Individuals that are looking for a dog to become a household pet or to live alongside a family will be interested in a breed that thrives in those conditions. If you want a dog to keep you company while you relax in one of your Amish shaker chairs or that would enjoy playing with your children and has a friendly nature, here are some dog breeds for consideration.

The Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is widely considered one of the most kind-hearted and gentle dogs in existence. While their large size can be deceiving, the Newfoundland possesses a very sweet disposition. Due to their protective nature when it comes to families and their children, Newfoundlands make great household pets.

This breed is also known for its intelligence, patience and loyalty. For individuals looking for a very friendly pet or a dog that will seamlessly fit in with the family, the Newfoundland is an excellent breed to consider.

Labrador Retriever

Recognized by petMD as one of the most popular dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever is a patient and loving dog. Its playful nature makes it an excellent dog for households that have children. While they love to be active and run around outside, Labrador Retrievers are also extremely obedient and loyal when trained properly.

Golden Retriever

As with the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever is a playful and active breed. PetMD cited the breed as one of the easiest to train and noted the way in which it approaches learning new things with enthusiasm. Also, the Golden’s mild temperament and love for human companionship makes it an excellent family pet. Any Golden Retriever owner can attest to the loyalty and obedient nature this breed possesses.

The Collie

Made famous thanks to Lassie, the Collie is another great family pet breed and it are known for its intelligence and gentle disposition. Collies are also very alert and graceful, traits that warrant their historical reputation as herding dogs.  Collies are impressionable dogs that love to please their owners and get along well with children. This combination of traits has led the Collie to become one of the most common canine pets.

The Bulldog

The Bulldog is another breed that gets along well with children and is known for patience and affection. Its sturdy build makes it an excellent dog for playing with young children and its calm nature is very suitable for a household pet. In general, the Bulldog is a dog that loves being around people and will be friendly to your family, friends and even strangers.

There are so many breeds of dog, it can be overwhelming to think about them all! Some of these dogs unfortunately haven gotten a bad rap over the years, but there is one breed of dog that has continually avoided this fate. Whether yellow, black or chocolate in color, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most loved and trusted breeds of dogs, and is at present the most popular breed in the world.

Go all the way back to 1994 and you’ll still find this breed ruled as the globe’s most beloved dog. But how is it that the Labrador continues to be loved decade after decade?

Easily Recognizable, Thanks To Movies

There is an array of movies that feature Labrador Retrievers in the role of faithful companion and trusted hero, such as Homeward Bound. In fact, there are few animals that have been as well represented in memorable roles as the Labrador Retriever. There is much positive media attention in films targeted primarily to families and children, so it’s no wonder all this leads to greater demand for Labradors as a pet.

Wonderful Experiences with The Labrador

In addition to positive media attention, there is a long history of wonderful memories created and shared by having these loving dogs in one’s home. It’s extremely rare to hear a bad word said about any type of Retriever.

When it comes to choosing a pet, it always helps to know there are positive experiences associated with a breed you are considering bringing into your household. The Labrador Retriever is associated with faithfulness, gentleness, playfulness and unconditional love. They are the type of dog you feel you can have around your children, elderly parents or neighbors — even those who are otherwise wary of dogs.

Word Of Mouth Continues to Keep Labs on Top

So long as it’s consensus that Labrador Retrievers make great pets, it’s easy to anticipate they will remain popular for many years to come. Even as other breeds gain in popularity, they have to overcome obstacles that Retrievers do not. Some breeds suffer from the image of being poor pets for households with kids. Others are too new or too obscure to build a fan base.

As for the Labrador Retriever, this breed got a major head start, rising in popularity at the same time as digital age grew and blossomed. It makes it easier than ever to share stories and find information about what dog is right for you and or your family. With so much positive feedback already in circulation, it will be a long time before any breed comes close to challenging the universal love and affection afforded the Labrador.

Designer Dogs

Designer dogs are not a new fad by any means but certain breeds tend to fade in and out of popularity. What’s in one year is out the next! Carrying around a Chihuahua in your bag may be the thing to do one year but the next year it’s all about the English Bulldogs. The problem with following these trends is that you can’t get a dog and tote him around only while his breed is popular and then dump him for the next trend. Pet ownership just doesn’t work that way. However, there are some people who must be at the forefront of any trend so it can be extremely difficult to pick a breed. For those people, a Poodle mix may be the perfect way to go.

