Herding group
Pumi
A curly, whimsical Hungarian herder — always alert, always busy.
Pumis are lively, curly-coated herding dogs from Hungary with distinctive semi-erect ears. They are clever, energetic and loyal, but vocal and in need of lots of activity.
- Height
- 15–18.5 in38–47 cm
- Weight
- 22–29 lb10–13 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–13 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Herding
- Origin
- Hungary
Coat: Wavy to curly coat forming corkscrew curls; low shedding. Colours: Grey, Black, Fawn, White.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Pumis are spirited, curious and affectionate. They bond closely with their families and love to work and play.
They are alert and vocal, often wary of strangers, and need daily physical and mental exercise to stay settled.
Living with a Pumi
Exercise
Needs 90 minutes or more of vigorous daily exercise and mental work.
Grooming
Comb every few weeks and trim every few months to keep the curly shape. Low shedding.
Training
Very trainable and eager; keep training varied. Teach a quiet cue.
Kids & other pets
Loyal with their family and good with considerate children. Wary of strangers.
Time alone
Needs company and activity; boredom quickly leads to barking. Provide exercise and puzzles before absences.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Pumi right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Pumi matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Pumi typically lives 12–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps occasionally occur.
Degenerative myelopathy
A progressive spinal disease; a DNA test identifies at-risk dogs.
Primary lens luxation
The lens dislocates, causing pain and glaucoma; a DNA test is available.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Patella evaluation
- Eye examination
- DNA tests: degenerative myelopathy and primary lens luxation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Pumi; Hungarian Pumi Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Pumis developed in 17th- and 18th-century Hungary, probably from Pulik crossed with German and French herding terriers. They herded cattle, sheep and pigs.
The Pumi was recognised as a distinct breed in Hungary in the early 1900s and by the AKC in 2016.
Did you know?
- Pumis have distinctive ears that stand up with the tips folded forward.
- The Pumi is one of Hungary’s three native herding breeds.
- Pumis are sometimes described as “always on alert”.
Library guides for Pumi owners
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Dog Road Work
Structured conditioning for high-stamina dogs.
Exercise & Play
Hide and Seek
Brain work that tires busy minds.
Training
Place / Go to Mat
Teaching a settle helps dogs that struggle to switch off.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Pumi.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Pumis good family dogs?
- Yes, for very active families.
- Do Pumis shed?
- Very little.
- Do Pumis bark a lot?
- Yes, they are vocal watchdogs.