Pumi
A spirited Hungarian herding terrier-type with curly fur and characteristic ears. Quick, intelligent and tireless, it excels at dog sports but is vocal and needs lots of exercise and mental work.
Overview
A spirited Hungarian herding terrier-type with curly fur and characteristic ears. Quick, intelligent and tireless, it excels at dog sports but is vocal and needs lots of exercise and mental work.
Good to know — a Pumi is needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Pumi is fine with sensible, older children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a very vocal, and as a guide they are better with some experience. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Pumi typically needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do a day (roughly 120–180 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is minimal. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Pumi should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a medium breed will eat a moderate amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Bright, agile and highly trainable
- Low-shedding curly coat
Things to consider
- Very vocal, prone to barking
- High energy and stimulation needs
Similar breeds
Border Collie
The ultimate working brain — astonishingly clever and trainable, but needs hours of exercise and a job to do.
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Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
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English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionately known as the "nanny dog" — devoted, people-loving and famously gentle with children.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Pumis good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Pumis tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Pumi need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Pumi needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Pumis shed a lot?
Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Pumis easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Pumis are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Pumis bark a lot?
Very vocal. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Pumis good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Pumis suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Pumi really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.