Oodles of Poodles

Many people often choose to get poodles because they always make a statement but the problem is that they don’t always fit with that particular person’s lifestyle. Hence the surge of interest when it comes to Poodle mixes. There are tons of Poodle mixes that are just as cute, or even cuter, than the breeds that they were crossed with. Plus the names are fun to say; Labradoodle, Airedoodle, Basetoodle, Goldendoodle, Pamapoo… // Should I go on? The point is that you can pretty much cross a Poodle with any other breed and Bam! You have your own personalized designer dog.

Poodle Fever

Why the sudden Poodle rage? I wouldn’t necessarily call it sudden. Poodles have always been popular because they come in all sizes, are hypoallergenic, and don’t shed. In fact, the Toy Poodle became the official dog at court in France under Louis VXI and is also commonly used as the dancing dog in circuses. Poodles are obviously a well-known designer breed. By mixing them with another popular breed, you can increase the trendiness of your dog.

Even if trendiness isn’t your prerogative, a poodle crossbreed may be the way to go. Because poodles generally are an intelligent breed with a great disposition, they are an ideal candidate for crossbreeding. Crossbreeding will generally give you the best of both worlds regardless of the breeds. It may seem odd to cross a Poodle with a St. Bernard but for some dog owners, it is the perfect mix.  They get the size and strength of a St. Bernard, and the intelligence of a Poodle. Often times they will even be hypoallergenic when compared to other dogs.

Regardless of the Poodle mix you are looking for make sure you go through a responsible breeder. Contact a local veterinarian or the American Kennels Club to help you begin with your search.

Author Bio:

Ron Rutherford is a writer with a passion for nature and a soft spot for Thai food. He currently freelances for Havahart Wireless, which specializes in progressive and humane wireless dog fences.

The Thai Ridgeback dog was introduced to the United States fewer than 20 years ago, but its history in Asia dates back some 2,000 years. Also referred to as Mah Thai Lang Ahn, they were rarely seen outside their native Thailand for centuries, but in recent years they’ve begun emigrating to other countries.

The Thai Ridgeback gets its name from a distinctive ridge of fur that runs along its back in the opposite direction of its other fur. Only two other dog breeds in the entire world, the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Phu Quoc Ridgeback, share this trait.

Appearance

These dogs are very agile, very athletic and very strong. The males may stand up to 24 inches tall and weigh up to 60 pounds, while the females are generally 22 inches or fewer and weigh less than 55 pounds.

They have low-set, triangular ears. They have a short, hard coat that may be red, black, fawn or blue. The ridges may come in one of eight varieties: bowling pin, lute , arrow, needle, saddleback, feather, violin or leaf.

Disposition

Thai Ridgebacks are a very smart breed. They enjoy daily mental stimulation and respond well when their owners test their considerable intelligence. They must be well trained, though; otherwise, this breed can become overly aggressive. If they receive proper instruction as pups, they make loving, polite family dogs.

They have a strong urge to hunt. They can be difficult and independent minded, so dog handlers who have some experience with large, difficult breeds are usually best at breaking them. Unlike many dog breeds, Thai Ridgebacks developed in relative isolation in the Thai mountains, so many of them aren’t used to being around people. They can learn to love them, but it doesn’t happen overnight.

History

The Thai Ridgeback’s history can be traced back to the most recent Stone Age in Thailand. Rock art that dates back to that time shows a dog that resembles the Thai Ridgeback accompanying his master on the hunt.

It’s believed that the breed descended from Pariah-type dogs, which have their origins in ancient times. It’s also believed that the Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Phu Quoc Ridgeback, which is from Vietnam, share some ancestry with the Thai Ridgeback because of the ridge they all share. However, it’s never been determined exactly how they’re related.

Uses

These days the Thai Ridgeback is used mainly as a livestock guardian or as a watchdog. They’re not employed by hunters as much, especially in the U.S., as there are already so many other competent hunting breeds. But they’re still admired for their fierce and unusual appearance, which stands out from so many other common dogs.

About the Author:
Adrienne Erin is a dog-loving blogger and freelance writer who writes about everything from breeds of dogs to electronic mice repellent. If you are interested in seeing more of her work, find her on Twitter: @adrienneerin.

History

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed began with one dog owned by Linda Spurlin in Alaska and a few similar dogs bred by her brother-in-law and his family in Oklahoma. In the early 1980s, the brother-in-law decided to stop breeding dogs and sold his remaining stock to Ms. Spurlin. With these additional dogs, she was able to create what we now know as the Alaska Klee Kai.

