Pumi vs Bearded Collie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Pumi
Herding Group
Bearded Collie
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Pumi Overview
Pumi dogs showcase a distinctive curly coat and expressive face with semi-erect ears, creating their signature whimsical appearance. Medium-sized with a square build, they move with agile grace and purpose. Their alert, intelligent expression reflects their keen herding heritage, while their muscular build enables swift, efficient movement. The breed's spiral-curled coat forms corkscrews over their athletic frame.
Bearded Collie Overview
Bearded Collies captivate with their shaggy, flowing coats and bright, inquisitive expressions. Their medium-sized, lean bodies carry them with agile grace, while their distinctive beard and long eyebrows frame expressive eyes. Known for their bouncy, charismatic personalities, these herding dogs combine intelligence with a playful spirit, making them both capable workers and affectionate companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pumis are more energetic than Bearded Collies, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pumis require less grooming attention compared to Bearded Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pumis tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bearded Collies.
- Trainability: Bearded Collies may be slightly easier to train due to their Bearded Collie's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pumis adapt better to apartment living, while Bearded Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pumi and Bearded Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pumi | Bearded Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pumi | Bearded Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-19 inches 38-47 cm | 20-22 inches 51-56 cm |
| Weight | 22-29 lbs 10-13 kg | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pumi | Bearded Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Energetic, Lively, Ready to Work | Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pumi | Bearded Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pumi Temperament
The Pumi is known for being energetic, lively, ready to work, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Bearded Collie Temperament
The Bearded Collie is characterized by being smart, bouncy, charismatic, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Pumi and Bearded Collie, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pumi
Rating: 4/5
Bearded Collie
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pumi
Rating: 1/5
Bearded Collie
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pumi
Rating: 2/5
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Pumi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pumis require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pumis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Bearded Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bearded Collies need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bearded Collies require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Pumi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Degenerative myelopathy
Bearded Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Pumi
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Adaptable
- Low-shedding coat
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Requires mental stimulation
- Strong herding drive
Bearded Collie
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Frequent barking
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pumi and Bearded Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.