The Pumi (pronounced “poo-mee”) hails from Hungary, where it evolved as a distinct breed around the 18th century. Originally bred by crossing the Puli with Western European terriers and herding dogs, the Pumi was developed to bring out terrier-like traits—namely agility, alertness, and a vocal nature—while maintaining the Puli’s working ability.
Unlike the Puli, which was used mostly for large flock herding, the Pumi was favored for working in tight spaces and handling sheep, cattle, and even pigs in close quarters. The breed’s expressive ears, lively attitude, and compact, curly-coated body made it instantly recognizable in Hungary’s agricultural regions.
The Hungarian Kennel Club recognized the breed in the early 20th century, and it was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2016 as part of the Herding Group.
Though still relatively rare outside of Europe, the Pumi has been growing in popularity thanks to its expressive face, clownish personality, and skill in dog sports. Its agility and intelligence make it a star in agility trials, obedience, and herding competitions.
Breed enthusiasts appreciate the Pumi for being a great balance of working dog and companion, especially for active families and experienced owners.
The Pumi is a medium-small, square-built dog with a distinctive curly, dense coat and upright, semi-erect ears that give it a perpetually curious expression. It carries itself with an elegant yet energetic posture.
• Height: 15–18.5 inches (38–47 cm)
• Weight: 22–29 pounds (10–13 kg)
• Build: Compact and athletic
• Coat: Medium length, wavy or corkscrew curls, non-shedding
• Colors: Gray (most common), black, white, fawn, or combinations
• Eyes: Oval-shaped, dark, and intelligent
• Tail: Curled over the back
The coat requires regular grooming to maintain its natural corkscrew texture and prevent matting, though it sheds very little.
The Pumi is a highly active, vocal, and intelligent breed with a strong work ethic and expressive personality. It loves to be involved in everything its human does.
• Energetic: Needs vigorous daily exercise
• Vocal: Known for frequent barking, especially when alert or excited
• Trainable: Learns quickly but may be opinionated—requires confident handling
• Loyal: Bonds deeply with its family and is often reserved with strangers
• Agile: Naturally athletic, excels in sports like agility, flyball, and herding trials
Pumik enjoy solving problems and participating in activities that stimulate both their minds and bodies.
If you’re looking for a clever, energetic, and comical dog that will never be far from your side, the Pumi might be a great fit. It's a breed that thrives on structure, fun, and companionship.
Best suited for:
• Active individuals and families
• Experienced dog owners
• Agility and dog sport competitors
• Homes that can handle a talkative companion
• Exercise: Needs 60–90 minutes of activity each day—long walks, play, or sport
• Training: Responds well to positive reinforcement; early socialization is key
• Grooming: Coat should be combed every 3–4 weeks and may be trimmed to maintain its shape; bathe sparingly to retain curl
• Living Environment: Adaptable but does best in homes with room to move and people to interact with
The Pumi is a generally healthy and long-lived breed but may be predisposed to a few genetic conditions:
• Hip dysplasia
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Patellar luxation
• Primary lens luxation (PLL)
Choose a breeder who performs health screenings.
Average lifespan: 12–15 years
• Puli: Also Hungarian and curly-coated but more densely corded and calmer; the Pumi is more alert and terrier-like.
• Miniature Schnauzer: Both are small, alert, and expressive, but the Pumi is more agile and has a curlier coat.
• Border Collie: Similar energy and intelligence levels, but the Pumi is more vocal and slightly easier to manage in smaller spaces.
Choose a Pumi if you're ready for a dog that is always ready for action, laughs, and loyalty. They do best in homes that offer a job, consistent interaction, and daily activity. Without it, they may become noisy or mischievous.
The Pumi is not ideal for:
• Sedentary lifestyles
• Owners unprepared for a talkative dog
• First-time dog owners with no herding dog experience
Reputable breeders and breed-specific rescue groups are the best routes to finding a healthy, well-adjusted Pumi. United Pet Club supports responsible dog ownership with microchip services, personalized care tools, pet passports, and exclusive discounts for active dogs like the Pumi.