Grooming
With their splendid coat of curls, you might assume Pumik need intensive grooming. Here’s a pleasant surprise: They actually have average grooming needs. Their double coat doesn’t mat easily but does need brushing with a pin brush, which is excellent for removing dirt and debris every one to two weeks. To keep those signature corkscrew curls in top condition, wet the coat after every brush and let it dry naturally. If you blow-dry them, you risk turning those sleek curls into fluff.
Pumi shedding is minimal, so congratulations: Your soft furnishings are relatively safe. You can bathe Pumik every three to four weeks, but waiting longer is OK. Washing too frequently risks stripping the coat of its natural oils.
Those furry ears are adorable, but the excess hair growing there can cause trouble. If it grows inside their ears, it can lead to infection. Trim the ears and check them weekly for debris and any redness or swelling. If you notice anything, speak to your vet. If your vet recommends at-home cleaning, follow this step-by-step guide on how to clean dog ears.
To keep their gums and teeth healthy, brush them daily using dog toothpaste. Your vet can teach you how to do this to keep both dog and pet parents happy, and they’ll also need annual professional teeth cleanings to keep their teeth in top condition. When their nails start clattering across hardwood floors and sidewalks, you’ll know it’s time for a trim.
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Training
The Pumi dog breed is eager to please and tends to learn quickly, making these clever pups dream students. They do best with pet parents who have experience training dogs using consistent positive reinforcement (treats, toys and praise). Prior experience with herding breeds is also helpful. All is not lost for first-time pup parents, however. With a bit of patience and the help of a qualified trainer or behaviorist, your Pumi will become a well-trained companion for pet parents with the stamina to keep up.
The Pumi’s intelligence and enthusiastic nature mean they want to understand why they’re doing what’s asked of them. They can reason out problems, so don’t be afraid of challenging them with more advanced training methods, including dog sports such as flyball or puzzle-solving games, to give them the mental stimulation they need and avoid boredom.
Despite their cute exterior, the Pumi is a loving but tough working dog, with specific herding behaviors that should shape their training. You should train your Pumi in a way that channels their energy through activities that engage the dog physically and mentally, like agility training. Socialization from an early age is essential to help soften their natural reservedness around strangers and curb excessive barking and ankle-nipping herding tendencies.
Make sure your Pumi puppy is well-socialized by taking them around town to meet all walks of life and enrolling them in puppy preschool, where their playful nature will have them on their best behavior in no time.
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Diet
Pumi dogs thrive on a nutritionally balanced, complete, high-quality commercial dog food diet. Before buying, consider your dog’s age and choose a formula befitting their particular stage in life, whether puppy, adult or senior.
While they don’t have particular dietary needs, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian if at any point you think the food you’re feeding your Pumi is causing an issue or reaction, or if you’re concerned about their weight. Being such an active breed, Pumik aren’t generally prone to weight issues. Still, it’s important to keep an eye on anything that might impact their health and longevity.
If you need to figure out how often and how much to feed your Pumi, your veterinarian can help work out a feeding chart based on your dog’s needs and activity levels.
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Exercise
As a working breed with a ton of energy, Pumik need to keep active. Walks alone aren’t enough—they need plenty of mental and physical exercise, at least one or two hours daily. They are at their best when they get a chance to run at full speed on the daily. Heading out to the park, chasing tennis balls and swimming are all great ways to exercise your Pumi and help them work off that energy.
Due to their intelligence, Pumik adore mentally stimulating games such as hide-and-seek. Frequent family adventures are also a great way to keep these energetic dogs content. They love to be with you on a long walk or run out in nature.
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Environment
Pumik are a great fit for active singles, pet parents or families with kids. They like to stick close to their own family and are protective of everyone in their “flock,” two- and four-legged alike, particularly if they have been around the kids and other animals since puppyhood.
A setting where the Pumi has room to run and explore is best. Homes with a large, fenced backyard or families with access to outdoor spaces are ideal. Apartment living can be tricky—this is a vocal breed that may annoy close neighbors—so if a Pumi pup has already stolen your heart, be sure to enroll them in obedience training from the start to curb the noise.
Pumik also tend to thrive in quiet, relaxed settings, thanks to their reserved nature. They prefer shorter periods away from their family, so if you work long hours or travel extensively, they may not be the breed for you. (Remember, boredom means that your shoes could become chew toys.) Pumik thrive with pet parents who have a flexible schedule and can spend time with them.
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