The Pumi

The Pumi is a cattle drover that is used extensivelyexchanged as much as the livestock. The Hungarian,
in Hungary and is native to that country. He is prizedGerman and French Spitz breeds were numerous and
for his abilities to drive cattle without spooking thehad considerable impact on the development of the
herd and to round them up effortlessly, employingPumi. The Pumi has always been used as an
techniques similar to that of the Border Collie. Unlikeextension of the shepherd and has always worked
the Border collie he is not a quiet dog and will barkwith mankind rather than independently. Consequently
when performing his herding functions and will alsohe is a willing worker , learning quickly and is easy to
bark when alerting against intruders and is valued fortrain.
this behavior also. The Pumi is a useful and versatileThe Pumi has a perpetual look of surprise because of
farm dog . With his high spirit and an unquenchableits ear set. The large ears are standup and slightly
activity level, the Pumi is not a dog for the elderlylopped over at the top, covered on the backside
apartment dweller in any respect. He is a long livedwith short fur. When combined with the square
and active dog and seeks to find trouble if he isn'tmuzzle and curly hair all over the face and body, the
given a job to do. As a farm dog he will make workPuli has a unique and unforgettable look. The coat is
for himself rather than just lie about the yard in thequite short and tightly curled, it grows to perhaps a
sun. If kept in the city he is friendly and personablelength of three inches. It is a plush coat, quite soft
but does need regular exercise and the family whoand seldom needs brushing. The coat does not cord,
owns one in the city will find themselves going onunlike the coat of his cousin the Puli. Any solid color
long walks twice a day. He is playful and good withexcept white is acceptable. A white Puli may not be
children and that is a bonus.used for breeding but can be registered. The history
The Pumi is believed to be descended from crossesof this coloration is part of the utility of the dogs
with the original native Puli and the Hutespitz andused for herding or drovers versus the dogs used as
Pomeranian dogs that were brought to Hungaryflock guards. A dog used as a herding dog needs to
during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries bybe of a color that distinguishes him from the sheep,
traders. Barter was a common form of commercewhile a dog that is a flock guard must blend in with
and good farm dogs held as much value as thethe flock and thus surprise the predator who does
sheep and cattle themselves and were oftennot suspect that he is present.