Health Checks

The Pumi is basically a health breed, but it's important that all Pumis get basic health checks, even if they're not going to be bred. Because this breed hasn't had a lot of health checks in Europe until recently, we're not sure of any health problems specifically related to Pumik. Hip dysplasia seems to be only one that is of any incidence, and that is small. Click on this link to see Pumi health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia appears to be the most common problem in the breed. You can see the incidence in tested animals below.

All Pumik should have an OFA x-ray for hip dysplasia whether or not they are going to be bred. If they are affected, you can start some treatment early to lessen the effects. Also your dog's breeder will want to know that they have produced an affected dog. This will also allow us to get a better idea of the incidence of the problem in Pumik.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

We have discovered that our Pumik can carry the gene for Degenerative Myelopathy, or "DM" for short. This is a disease that is similar to ALS in humans. Dogs are not affected until they are older, as in humans. You can find out more about DM at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. The University has developed a DNA test for the disease. You can find out if your Pumi is clear of the disease (2 normal genes), a carrier (1 normal and 1 affected gene) or affected (2 affected genes) by taking a cheek swab to collect the DNA and sending it to the U of MO. You can order a test kit here.

It is important before you get a puppy or breed your Pumi, to make sure that the parents are DNA tested for this disease. A carrier can be bred as long as they are bred to a dog that doesn't carry the disease and the puppies must be then tested before they are bred. The primary rule is that a carrier must never be bred to another carrier.

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

There have been several instances of Primary Lens Luxation in puppies in the Scandinavian countries. There is also an OFA DNA test for this disease. As with DM, it's important to test your Pumi before breeding them. You can order a test kit here (scroll to the bottom of the page). You can find out more about PLL at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

copyright 2005 Hungarian Pumi Club of America, Inc.

Last updated:  February 2, 2012