Pumi — breed guide
Pumi — temperament, grooming, exercise, heat tolerance and care, from the Leash Life breed guide.
At a glance
- Group
- herding
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 8–15 kg (18–33 lb)
- Life span
- 12–13 years
- Coat
- Curly, corkscrew, low-shedding
Living with a Pumi
- Very high energy — built for work and long days out.
- Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
- Barely sheds.
- Exceptionally trainable — among the easiest to teach.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Alert · Bold · Busy · Vocal
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Degenerative myelopathy
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Pumi good with kids?
Generally yes. Pumis are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Pumi good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Pumi need?
Hours — this breed needs a job or a long day out.
Can a Pumi handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Pumi's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.