Feeding your Pumi properly is straightforward once you understand their energy needs. These active little workers require high-quality nutrition to fuel their busy minds and bodies, but their moderate size means they won't break the bank at feeding time.

Choose a premium dog food that meets Australian standards and is appropriate for your dog's life stage - puppy, adult, or senior. Adult Pumis typically do well on two meals per day, which helps prevent bloat and maintains steady energy levels. Split their daily portion between morning and evening feeds, timing the evening meal a few hours before bedtime.

Pumi puppies have higher energy needs and may require three to four smaller meals daily to prevent low blood sugar. As they mature, you can gradually transition to the adult feeding schedule. Always make changes gradually over a week to avoid digestive upset.

Portion control is important - these dogs are food-motivated and can easily become overweight if overfed. Follow the feeding guidelines on your chosen food as a starting point, then adjust based on your dog's body condition and activity level. An active Pumi hiking in the Blue Mountains will need more calories than one enjoying leisurely suburban walks.

Australian owners should be mindful of our hot climate when timing meals. During summer, consider feeding during cooler parts of the day and always ensure fresh water is available. Some Pumis enjoy frozen treats like ice cubes or frozen Kong toys filled with their kibble - perfect for hot Brisbane or Perth afternoons.

Avoid feeding human food, especially chocolate, grapes, and onions, which are toxic to dogs. If you're considering supplements, consult your vet first, as quality commercial foods typically provide complete nutrition.

The Pumi's distinctive curly coat is actually quite low-maintenance once you understand how to work with it. Those adorable corkscrew curls are the result of a unique double coat that's 50% soft undercoat and 50% harsher guard hairs, all the same length.

Here's the key to Pumi grooming success: less is more. Adult Pumis only need combing every three to six weeks, making them surprisingly easy-care for busy Australian families. When you do groom, use a good quality comb to work through the coat, removing any loose hair and preventing mats.

After combing, give your Pumi a thorough wetting down - this is crucial for reactivating those characteristic curls. Let the coat air dry naturally, and watch those curls spring back to life. Never use a blow dryer, as this will destroy the coat's natural texture and leave you with a fluffy mess instead of those lovely spirals.

Pumi puppies require more frequent attention as they haven't yet developed their adult coat. Until around 2-3 years of age, you'll need to comb them weekly to prevent matting. The good news is they barely shed, so your furniture and clothes will thank you.

The coat does continue growing and will need trimming every few months to maintain that tidy, characteristic look. Many Australian Pumi owners learn to do basic trimming themselves, as finding groomers familiar with the breed can be challenging.

Regular ear checks are important, especially in Australia's humid coastal areas where ear infections can develop. Clean ears as needed with a vet-recommended solution. Keep nails trimmed and teeth clean with regular brushing - start these routines early when your Pumi is young for best acceptance.

Training a Pumi is like working with a brilliant child - they're eager to learn but want to understand the 'why' behind every request. These dogs are incredibly intelligent and pick up new concepts quickly, but they're not the type to mindlessly repeat exercises. Keep training sessions varied and engaging, or you'll lose their attention faster than you can say "sit."

Early socialisation is absolutely crucial for Pumis. They naturally bond closely with one person and can be wary of strangers, so expose your puppy to different people, places, and experiences from day one. Australian puppy schools are excellent for this, providing controlled environments for social learning.

Positive reinforcement works best with this breed. They respond beautifully to treats, praise, and play rewards, but harsh corrections will shut them down completely. Think of training as a conversation rather than a command session - these dogs want to be partners, not just followers.

Exercise needs are substantial but manageable. A good hour of activity daily will keep most Pumis content, but this needs to be quality exercise, not just a quick walk around the block. They excel at dog sports like agility, which are increasingly popular in Australian cities. Many local clubs offer beginner courses perfect for channelling their natural athleticism.

In Australian conditions, time your exercise for cooler parts of the day during summer. On days where the temperature climbs above 28°C, an early morning or late evening session is safest to avoid heat stress. These dogs love mental challenges too - puzzle toys and nose work games are excellent for rainy days or when you're stuck indoors.

Be prepared for some barking - it's part of their herding heritage. While you can't eliminate it entirely, consistent training can teach them when barking is appropriate and when it's time to be quiet.