Breeds used in creating the Klee Kai include the Alaskan Husky, Siberian Husky, Schipperke and American Eskimo Dog, as well as the “unknown small dog” that mated with an Alaskan Husky to produce the original Klee Kai, Curious. The Alaskan Klee Kai’s small size was achieved without introducing dwarfism. This avoided both the health problems of dwarf dogs and the conformation disparities that might have occurred had dwarfism been used to shrink the dogs. Dwarf dogs generally have short legs and large heads, while the Klee Kai is a small but proportionate duplicate of the Siberian Husky.

Should You Own an Alaskan Klee Kai?

Alaskan Klee Kai are dogs best suited for active adult households or households with children over the age of eight. These petite dogs need a great deal of exercise but could easily be injured by an enthusiastic child tripping on them or trying to wrestle and roughhouse with them. Additionally, some Alaskan Klee Kai are extremely shy even if well-socialized from birth. This genetic trait is a fault in the breed and conscientious breeders avoid producing it, but shyness is still common in the few pet-quality dogs made available to buyers.

If you’re not absolutely certain that this is the perfect dog for you, it’s likely that you’re better off choosing a smallish dog from a shelter or a more common, similar breed like a Schipperke. Alaska Klee Kai are very rare and the few breeders working with them tend to be very selective about homing them with pet parents. Would-be Klee Kai owners often must wait a year or more for a puppy to become available from their chosen breeder. You might even have to drive cross-country to get the puppy or ship it to you by air. The breed is likely to remain rare thanks to the strict standards of the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America, which grants breeding rights only to dogs that pass an inspection. All others must be spayed or neutered.

If you do choose to buy or adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai, be prepared to fall in love with an energetic and very LOUD little dog. Your Klee Kai needs a long walk or run every day. Playing in the backyard won’t do. It will make a variety of howls, barks and yodels continually throughout the day and night. Many owners report that their dogs seem to “talk!”

Pit Bull Temperaments

Contrary to the beliefs of the legislators and activists who have introduced legislation banning them in many cities and counties throughout the United States, Pit Bulls are not naturally vicious. In fact, their ancestors were family dogs prized for their ability to guard their owners’ wives and children without harming them or the livestock while the man of the house was away from home.

Most Pit Bulls are naturally prone to test their limits and ignore the occasional command. They may, due to their background as a dogfighting breed, be reactive toward other dogs. Pit Bulls are best suited for households with at least one experienced dog owner who understands positive reinforcement training and is willing to take some obedience classes with the dog. As long as there is a family member taking responsibility for training, however, most Pit Bulls do very well with children of all ages. Their low sensitivity to pain makes them less likely to react violently to a pulled tail or being tripped on by an exuberant child. Additionally, they are playful, puppy-like dogs throughout life. Most are very fond of children if socialized with them at a young age.

Training Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls, like all dogs, learn best through positive reinforcement. Harshly punishing a Pit Bull can be dangerous. They have a high tolerance for physical pain, so by the time you are giving a big enough correction to get a response from the dog, you could be at risk of injuring him or her. Additionally, Pit Bulls often associate whatever they’re looking at when they feel pain with the pain, rather than their own behavior. For example, if you gave a harsh collar correction for sniffing a cat while walking, the dog might think that the cat caused the pain and attack the next cat it sees.

Try clicker training to motivate your Pit Bull during training. This method allows you to reinforce the exact instant your dog performs the correct behavior. If your Pit Bull isn’t food motivated, try using a game of Tug-of-War with a favorite toy as a reward for each click. Some Pits will even work hard for praise alone.

Combine clicker training with a NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free) approach to make sure your Pit Bull continues to obey even when you’re not actively in a training session. That means no attention on demand–if your Pit walks up and shoves his head in your lap, ignore him. When he’s doing something desirable, like chewing an appropriate toy, call him over and give him attention, then stop on your time, not his. Whenever the dog wants something, he must perform a desired behavior to get it. That includes petting, going outside, coming back inside, getting his breakfast, getting a treat, getting his leash put on for a walk, getting his leash taken off when you get home, and everything that the dog finds desirable and rewarding. This method of interacting with your Pit Bull will keep him continually attentive and obedient.

The Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) made news in early 2009 as one of the two finalists to become the “first dog,” as President-Elect Barack Obama’s family announced in early January that they’re deciding between the Portuguese Water Dog and the Labradoodle in their search for a new dog.

