Seeing a cougar once, it is impossible to forget her. These are cute and naughty little dogs that are considered very funny. They have an unusual appearance and a bit like poodles. However, in practice Pumi are great companions, loyal friends, great guards. About what is this breed, let's talk in our article.
History of origin
Pumi is considered a variation of the Hungarian Shepherd. This is a rather rare breed, it has not yet received wide distribution in our country. Someone thinks that she looks like a poodle, and someone refuses to see this similarity. The dog appeared in Hungary. Its primary task was to help people graze domestic animals. It must be said that the cougars not only herded herds. They were used to perform a variety of tasks. Dogs have the temperament of these terriers, which allowed them to catch rodents without any problems.
It is believed that this breed appeared at the turn of the XVII – XVIII centuries. It was during this period that terrier-shaped dogs were imported to Hungary, for the most part they were brought from Germany and France. These doggies interbred with the local representatives of the herding breeds, as a result of which a cross between a terrier and a shepherd dog appeared.
Over time, cougars formed as a breed. On their appearance did not pay special attention, as the main interest caused performance.
The breed standard was approved in 1970, which allowed its representatives to receive pedigrees. The breed itself was recognized by the International Federation of Cynologists back in 1966. In the world about these dogs have already learned closer to the end of the 70s of the twentieth century. The earliest representatives of the breed received their recognition in countries such as Scandinavia and Finland. Appearance for a long time did not play a special role. The main thing for which the cougars were valued is excellent guarding qualities.
Breed description
First of all it should be noted that representatives of the breed are of medium size. People often pay attention to their extravagant appearance. Their coat is rather long, thick and curly, with a soft undercoat. However, in the event that it begins to curl into cords, dog handlers remain unhappy. With regard to standards, the growth of pumas reaches from 35 to 45 centimeters in boys and from 32 to 42 centimeters in girls. Males weigh from 8 to 14 kg, and females - from 7 to 11 kilograms. The head has a slightly elongated shape, the muzzle is rather narrow. Eye color is rich brown. The nose has a black or dark gray shade. The ears of the cougars are bent at the edges, always standing. On the neck is a neat nape. The shape of the body resembles a square, so it seems that the doggie has long legs. The tail is either shortened or cropped when the puppy is from 1.5 to 2 months old.
The hair on the body is longer than on the face and legs. Its length can be up to 7 centimeters. According to the standard, the fur should be of different shades of gray. However, even gray puppies are born black and brighten only closer to two months. There are individuals of reddish, golden, brown, black colors. The main thing is monotony. If the dog has spots, it is recognized as a marriage of a breed.
Character and behavior
In appearance, a puma is a mischievous govt, which is partly true. However, the owners position their pets as serious dogs that can become strongly attached to the owner and clearly carry out the functions assigned to them. This is a great caretaker who will fearlessly protect his home and family. Pumi hear well and have a wonderful instinct. When danger they begin to bark loudly. Despite independence and love of freedom, the cougars simply adore their master. They are not frivolous, on the contrary, clever and clever. They can be excellent snoops, serve in the police service, feed the herds - all the positive moments are difficult to enumerate. Dog breeders call the breed universal. Dogs are able to hunt foxes and small rodents. They are a bit like terriers in terms of the qualities that appear during hunting.
These dogs are very well developed intellectually. They are able to think, analyze and unquestioningly obey the master, executing the commands given. Canine experts consider the breed the most faithful. However, it should be noted propensity to vagrancy. Pumi should be walked exclusively on a leash. They can chase after a small animal, show aggression towards unfamiliar brethren, bark loudly when a stranger is near.
Conditions of detention and care
It should be noted that the cougars are very interesting and specific. Keeping them in a city apartment is not the best idea. Activity, mobility and a loud voice need a wider field of activity. The energy of the dogs just rolls over, they are ready to move constantly, while they can often bark for no reason. Neighbors in an apartment building are unlikely to be delighted with such a tenant. It is best to start a cougar if the owners live outside the city or in the countryside. In such conditions, the dogs will be able to run in and out of their hearts. Breeders say that the optimal place for pets to feel most comfortable is a farm, forest or pasture. In addition, in such conditions, they are unlikely to disturb others.
This is a simple explanation. Since ancient times, the breed was considered a shepherd. Pumi could independently feed domestic animals and were free-range. In no case should such dogs be put on a chain, they will simply start to go crazy on a leash. And it's far from a fact that they will sit there for a long time, as they will try to use their whole mind and acumen to break free.
Pumi are excellent watchmen. They attack rather seldom, but they will actively attack strangers who have tried to encroach on the territory entrusted to them, and announce the surroundings with a ringing barking.
