Bella is a Pumi, that is to say she's a medium sized herding dog with curly hair and unique head shape and ear set. The breed originated in Hungary where they were used to herd all types of livestock. Pumis come in a number of whole colors, but are most commonly gray or black. Pumis can be very energetic and noisy but also very affectionate house companions. Pumis perform well in dog agility and obedience as well as herding. They are considered a rare breed in the United States and have relatively small numbers worldwide, likely not more than 5000.

 

For more information about Pumis and their breed standard see the Hungarian Pumi Club of America Web site. Also, the Wikipedia article on Pumis shows a number of different photographs. Bella comes from Abiqua Kennel in Salem Oregon and her American Kennel Club registered name is Abiqua Cicelle.

 

 

Approaching from the side

 

Front view ...

 

Bell and her Cavalier friends

 

Bella has just started competing in AKC agility. We still have a lot to learn but she's having fun and getting used to the show ring. In fact I think this Open jumpers course was the largest number of obstacles we'd put together at any one time so far :-)

 

Bella's First Agility Win August 2008

 

Here's Bella's very first ever qualifying run in agility at the beginning of August.

 

 

Bella recently competed in the Pumi National Specialty down in Salem. It was a very fun event. She got to help Mom with an agility seminar where lots of other Pumis got to try out jumping and weaving. Bella also took Best of Opposite in the Sweepstakes as well as winning her class in the regular competition.

 

Here are the photos from the event (thanks Chris) including Bella being silly about being groomed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So far Bella has been doing foundational training in obedience and agility. See her in action at 15 weeks learning how to run through a tunnel.

 

When not in training, i.e., the majority of the time, she loves to romp with her sister Zoe the Australian Shepherd. Playing involves lots of noise and action. Watch the dreadful duo in action. So much playing can sometimes result in a state of extreme exhaustion.