The Pumi

The Pumi (pronouced POO-mee) is a small Hungarian sheep dog bred to handle a lot of work for long periods of time. They are approximately 18 inches tall and around 25 lbs.

While these dogs look whimsical (and a "whimsical expression" is even in their breed standard, seriously), they are a very serious working dog who are dedicated to their jobs. Similar to other herding breeds, these dogs thrive when given a job to do. You'll need to socialize these dogs early and frequently as they can be prone to dog aggression without early intervention. They are very intelligent and easy to train. They absolutely require a strong leader and are intelligent enough that if they determine that you are not going to fill the role of decision-maker, they will take it upon themselves to call the shots. While they are great with families and provide plenty of affection, they can be wary around strangers. This, combined with a tendency to be territorial, make them excellent watchdogs. 

Their coats require minimal maintenance. A weekly brushing will remove loose hair and prevent matting. Once you finish brushing, you wet the coat with water and allow it to air dry to restore the corkscrew curls. 

 These dogs are working dogs and have very high exercise requirements. According to one website, they would do best as an outside dog on a farm where they can come up with their own jobs like protect the front gate or guard the livestock. They also excel in sports like agility. They are not recommended as apartment dogs or even house dogs. They have been known to climb and dig when bored so a backyard might not be able to contain them. 

Overall, these dogs are loyal and protective of their families and they will shower the people they trust with affection. They are wary of strangers and make good watchdogs. They need a lot of exercise and might be best suited to life as a working dog or in a high intensity sport like agility. Their cute ears and whimsical expression make them irresistibly adorable and are sure to melt your heart. 

Sources:
vetstreet.com
akc.org
dogbreedinfo.com