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Discover everything about Pumi
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Pumi?
At a glance
Pumi overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Pumi is an agile working dog, but prospective owners should be prepared for an above-average list of mandatory health tests. The primary focus is on hereditary eye conditions such as cataracts and lens luxation, as well as joint issues like hip dysplasia (HD). While these risks can be effectively minimized when buying a puppy thanks to strict breeding regulations and mandatory testing, it is essential to take a close look at the health results of the parent dogs.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
38–47 cm
Weight
8–15 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Curly, medium length, dense undercoat
- Origin: Hungary
Typical coat colors
- Various shades of gray
- but also white
- black
- fawn are possible
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Pumi, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Pumi right for you?
The Pumi is a lightning-fast, vocal, and terrier-like Hütehund (herding dog) — bred to drive Hungarian livestock with its voice, agility, and uncompromising commitment. This explosive mix of herding genetics and terrier temperament makes him a true workaholic in a curly coat.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a real working partner for agility, dog dance, or demanding trick training — this dog will wither away with just simple walks.
- You have nerves of steel and can confidently redirect quick, impulsive reactions before he decides to act on them himself.
- You live in a rural area or a detached house where a vigilant, vocal dog won't immediately lead to neighborhood disputes.
- You have experience with reactive dogs and know how to teach a bundle of energy the vital skill of switching off.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that just tags along in a relaxed manner — he is genetically programmed to control movement and, if necessary, correct it by nipping.
- You have small children who run around unpredictably, which immediately triggers his deeply ingrained herding instinct.
- You are looking for an uncomplicated companion who greets every visitor with joy — Pumis are often suspicious and reserved toward strangers.
- You work full-time and plan to leave him alone for hours every day without intensive compensation.
The real vibes check
A Pumi is not a cute curly-haired Poodle for relaxed Sunday strolls — he is a high-revving control freak in sheep's clothing who wants to scan, evaluate, and loudly reprimand every movement in his environment. If you learn to guide this brilliant, explosive spirit, you will have the most fascinating working partner; if not, he will take over the management of your household without being asked.
Breed Profile
The Pumi is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance, characterized by its curly coat texture and large, high-set ears. The ears are half erect, giving the Pumi a constantly alert appearance. The breed belongs to FCI Group 1, herding and driving dogs. Known for his agility and ability to herd livestock, he was specifically bred to work on the Hungarian plains. Unlike some other dog breeds, Pumis have no distinction between performance and show lines; All Pumis are able to shine both as working dogs and in exhibitions.
- Height
- 38 - 44 cm (Female), 41 - 47 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 8 - 13 kg (Female), 10 - 15 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 years
- Character
- Energetic, Intelligent, Alert
- Coat
- Curly, medium length, dense undercoat
- Coat Color
- Various shades of gray, but also white, black and fawn are possible
- Price
- 1800 - 3000 €
History
The Pumi has its origins in Hungary and emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries by crossing native Hungarian herding dogs with imported dogs, especially the Puli and probably also with French and German herding dogs. The Pumi was mainly used for herding work and developed into an indispensable companion for Hungarian shepherds. He helped herd and herd sheep and cattle and was valued for his intelligence and alertness. The Pumi was officially recognized as a separate breed in 1920, but it took several more decades for it to become internationally known. In the 1970s, the breed began to spread across Europe, and in 2011 the Pumi was recognized by the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service. In 2016, the Pumi was finally recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club.
Original Use
The Pumi was created by crossing the Puli with French and German herding dogs and was used as a herding and herding dog.
Origin
Hungary
Date
1700
Character & Temperament
The Pumi's personality is as diverse as its appearance. As a herding dog, he is naturally very hard-working and needs something to do to be happy. He is an active dog with lots of energy and intelligence, and you will find that he is always ready to learn and discover new things. This makes him a fantastic partner for dog sports such as agility, obedience or even flyball. Don't forget that the Pumi was bred to be a herding dog and therefore has a strong need to work and keep busy. He can easily become overwhelmed if he doesn't receive enough mental and physical stimulation. The Pumi's temperament is more on the active side, and he is known to be a little hyperactive at times, especially as a puppy. When it comes to bonding with people, the Pumi is very people-oriented and forms close bonds with his family. He is alert and suspicious of strangers, making him a good watchdog. He is also quite playful and will love spending time with you, be it playing in the garden or exploring new places together. Because it was originally bred for herding sheep and cattle, the Pumi tends to exhibit strong herding behavior, which is sometimes confused with prey-catching behavior. It is important that you are aware of this and give him clear instructions about what he can and cannot do. Although the Pumi forms a close bond with his family, he can certainly learn to stay alone as long as he is properly prepared. It's important that you teach him that it's okay to be alone and make sure he has enough to do when you're not around. In terms of interaction with other pets, the Pumi can get along well with cats and other dogs as long as it is properly socialized from an early age. Note that due to his herding instinct, he may have a tendency to herd other animals, which can lead to conflict if not handled properly. In conclusion, the Pumi can be a wonderful addition to active families who are willing to invest the time and energy needed to keep this intelligent and energetic dog happy and well-balanced. He is best cared for in an environment where he can express himself physically and mentally and where he is viewed as a full member of the family. With proper socialization, training and employment, the Pumi is sure to become a loved and loyal companion for many years to come.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Pumi is often referred to as the “clown” among dogs? Yes, it's because of his playful character and ability to make people laugh. It will definitely bring life into your everyday life!