The History and Origin of the Portuguese Water Dog

While the Portuguese Water Dog is not as popular and well-known as the Poodle or Golden Retriver, it’s actually a very old breed with a faithful following.

This breed originated in – you guessed it – Portugal more than 2,000 years ago. The Portuguese Water Dog breed was developed in the coastal fishing villages of Portugal, where these working dogs served several purposes as a companion, watchdog and fishing assistant.

The Portuguese fishermen used the PWD for several purposes. The dogs would jump into the water to “herd” fish into the fishing nets. They were also adept at diving, which meant these dogs were great for retrieving fishing gear and lost nets. The dogs would also swim between boats and from boats to the shore to deliver messages, among other things.

This breed’s history as a working dog and companion of Portuguese fishermen explains this dog’s strong stamina, powerful hindquarters, his intelligence, his strong drive to perform tasks and please his owner, and, of course, his love of water.

Portuguese Water Dogs: Coat and Appearance

In general appearance, this dog is often mistaken for the Poodle by people on the street.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a large dog, typically weighing between 40 and 60 pounds. There are two coat types: wavy coat and curly coat. The coat is actually more of a hair than fur. PWD’s coat comes in shades of black, brown and white.

Are Portuguese Water Dogs Hypoallergenic?

The Portuguese Water Dog is actually preferred by many dog lovers who have allergies. Like Poodles and the Bichon Frise, the PWD has one coat. This lack of an undercoat means a dramatic reduction in shedding, which makes housekeeping and grooming easier. This attribute is also great for many people who are allergic to dogs, as many are allergic to the undercoat.

But beware! While the Portuguese Water Dog is considered a “hypoallergenic” dog breed, it’s important to note that no dog is truly “hypoallergenic.” Some people are allergic to the dander as well as the fur, and since all dogs have dander, all dogs are capable of creating problems for an individual with animal allergies.

The Portuguese Water Dog’s Temperament

The Portuguese Water Dog has a working dog temperament: eager to please, generally friendly with most strangers and extremely devoted to his family. This is not a shy or soft-spoken dog; the Portuguese Water Dog is confident, loyal and eager to get going!

Like all working dogs, the PWD is a high-energy breed, both in a physical and in a mental sense. So this means anyone considering this breed will need to provide plenty of walks, jogs and games of fetch in the yard. This is not a dog breed that will be satisfied by one or two brief walks each day. Boredom and inactivity can be a dangerous thing for a working breed; if a Portuguese Water Dog is not kept mentally and physically active by his family, he will go in search of mental and physical stimulation on his own and you may not like what he comes up with! Like all working dogs, the PWD needs a “job” to be happy, so he’s apt to assign himself to a job if you don’t do it for him and that job may be barking at the neighbors or unstuffing the couch!

In sum, the Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent and friendly working breed that’s especially at home in the water. If you like the PWD, you may also enjoy reading about another working dog – the Siberian Husky.

(Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Siberian Huskies are most commonly recognized as sled dogs, a favorite of mushers worldwide for their endurance and their high tolerance of cold climates. These dogs can also make great pets for the right type of person; Siberian Huskies, while beautiful dogs, are not a breed for everyone. As an owner of Siberian Huskies and several other dog breeds, I can confirm that there is a very big difference in the way that Siberian Huskies interact with humans compared to many other dog breeds.

Siberian Husky Appearance, Form and Function

Siberian Huskies are bred to work as sled dogs. They’re bred for their thick coats, their enduarance and ability to run pulling light loads for long distances in cold climates. The Siberian Husky has a medium, compact build, usually weighing between 40 and 60 pounds. This breed is graceful and light on his feet, and while not an extremely fast runner, huskies get tope scores for endurance.

The Siberian Husky is often confused with his cousin, the Alaskan Malamute, which has a larger, bulkier build and rounder face.

Siberian Huskies are one of the few dog breeds with blue eyes, which is an attraction to many “Sibe” owners. Huskies can have both blue eyes (an ice blue in appearance), both brown eyes or one brown eye and one blue eye. The Siberian Husky’s erect ears are extremely expressive, tilting and moving as a mode of expression.

The husky comes in two basic colors: white and grey and white and a brownish red. The coloring can vary slightly from dog to dog, with some grey and white dogs appearing almost black in some areas. The same goes for the white and brown/red huskies, as the coloring can range from a light ruddy tan to a rich rusty red.

