is not obsessive about it. He can be reck- lessly bold; yet aloof with strangers. Its intelligence, liveliness, opinionated and expressive nature always draws atten- tion everywhere. It’s a fairly vocal breed. Its entire appearance projects its quickness to act and larger than life attitude. It is a good size for a lap dog, and likes to be petted, but may go and investigate if something else is going on. It also likes to be in high places, to better see and check out what’s going on. Th e Pumi wants to be where the action is, or as close to the center of action as possible. As a full family member the Pumi takes it for granted that it should have reasonable rights and absolute admission to all its “flock’s” activities. With daily exercise, the Pumi makes a wonderful house dog. It will bond closely with its entire family, but might prefer one family member as the “boss”. Eventful daily life, without long hours of boredom alone is su ffi cient for most Pumik. Tennis balls and Frisbees are especially important toys and they may be demanding about having them thrown. Th e Pumi is a hardy, healthy breed. Although inherited conditions can be found on occasion, none is prevalent in the breed. It is important to screen dogs for hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Eye tests should be performed annually. DNA tests will show whether the dog carries the genetic markers of Degenera- tive Myelopathy (DM) and Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).
Figure 4: Bohemia Vivace Ash CM CDX BN RE HSAs AX MXJ OF CA
Th e Pumi participates in conformation shows in the Miscellaneous Class, and is becoming increasingly popular for agility, obedience and other dog sport and com- panion events. Th e contemporary Pumi competes in herding trials, and works on the farm as it is still a good herding dog, provided it is trained by someone familiar with its particular style of herding. Our task today as Pumi enthusiasts is to utilize these uncommon qualities with some care and preserve them in the breed.
BIO Meir Ben-Dror has been an owner, trainer, exhibitor and breeder of Pumik since 2009 and owned, trained and competed in obedience and agility other breeds since the early 1980’s. Herding is now his main activ- ity with his Pumik, leaving agility and obe- dience for his wife, Nancy. Meir is fluent in Hungarian, enabling him to research the breed from original Hungarian sources. Meir is a board member of the Hungarian Pumi Club of America.
“THE CONTEMPORARY PUMI COMPETES IN HERDING TRIALS, and works on the farm as it is still a good herding dog...”
S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , M AY 2014 • 213
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