What Awaits You
Pumis are intelligent, barking dogs that are often reserved towards strangers. They are good guard dogs and often ready to defend themselves. Pumis need a lot of activity and training outside in the fresh air.
Housing & Care
The Pumi is suitable for both city and country life as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. He generally gets along well with children, but because of his energy it is advisable to supervise him around very young children. When it comes to other pets, including cats, the Pumi tends to get along well if properly socialized from an early age.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Pumi is intelligent and eager to learn, which makes training easier. However, he is also an active dog who likes to work and can therefore become a "ball junkie" in some cases. It is important to offer the Pumi a balanced mix of physical and mental activity without overwhelming him. Training in dog agility or obedience can be a great way to keep the Pumi challenged and happy. It is particularly important to teach the Pumi to develop frustration tolerance and impulse control. This can be achieved through training that encourages patience and calm behavior.
Nutrition & Care
When it comes to nutrition, the Pumi is not particularly demanding. A balanced feed that contains all the nutrients necessary for its activity is ideal. Be careful with treats and extra portions, as small breeds can easily become overweight. The Pumi has an undercoat and its curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. The coat sheds moderately and weekly brushing is usually sufficient. The Pumi gets along well in the German climate, with its thick fur keeping it warm even in cooler temperatures.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Pumi is an agile working dog, but prospective owners should be prepared for an above-average list of mandatory health tests. The primary focus is on hereditary eye conditions such as cataracts and lens luxation, as well as joint issues like hip dysplasia (HD). While these risks can be effectively minimized when buying a puppy thanks to strict breeding regulations and mandatory testing, it is essential to take a close look at the health results of the parent dogs.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, a healthy weight, and regular eye check-ups, you can do a lot to ensure your dog stays active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' eyes, hips, and knees tested and pay attention to clear lines regarding neurological diseases to minimize risks.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Pumi
Christiane S., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2018)
Wer einen netten, unkomplizierten Begleiter für gemütliche Stadtspaziergänge und Café-Besuche sucht, sollte die Finger vom Pumi lassen. Diese Hunde sind waschechte Arbeitsjunkies mit ordentlich Pfeffer im Hintern. Wenn man ihnen keine klare Führung und konsequente Erziehung bietet, neigen sie schnell dazu, eigene 'Projekte' zu starten, was im Alltag anstrengend werden kann.
In den richtigen Händen sind sie unglaublich witzige und extrem kluge Partner. Aber man darf nicht unterschätzen, dass sie durch ihren Hütetrieb auch mal Probleme mit Artgenossen haben können. Ein Pumi braucht eine Aufgabe und aktive Auslastung, sonst ist er im Alltag unterfordert und unzufrieden.
Liz B., Halterin aus Sachsen (Hündin, seit 2014)
Ich habe meine Hündin aus dem Tierschutz bekommen. Sie ist eine absolute Ulknudel, total verschmust und einfach nur lieb. Gleichzeitig merkt man ihr aber den Terrier-Einschlag deutlich an: Sie kann unglaublich stur sein und versucht gerne mal, ihren eigenen Kopf durchzusetzen.
Gerade in der Junghundphase neigen Pumis bei Überforderung oder Stress dazu, völlig abzudrehen. Da wird dann auch mal gezwackt oder alles und jeder lautstark verbellt. Man muss im Training sehr aufpassen, die Balance zwischen Auslastung und Ruhephasen zu finden, damit die Hunde nicht überdrehen und lernen, auch mal abzuschalten.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Pumi
Is a Pumi the right dog for me?
The Pumi is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Pumi live?
The average life expectancy of a Pumi is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Pumi need?
Pumi grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Pumi good for families with children?
The Pumi can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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