Wondering about the Siberian Husky’s other method of self expression? Howling. Siberian Huskies do not generally bark. They howl and yowl and yodel when they’re mad, sad, happy, frustrated or experiencing virtually any other emotion, and Siberian Husky owners will find that they’ll know what their dog is experiencing based on his vocalizations. In fact, the Siberian Husky’s howls are contagious among dogs – they have a way of getting entire neighborhoods of dogs howling together in symphony. That said, potential Siberian Husky owners should be aware of this potentially bothersome Husky trait when considering this dog breed.

Another important note about this breed’s physical appearance is his fur – in short, he sheds. A lot. The Siberian Husky does require daily grooming and even with daily brushings, this dog can shed copious amounts of fur year-round. Owners must also be careful during the warm summer months, as this breed does not deal well with heat, so he will require a hair cut or an air conditioner in the home.

Husky Behavior and Temperament

Huskies tend to be very in-tune pack animals and most really appreicate the company of other canines. Huskies tend to do very well when kept with other dogs.

The Siberian Husky’s personality is easy-going and friendly, polite and alert and very eager to take part in activities like a walk, jog or romp in the park. These dogs are actually quite accepting of strangers and they are less apt than many other breeds to get overzealous during greetings. The Siberian Husky’s demeanor is that of a polite, mature, calm dog, even in adolescence.

It’s important to note that the Siberian Husky is not a lap dog. Even as puppies, this breed is not apt to cuddle with you on the couch or in bed. They are simply not a “lovey dovey” breed of dog. They are independent dogs who enjoy a more passive human presence as opposed to a direct sitting-on-your-lap interaction. For this reason, Siberian Huskies make a wonderful companion for a car ride or a great jogging partner (as long as you’re not jogging in really warm weather!)

Due to their degree of aloofness toward humans, many Siberian Huskies do not do well with young children. In tune with their pack dog heritage, this breed is more apt to nip than some other dog breeds. The Siberian Husky does not normally appreciate the cuddles and direct interactions that children typically offer; a husky will find these close interactions overwhelming and this can lead to dog bites involving youngsters. In fact, the Siberian Husky is deemed a “high bite risk” breed by many house insurance companies as a result of their tendencies toward aloofness. As a result, anyone considering a Siberian Husky will want to investigate whether their home insurance company has any breed restrictions in place involving this particular dog breed.

Owners of cats and small pets will need to be cautious when adopting a working dog like the Siberian Husky, as these dogs are particularly in tune with those canine instincts. This breed may chase cats and even “hunt” small animals, including pocket pets. So it’s important to take a zero-tolerance stance, discouraging any inappropriate behaviors if they arise. Some owners will also need to take measures to ensure that the SIberian Husky does not interact with and make prey of small animals like guinea pigs, ferrets or rats.

The Siberian Husky – Summed Up

While the Siberian Husky gives the impression that he is calm and reserved, every dog of this breed has a little bit of mischief inside, especially as puppies. So like owners of all working breeds, it’s important that husky owners keep track of shoes, clothes and other items that are commonly chewed by dogs. Fortunately, many bad chewing habits can be quelled by keeping the Siberian Husky well-exercised and by providing hard rubber chew toys to keep his mind occupied.

In sum, the Siberian Husky is a medium-sized, well-mannered working dog. He is a cheerful, polite and faithful companion, who is more than happy to accompany you on a walk or car ride. He’ll also be satisfied to simply enjoy your company, relaxing in the same room with his human and dog companions.

Looking for more of a lap dog breed? Consider the lovable Pug or the feisty Miniature Pinscher!

The Miniature Pinscher is among the spunkiest, peppiest dog breeds out there. They bounce, they bark, they’ll chase cats, other dogs and small children if you let them. Min Pins are fiercely faithful to their humans, and most will eagerly take on the role of protector and doorbell. They’re a breed like no other; a breed that will either win you over or drive you nuts.

The Miniature Pinscher Appearance

Min Pins are a toy breed that’s commonly mistaken for a sized-down Doberman Pinscher. In fact, the two breeds are not closely related; the Min Pin is actually believed to be the older of the two breeds.

The Miniature Pinscher comes in two colors: a red rust or black and tan. The coat is short, soft, sleek and virtually maintenance-free, though this is not a breed that you can send out into the snow “naked” – your Min Pin will need a jacket, as they chill easily due to their relatively thin coat.

