How long does a Pumi live?

The life expectancy of the Pumi is 12-13 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Pumi weigh?

An adult Pumi weighs between 8-15 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.

Who is the Pumi NOT recommended for?

It isn't the right breed for: Sedentary families. Homes where it is left alone for many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

Yes, it is a vocal breed due to its herding origins. With early barking training and enough activity it can be kept in check, but it is worth bearing in mind in flats.

How much exercise does it need?

A lot: around two hours daily combining physical exercise and mental work. It is very high-energy and does not suit sedentary homes.

How does it differ from the Puli?

The Pumi is more modern, with a curly coat and erect ears, whereas the Puli forms cords. Both are Hungarian herding dogs but look different.

Little. Its curly coat retains shed hair, making it easy to live with, although it needs regular brushing and trimming to maintain the curl.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Not the most advisable choice. Its intelligence and energy demand an active, consistent owner with time to train it.

Breed profile

Pumi

Hungarian herding dog with erect ears and a curly coat. Active, alert and intelligent. A more recent version of the (older) Puli.

Origin: Hungría Size: Mediano Lifespan: 12-13 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Very active families
✓Homes with a garden
✓Canine sports

Reconsider if

×Sedentary families
×Homes where it is left alone for many hours

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Is the Pumi a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

55-95 €/month

Food for active medium-sized breeds 30-50 €; grooming to maintain the curl 12-20 €; parasite prevention 10-18 €; pro-rated vaccinations and check-ups 15-25 €; activities or sport 10-20 €.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Originating from Hungary. A Hungarian herding dog with erect ears and a curly coat.

Temperament and character

Intelligent, loyal and well-balanced when properly socialised and trained. Needs daily mental stimulation. Responds best to positive reinforcement. Physical punishment creates fear and reactivity.

Living together

Children: good with its own family. **Other dogs:** sociable with socialisation. **Cats:** with early socialisation.

Life stages of the Pumi

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 12-13 años.

Puppy

0-15 months

Early socialisation of this vocal, lively herder; plenty of mental stimulation and care of the curly coat.

Young adult

1-3 years

Intense daily physical and mental exercise; canine sports; barking control.

Adult

3-8 years

Maintenance of physical condition; hip, kneecap and eye examinations.

Senior

8+ years

Adapted exercise, joint and eye check-ups; senior diet.

Care

Exercise: 90-120 min/day in several sessions. Off-lead running in a safe area is essential.

Brushing: 2-3 times/week; daily during shedding.

Feeding: quality food matched to its physical workload.

Vet: annual check-up + blood work from 5 years of age.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality food for very active medium-sized breeds, adjusted to its high energy expenditure. Watch its weight despite its apparent leanness.

✂️ Grooming

A characteristic curly coat: brushing 2-3 times a week and trimming every 1-2 months, dampening it to maintain the curl. Sheds little.

🎓 Training

Extremely intelligent and highly trainable; excels at agility and obedience. It is vocal: it pays to work early on controlling its barking. Positive reinforcement only, with plenty of mental stimulation.

🏃 Exercise

Very high: around 2 hours daily combining physical exercise and mental work. Without enough activity it becomes bored and barks excessively.

Breed-specific health

Common conditions in the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy of 12-13 years with appropriate care. Annual vet check-up + blood work from 5 years of age.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🦴Displasia de cadera 🦿Luxación de rótula 🌑Atrofia progresiva de retina

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Pumi

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Hip dysplasia radiograph
✓Patellar luxation evaluation
✓Ophthalmological examination (retinal atrophy)
✓Genetic test recommended in breeding stock
✓Complete blood count and biochemistry

Prevention

Plenty of exercise and mental work to suit its very high energy; weight control to protect the kneecaps and hips; regular eye examinations and management of barking, which is characteristic of the breed.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with joint and eye assessment; preventive blood work from 5 years of age.

Warning signs

!Lameness or skipping in the gait (kneecap or hip)
!Stumbling in low light or loss of vision (retinal atrophy)
!Excessive barking, anxiety or destructive behaviour from lack of activity
!Stiffness after exercise
!Lethargy or changes in appetite

Pumi gallery

Foto de la raza pumi — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Pumi

How long does a Pumi live?: The life expectancy of the Pumi is 12-13 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
How much does a Pumi weigh?: An adult Pumi weighs between 8-15 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.
Where does the Pumi breed come from?: The Pumi originates from Hungría. Recognised by the FCI. Originating from Hungary. A Hungarian herding dog with erect ears and a curly coat.
How much exercise does a Pumi need?: The Pumi has muy alta energy. **Exercise:** 90-120 min/day in several sessions. Off-lead running in a safe area is essential.
Is the Pumi good with children?: **Children:** good with its own family. **Other dogs:** sociable with socialisation. **Cats:** with early socialisation.
Who is the Pumi NOT recommended for?: It isn't the right breed for: Sedentary families. Homes where it is left alone for many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
What health problems does the Pumi have?: Common conditions in the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy of 12-13 years with appropriate care. Annual vet check-up + blood work from 5 years of age.
Does it bark a lot?: Yes, it is a vocal breed due to its herding origins. With early barking training and enough activity it can be kept in check, but it is worth bearing in mind in flats.
How much exercise does it need?: A lot: around two hours daily combining physical exercise and mental work. It is very high-energy and does not suit sedentary homes.
How does it differ from the Puli?: The Pumi is more modern, with a curly coat and erect ears, whereas the Puli forms cords. Both are Hungarian herding dogs but look different.
Does it shed a lot?: Little. Its curly coat retains shed hair, making it easy to live with, although it needs regular brushing and trimming to maintain the curl.
Is it suitable for beginners?: Not the most advisable choice. Its intelligence and energy demand an active, consistent owner with time to train it.