As for the care, there are several generally accepted rules.
- The first thing you need to pay attention to wool. It is quite long and often lumps together. It must be constantly combed out, and not only because the dog looks good. It is wool that is partially responsible for thermoregulation, which means that its condition directly affects health.
- Dogs can not be overlooked. Since they are very active and mobile, they can run quite far away, looking around the area, and get lost easily. After walks, the dog living in the house must wash its paws.
- Should pay attention to the ears. They are one of the weak points, sometimes pets suffer from otitis. Domestic cougars will have to regularly cut their claws. And also timely vaccination will be required, about its terms and periodicity it is necessary to consult with the expert.
Feeding
Representatives of this breed require a balanced diet, rich in nutrients. The diet should include natural products. Pumi need meat, cereals and vegetables. Ready-made dry food can also be given, but in this case it is necessary to ensure that they are of high quality. Suitable premium food for medium dogs. In no case can not buy cheap food, which can provoke poisoning and many other unpleasant moments.
The owner should choose for dry or natural food his pet, primarily based on the financial component. Oddly enough, a diet that includes ready-made food will cost more. It is useful to consult with a veterinarian, he will give his recommendations, based on the individual characteristics and needs of the animal. When a puma puppy appears in the house, you cannot immediately change its diet.
Initially, you must give the same food that he received from the breeder. In the future, everything will be at the discretion of the owner.
However, it is necessary to follow such nuances as:
- Puma puppies should be fed 6 times a day until they reach two months of age;
- starting from this point and up to 5 months, food intake is reduced to 4 times a day;
- from 5 to 10 months, babies should eat 3 times a day, and for this it is necessary to take a certain, clearly limited time;
- A puppy older than 10 months is considered adult enough to eat like an adult dog, so you need to feed it 2 times a day.
If the food is defective and the animal lacks something, it will let you know about it by its behavior. Just enough time to pay attention. The fact that the pet becomes not indifferent to bricks and plaster begins to nibble at them actively, indicating a lack of calcium. If the wool dries and fades, it means that the body does not have enough vitamin A. A more serious indicator is the curvature of the bones. This is the first symptom of rickets and requires immediate treatment to the veterinarian.
Most often, rickets is manifested in animals that are deficient in vitamin D.
Upbringing and training
If there is such a dog in the house, experts recommend placing it in the hands of a professional canine for a general course of training. If this is not done, problems may arise with the upbringing, the pet is able to deliver a host of inconveniences to the owner. As mentioned above, the cougar will not feel very comfortable in a city apartment. Their protective qualities require use, so the best thing for the dog will be in a private house or in the country. He will be happy for maximum freedom.
Pumi have excellent health. They require constant physical activity, space for activities and the ability to move. Despite this, the little dogs adore their masters, are very devoted to them, take care of the younger members of the family. All these qualities are manifested in the case when enough attention is paid to the animal, its socialization is held, the owner finds time for classes and training.
Natural instincts are such that the cougars, following them, gather all of them into one big company during the game, and then begin to feed them. This can happen not only at home, but also on a walk, where the animal finds time for such communication. To fight this will not work, the dog has this behavior in the blood, and it is absolutely not in danger. The owner needs to observe the process and make sure that the pet does not play.
To raise puppies is necessary, starting from a tender age. The sooner you begin to engage in them, the more the animals will be of service. Puma training should be, presenting it as a game. They will be happy to take part in the process, remembering the teams as they go, which should be mandatory. The owner of a representative of this breed must be patient, as training will require restraint and perseverance. Dogs are very playful, respectively, can be distracted and not take the team seriously.
Training should be carried out in a quiet and remote place from the hustle and bustle. Best of all, if it is as quiet as possible around, then nothing will distract your pet from practice.
One of the important points of training is praise. Pumi treat this very carefully and try to please the owner. However, it is important to find a fine line here and not to overdo it.The nature of the dog is laid from a tender age, so the owner should try to devote the maximum amount of time to his pet. This will help to find a reliable and loyal friend, with a friendly disposition and exemplary behavior.
Pumi is distinguished by the fact that they are very sensitive to the borders of their own territory. They have excellent security qualities and will protect the area entrusted to them from outsiders. In this case, the dogs do not rush to strangers, but give a very loud voice. This quality can be a problem, as the causeless barking is unlikely to appeal to others. Therefore, in such moments it is necessary to control the pet and calm it down. The dog is very cheerful and constantly in need of movement. The owner should try to get as close as possible to her and devote a sufficient amount of time. Too busy and inactive people do not recommend pets of this breed.
The following video is waiting for you interesting facts about the breed of dogs cougars.