07/11/2024
The reconstruction of Hungarian herding breeds began in 1914 with the help of the Budapest Zoo, led by Dr. Emil Raitsits. Raitsits recognized distinct behavioral and physical traits between the ancient Puli and the evolved Pumi, defining the Pumi’s breed characteristics for further development. First documented as a separate breed in 1920, the Pumi was introduced as a "Transdanubian variety" of the Puli and presented in shows by 1923. In 1924, the Hungarian Breed Register recorded 130 Pulis, including the renowned silver-gray Icig Fickó, a foundation sire. The first Pumi standard, which describes a square body, elongated head, erect ears, and a rugged, medium-length coat, closely matches today’s standard. By 1928, four key kennels had emerged: Zoo, Hortobágy, Délibáb, and Zsennyei.
On the right, pictured, Icig Ficko