Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Pumi is generally between 12 and 14 years. Well-adapted activity, a quality diet, stable weight and serious veterinary follow-up help to keep this athletic dog in good condition over time.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Rustic and hardy breed, the Pumi copes well with an active life when it benefits from consistent care and a stimulating environment. Its overall robustness is good, but it does not exempt it from regular attention to its body condition, its teeth, its ears and its nails.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Even if no major fragility is particularly highlighted for the Pumi, it remains important to monitor the general condition after outings, the quality of the coat, oral and dental hygiene, and the natural wear of the claws. As with any working dog, prevention and daily observation remain essential.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the Pumi can have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions: An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring tearing or vision remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies: Itching, redness, or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in cover.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Pumi has an intermediate tolerance to cold as well as to heat. Its coat offers it some protection, but intense efforts must be adapted to high temperatures and access to shade as well as to fresh water must always be ensured.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Pumi is not the breed most prone to being overweight, but a dog that active must receive a ration adjusted to its age, its size and its actual energy expenditure. A visual check of the silhouette and regular weighing help to avoid deviations.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Examine the coat, ears, eyes and paw pads after outings in natural environments
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar and bacteria
- Check the length of the claws and trim them if they do not wear down naturally
Vaccination
Pumi vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Pumi need? Like all dogs, Pumis should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Pumi vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Pumi booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Pumi need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Pumi
Before breeding, request the relevant evaluations (hips, elbows, eyes, heart depending on the line) and a recent clinical examination. For a companion Pumi, an annual check-up with monitoring of weight, teeth and locomotion remains essential.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
