one knows for sure where the name Pumi comes from. It may come from Puli, since the two names were used for the same dogs for a long time depending on the region. Another widely held theory, from Otto Herman, links it to 'pommern', a short name for the Pomeranian spitz.2
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.
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
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Puli
Mudi
Croatian Sheepdog
Lagotto Romagnolo