Puli

Dog Breed Profile

Stats:
• High energy level
• Medium exercise needs
• Moderately playful
• Somewhat affectionate
• Shy towards other dogs
• Friendly around other pets
• Shy around strangers
• Easy to train
• Great watchdogs
• Very protective
• High grooming requirements
• Low tolerance to heat
• High tolerance to cold

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Overview:

It’s a bird…it’s a plane…a mop? If the Puli was laying still you might easily mistake him for a mop with his weatherproof, wavy or even curly outer coat. If this dog breed is left, the coat forms round or flat cords, giving it the mop look, although it’s also possible to brush the coat out.

He’s a quick breed, compact and agile and just full of energy. He barks a lot, but he’s very alert and he tends to be very protective of his family. The Puli doesn’t take kindly to other dogs and can even be aggressive towards them.

The Puli is happy in a variety of living situations, and generally seem to maintain their puppy attitude towards living for their entire life.

Best suited to dividing time between outside and inside the home
Testing should be done for ears and hips
Grooming needs include twice a week brushing or combing and more when shedding
Once trained has a great relationship with family members, young and old, and make great watchdogs
They can get along with other dogs but tend to be shy around other pets and strangers.
The average size of a male is 25 to 35lbs and 17 inches tall
The average size of a female is 25 to 35lbs and 16 inches tall

Care & Health:

The Puli dogs love to herd, and have a high level of energy to do so. Take him for a long walk or for a run, or even spend some time teaching him new tricks and he’ll be happy. He’s fine outdoors because of his warm coat, but he’s also a great house pet.

He doesn’t shed, but he still needs a lot of maintenance to keep his corded locks from growing mold. This means regular brushing or separation of the cords is required, and believe it or not – it can take a whole day to properly bathe and dry the Puli.

Major Health Concerns:

–CHD (Canine Hip Displasia),

Minor Health Concerns:

–none, but occasionally PRA(Progressive Retinal Atrophy)

Test for:

–eyes and hip

Life Span:

– 12 to 16 years

Breed History:

Puli dog breeds have been responsible for herding sheep for over 1000 years, particularly for Hungarian shepherds. When Hungary was invaded in the 16th century a new mix of dogs were introduced and the following years saw the puli being mixed with pulik and pumi breeds. The puli was almost lost in the 16th century due to the interbreeding, but thanks to efforts in the early 1900s the breed has been revived and was even registered with the AKC in 1936.

The US department of Agriculture imported the breed in 1935 to attempt to improve the herding breeds in America but this went by the wayside with the war. It didn’t take long before the qualities of the puli became known however, and the registration in 1936 is a testament to its quick fame.

Regardless of the efforts to revive the breed, it has only become mildly popular as a show dog or as a family pet.