Living with a Pumi
True to its working roots, the Pumi is intelligent, a quick learner, and energetic, with an excellent work ethic. It has a virtually limitless willingness to work, without being obsessive about it. The Pumi uses its intelligence to assess each new situation, including strangers, and may appear aloof while they’re thinking through the situation. Early socialization is very important so that they get used to lots of new situations.
Its intelligence, liveliness, and expressive nature make it a good breed for an active family. It’s terrier-like qualities give it a joie de vivre that will lift anyone’s day, and the whimsical expression will make you smile anyway. The Pumi is very agile and loves to climb over and under things. They love to be in high places to see and check out what’s going on. The Pumi wants to be where the action is. As a full family member the Pumi takes it for granted that it should have reasonable rights and total access to all their “flock’s” activities. The Pumi makes a wonderful house dog if provided with daily physical exercise and mental activity. It bonds closely with its entire family, but might prefer one family member as the leader. Tennis balls and frisbees are especially important toys and they may be demanding a good chase and fetch game with them.
The breed’s unique qualities make Pumik increasingly popular in agility, obedience and various other dog sport and companion events. For a rare breed, the Pumi s making its mark in the agility ring, with multiple MACh titles, a USA World Team member, and a two-time Eukanuba Invitational winner. There are also titlists in just about every possible dog sport including obedience, flyball, nose work, tracking, coursing, and of course, herding.
Almost all Pumik retain the herding instinct and do well in herding trials, provided they’re trained by someone familiar with their particular style of herding (a loose-eyed, close-working style). The Pumi can be still found in Hungary living on farms and working with professional shepherds.