GROUP 5 - WORKING DOGS

Brief History
The Pumi is not well known. He is an oddity in dogdom being rustic and curly coated in appearance, whimsical in expression and nimble and light footed in his carriage. The breed evolved in Hungary during the 17^th and 18^th centuries, from crossing the Puli with shepherd dogs imported from France and Germany. The breed was first mentioned by name in 1815. The Pumi is a herding dog, of terrier type, making him a fine watchdog in remote areas, and suitable for herding larger types of animals.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The average life span is 12 to 13 years.

Temperament
He possesses endless energy. The Pumi is excitable, lively, can be noisy.

General Breed Description
On the smaller side of medium size, the Pumi is alert, watchful, energetic and wilful, therefore socialisation and training from an early age would be recommended. With a tendency to wander, a secure environment is a must for this breed. Coat colours are black, all shades of grey and reddish brown, but always one solid colour.

Coat and Care Requirements
The Pumi coat is long, thick and curly, but not corded like his Hungarian cousin the Puli. The coat is relatively easy to maintain requiring occasional combing and brushing.

Size
Height: Males 41 to 47cms, Females 38 to 44cms.
Weight: Males 10 to 15kgs, Females: 8 to 13kgs. 

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Pumi is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally.

Suitability
The Pumi needs lots of exercise, and being vocal, may not be the best choice in an urban environment. As with all dogs, young children and pets should always be supervised when together. The Pumi is a relatively rare breed in Australia and may not be easy to access.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/165