Meet the Pumi: The Herding World’s Best-Kept Secret

The charming, versatile Pumi is one of the herding world’s best-kept secrets.

Everyone knows the German Shepherd, the Australian Shepherd and the Collie, but herding dog aficionados looking for something a little different will fall in love with the wonderfully unique Pumi.

With its trademark bunny rabbit ears, curly coat and plumed tail curved over its back, the Pumi is like no other breed. Once you see this animated, cheerful dog bouncing and bounding across a field, you will know you are in the presence of something magical.

Although still rare in North America, the Pumi has been known in its native Hungary since the 1600s and 1700s. The Pumi is closely related to the better-known Puli, and was fully established by the early century. An official breed standard was developed in 1935.

The Pumi was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996 and by the American Kennel Club in 2011. The breed is currently part of the AKC Miscellaneous Class, but is set to become a member of the Herding Group in 2016.

Herding Style

Pumik (the plural of Pumi) are adept and vigorous little herding dogs. The breed’s herding style is loose-eyed and close-working. They use barking and quick movement to control livestock. Pumik can do very well in herding trials.

They are also quite versatile, excelling in other dog sports like agility and flyball - thanks to their high intelligence, seemingly endless energy, and love of jumping, running and climbing.

Although the Pumi is happy and eager to work all day, it isn’t as intense or obsessive as some other herding breeds. A Pumi is always up for a good game of fetch with a ball or Frisbee, and fits in best with an active family that can provide the dog with enough exercise and work.

Size, Colors and Coat

The Goldilocks of herding breeds, the Pumi is not too big and not too small. They are muscular but lean, and extremely athletic. Males are ideally 16 to 18.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh about 27 to 29 pounds. Females are slightly smaller (15 to 17.5 inches and 22 to 24 pounds).

The Pumi may be black, white, gray or fawn (varying shade from cream to red), and the coat should have a natural appearance. When allowed to air-dry, the coat develops the desired curls and corkscrews. The Pumi does not shed, but the double coat should be brushed out at least every two weeks and groomed about every three months.

Article By:
Jackie Brown