The Pumi is a funny-looking dog of a very good nature. Since this breed lived and worked with shepherds for centuries, they can get to know their master in a short time, “tuned on” the human as a result of constant observation, it executes your command before you utter it.
All these qualities make the Pumi quite manageable. You do not have to teach it commands like “heel” or “come”, this dog is born with them. It puts its little nose to your legs following everywhere – nothing could make it leave.
This is a very cheerful and frisky dog that loves fun, playing ballgames and that needs a lot of action; full of tenancy and stamina it is exquisitely capable of agility tasks and Frisbee. It can take a standing jump so high that it can literally look into its master’s eyes. May it be the hottest summer it fetches the ball even fifty times in a row.
“Making comments” is just the typical of the Pumi. For example it expresses the joy over the daily walk. Some say it is a “barking” kind, which is not exactly the truth. It is a fact that it is a talkative breed, being a sheep dog, but it never barks without a reason. Barking always signifies something that can be guessed from the “way” of barking. This feature comes from the Pumi’s shepherd origin: it used to tell the herder where the dog is at the moment. I do not find it irritating, what’s more, it just suits the dog’s merry nature: a Pumi won’t let itself be unnoticed.
They are easy to be kept together with other animals as well as other kind of dogs. They learn quickly where their place is in the hierarchy. Naturally, it is usually the one right after the master. Because of this we have to take account of the dominating temper of our Pumi, it takes itself for a lion at the very least. So in the case of similar sexes we should take heed of helping them shake together. Actually, this great boldness is justifiable: how else could a Pumi discipline a horned cattle?
It is important to know that they are determined on doing what they want to do. One way or another they always reach their goals. As these dogs constantly observe their environment they can find the other creatures out – human or animal – that live around, all their reactions, habits and behaviour. This is a great “weapon” that they wield artfully using their logic to find the best way to achieve their goals. The others will not be even aware of doing the very thing that the Pumi wants.
It learns with the greatest ease. Showing what we want two or three times is fair enough for the dog to understand and perform it as well. Similarly to other breeds, coherence in our training is all-important.
The Pumi does not like being alone, it is a social animal. Having a Pumi suits only people who can spend enough time with their dog. It would be always with its master. This breed is not recommended for apartment life, especially for being left alone for hours. Being kept in a garden suits it more, where it “settles in” splendidly. It is important that even in this case it needs company and being cared about! Of course, it is the highest of all joys for the Pumi when it is allowed to follow the beloved master into the house. At these times the heroic guard of the house can easily turn into a well-mannered pet dog waiting to be fondled.
Grooming of Pumik is not problematic at all. They do not loose their hair exceedingly, which is an advantage because our car and house is not threatened with being covered with dog hair. At the same time a monthly brush is essential. In addition, for a neat appearance trimming with scissors is needed but it does not require being an expert in cosmetics.
This small dog with its age-old heritage stands its ground in our times as well. With a good master it can grow an easily controllable, ideal partner who brings cheer, infinite affection and love into the modern man’s hectic life.