diff --git a/src/betterproto/templates/template.py.j2 b/src/betterproto/templates/template.py.j2
index 4a252aec6..a08b36cbd 100644
--- a/src/betterproto/templates/template.py.j2
+++ b/src/betterproto/templates/template.py.j2
@@ -17,7 +17,13 @@ class {{ enum.py_name }}(betterproto.Enum):
     def __get_pydantic_core_schema__(cls, _source_type, _handler):
         from pydantic_core import core_schema
 
-        return core_schema.int_schema(ge=0)
+        # Return the schema for validation and serialization
+        return core_schema.chain_schema(
+            [
+                core_schema.int_schema(ge=0),  # Validate as a string first
+                core_schema.no_info_plain_validator_function(lambda value: cls(value)),  # Custom validation
+            ]
+        )
     {% endif %}
 
 {% endfor %}
diff --git a/tests/inputs/enum/test_enum.py b/tests/inputs/enum/test_enum.py
index 21a5ac3b9..578aba877 100644
--- a/tests/inputs/enum/test_enum.py
+++ b/tests/inputs/enum/test_enum.py
@@ -3,6 +3,10 @@
     Choice,
     Test,
 )
+from tests.output_betterproto_pydantic.enum import (
+    Choice as ChoicePyd,
+    Test as TestPyd,
+)
 
 
 def test_enum_set_and_get():
@@ -112,3 +116,8 @@ def test_renamed_enum_members():
         "MINUS",
         "_0_PREFIXED",
     }
+
+
+def test_pydantic_enum_preserve_type():
+    test = TestPyd(choice=ChoicePyd.ZERO)
+    assert isinstance(test.choice, ChoicePyd)