Most Min Pins top out at a weight of approximately 12 pounds. Their build is muscular and trim. And the Miniature Pinscher’s gait is among the most distinctive in the dog show ring. A Min Pin does not walk; she prances with a graceful high-stepping gait that gives this breed a light-on-her-feet appearance. A very bouncy breed, jumping is among the Miniature Pinscher’s specialties, though their fragile build makes these dogs prone to injury from too much jumping.

The Miniature Pinscher Personality and Temperament

In Germany, the Min Pin is known as the “Reh Pinscher,” for their strong resemblance to the small red Reh Deer. “Pinscher” means terrier. Spend five minutes with a Min Pin and you’ll have no doubt that this feisty breed has terrier roots.

Min Pins tend to be very passionate dogs and they approach life with gusto. True to those terrier roots, Miniature Pinschers often have yappy tendencies, so barking is something that must be kept under control from day-one, lest you one day find that your dog is a serious neighborhood bother. But when trained properly, the Min Pin can make a wonderful doorbell or fire alarm.

Many Min Pins are also a bit scrappy; they tend to be outgoing dogs who are prone to giving chase and many will not back down from a confrontation with a human, another dog or even the family cat. In fact, in the early days of the breed, this scrappy and brazen nature was harnessed and Miniature Pinschers were bred for use as ratters.

Miniature Pinschers are some of the most loyal and devoted dogs out there. They are very people-oriented dogs and to own one is to be the center of her universe. A Min Pin is not truly happy unless she’s in the company of her humans; she’ll want to spend every minute in your company. And if you let her, she’ll be quite content to sleep with you in your bed (under the covers, of course).

Is The Miniature Pinscher a Dog for You?

Due to their terrier heritage and their brazen outgoing nature, Miniature Pinschers are not a dog for beginner dog owners. The Min Pin is an extremely smart breed and she will manipulate her humans if given the opportunity. A Min Pin needs a firm, yet loving hand. She is a dog who requires consistent training from an experienced dog owner.

But if you’re an experienced dog owner who is looking for a peppy, spunky dog; a fiercely devoted companion, then the Miniature Pinscher may just be the dog for you.

Looking for a more laid back toy breed? Consider the lovable pug!

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the Hungarian Pumi!

Pumi Dog by Lake

Photo by Voff.

If you love the look and attitude of spunky terriers like the Wheaten Terrier, but enjoy the energy and intelligence of herding breeds, the Pumi (not to be confused with the Puli, another Hungarian breed) might be your perfect dog. The breed originated in Hungary and was originally developed to herd sheep. Although the Pumi is first and foremost a herding breed, its terrier traits are more than skin deep. Like many terrier breeds, the Pumi also eagerly combats rodents and other prey, even wild boar, and can easily learn to hunt by scent.

Allergy sufferers like Malia Obama might also consider a Pumi the perfect pet. Its harsh, curly topcoat and soft undercoat grow continuously, but the dog has little or no shedding, making it potentially less likely to trigger dog allergies. No breed is truly “hypoallergenic,” but breeds like the Pumi and Poodle with coats that do not shed are generally more likely to be compatible with owners who have dog allergies.

Pumis aren’t perfect for everyone, however. The high energy levels of a herding breed, combined with the boldness and confidence of a terrier, make the Pumi a dog not suited for a meek pet parent or a couch potato owner. They need frequent, high intensity exercise to stay calm. Obedience training is mandatory for this breed. Without training and frequent practice, they may become defiant and ignore commands. Like all herding breeds, Pumis are happiest when they have work to do, whether it’s herding, hunting, or something else.

If you think a Pumi might be the right dog for you, answer the following questions:

• Can you commit to exercising a Pumi every day?
• Would your Pumi have a job, like hunting with a member of the family, competing in dog agility, or taking herding lessons?
• Will you take an obedience class with my Pumi and reinforce lessons at home with at least one short training session daily?
• Are you willing either to learn to groom a Pumi at home or to pay for professional trimming and grooming every 8-16 weeks?
• Can you wait anywhere from a few months to 2 years to add a Pumi to your family? Rare breeds can be hard to find, and good breeders have long waiting lists.
• If you choose to get a Pumi from a breeder, will you commit to keeping the breeder updated on the dog’s health and temperament, to help the breeder make better decisions in breeding future Pumi generations?
• Can you afford treatment for hip dysplasia or patellar luxation if necessary, both of which are unfortunately fairly common in Pumis?
• Can you commit to the care and keeping of a Pumi for at least 12-15 years?

If you answered “yes” to all of the above, consider contacting the Hungarian Pumi Club of America and locating a Pumi fancier in your area who can introduce you in person to the breed.