Pumi

COUNTRY: Hungary
WEIGHT: 18-29 pounds
HEIGHT: 13-19 inches
COAT: Medium-long, curling hair, not felty like Puli type, never cording
COLOR: Solids—Black, all shades of gray, and reddish brown, white not favored
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Herding

The Pumi was bred from Pomeranian or Hutes-pitz dogs brought from Germany and crossed with the Puli brought along with the merino sheep imported in the 17th and 18th centuries. This dog has evolved into a breed of its own over the last 300 years and is gaining popularity in its homeland. Developed to drive cattle, it is daring, energetic, mouthy and high-spirited. Its standard describes the Pumi as "unable to keep quiet." His character makes the breed a fine watchdog in remote areas.
The Pumi's tail is set high and carried gaily. One-third of the tail is removed. The ears are upright and tipped forward. The coat is distinct from the Puli's in that, although thick and long, the hair does not form into cords. The Pumi is considered the town dog in Hungary, while the Puli remains on the puszta, high plains.

Puli

COUNTRY: Hungary
WEIGHT: 18-39 pounds
HEIGHT: 14-19 inches
COAT: Long, thick, coarse, wavy, forming cords
COLOR: Any solid colors-rusty black, black, all shades of gray, and white
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP; Herding

Much of the Hungarian culture came from the Far East with invading Magyars, including its flock-guarding and herding breeds. The Puli is very much like the Tibetan Terrier in structure and instincts. It shows the Asian influence in its short-coupled body, the thick coat covering its body and, particularly, the tail curled over the back.

Its working abilities are of utmost importance. In fact, the dogs which do not measure up are not even given the breed name—they are just plain dogs and are not kept. The breed name is derived from the Puli Hou> the "Destroyer Huns" of Asia. One branch of these nomadic huns, the Magyars, migrated into eastern Europe with their sheep, dogs and horses in the ninth century and settled Hungary. In their native land, more than two dogs are called Pulix\ in America the plural is Pulik. The Puli came close to being lost during the many wars that tore its country, but the breed has survived.


Recognizing the native breed's value as a herding dog, due to its intelligence and eagerness in performing its chores, Emil Raitsits brought the breed back from the edge of extinction.

The Puli coat is remarkable and resembles a rag mop. The idea that the coat is unkempt or not touched is a fallacy. Owners spend a great deal of time keeping their dogs' cords clean. The painstaking cording procedure is begun when the dog is a young puppy. Drying after a bath is time-consuming. Coats may be brushed into a woolly Afro, rather than corded in the States, but only corded coats may be shown in Hungary, Canada and Mexico.

A working Puli is a picture of agility and flying cords. The adult corded coat affords protection from the elements and a cushion from the hooves of cattle.

Pulik have been used for police work in some parts of the world. They have been successful in the show ring and obedience work in North America. In Hungary, these dogs are still seen with flocks.