Pumi vs Yakutian Laika
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
Yakutian Laika
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Yakutian Laika Overview
Yakutian Laikas are hardy, medium-sized spitz-type dogs with distinctive wedge-shaped heads and thick double coats. Their almond-shaped eyes, erect triangular ears, and curved tail carried over the back create an alert, dignified appearance. Displaying remarkable agility and strength, these dogs combine an athletic build with elegant proportions, standing proudly with well-muscled shoulders and strong legs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pumis are less energetic than Yakutian Laikas, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pumis require less grooming attention compared to Yakutian Laikas.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pumis tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Yakutian Laikas.
- Trainability: Yakutian Laikas may be slightly easier to train due to their Yakutian Laika's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pumis adapt better to apartment living, while Yakutian Laikas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pumi and Yakutian Laika, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pumi | Yakutian Laika |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Russia (Yakutia region) |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pumi | Yakutian Laika |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-19 inches 38-47 cm | 21-23 inches 53-58 cm |
| Weight | 22-29 lbs 10-13 kg | 40-55 lbs 18-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pumi | Yakutian Laika |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Energetic, Lively, Ready to Work | Affectionate, Intelligent, Active |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pumi | Yakutian Laika |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Yakutian Laika Temperament
The Yakutian Laika is characterized by being affectionate, intelligent, active, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Pumi and Yakutian Laika, 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
Yakutian Laika
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
Yakutian Laika
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pumi
Rating: 4/5
Yakutian Laika
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pumi
Rating: 1/5
Yakutian Laika
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pumi
Rating: 2/5
Yakutian Laika
Rating: 3/5
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.
Yakutian Laika Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Yakutian Laikas need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Yakutian Laikas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Pumi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Degenerative myelopathy
Yakutian Laika Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Dental Disease
- Bloat
- 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
Yakutian Laika
Pros
- Excellent cold weather adaptability
- Versatile working abilities
- Strong protective instincts
- Good with family members
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- Seasonal shedding
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pumi and Yakutian Laika, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.