Puli

Quick facts

	AKC Group:	Herding
	Height:	Male: 16 to 17-1/2 inches, Female: 14-1/2 to 16 inches
	Weight:	Male: 25-35 pounds, Female: 20-30 pounds
	Colors:	solid black, gray, white, off-white/cream
AKC recognized in:		1936

Talk about the Puli and you would associate it with the idea of a livestock guardian and herding dog prized by the shepherds and nomads of the Hungarian plains. Its ancestry is more than 6,000 years old, dating back to the Magyars of Central Asia. It is highly probable that it could also be an ancestor of the modern Poodle.

One of the most ancient sheepdogs around, the Puli originates from the country of Hungary. Thus, it is also called the Hungarian Puli or Hungarian Water Dog. By the Second World War, these little Hungarian dog breed could have died out, if not for attempts at controlled breeding.

The Hungarian Puli works closely with the Hungarian Komondor which is a related but larger breed. The Puli usually herds livestock during the day, while the Komondor takes over the guarding at night.

Small to medium in size, the Puli is strong, compact, and muscular. This unusual dog is known for it uniquely-corded, long coat. Similar to dreadlocks, this coat has tight curls which are virtually waterproof.

Temperament

Puli Summary
Affection
Cold Tolerance
Ease of Training
Energy level
Exercise Requirements
Friendliness : Children
Friendliness: Other Animals
Friendliness: Other Pets
Grooming Requirements
Heat Tolerance
Playfulness
Protection Ability
Watchdog Ability

From its appearance itself, you would see that the Puli is such a lively and cheerful dog. It adapts well to being trained as a pet, and it remains loyal and affectionate to a whole pack of family members.

But beware! Intelligent and obedient as Pulis are, they hate being annoyed and roughly-handled by children. They are naturally wary of strangers.

After all, one of the Puli's most important roles in the past has been to alert the pack whenever there's an intruder. Quick and agile, its prominent black color makes it easy to see in the midst of a flock.

Do not be deceived by its fine-boned appearance or its thick protective coat, because these have aided it in fearlessly fighting off wolves and evading the danger of being bitten.

Health and Exercise

The Puli has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

A faithful type of sheepdog, the Puli will bond closely with the family as both a guardian and security dog. Active and playful, the Puli's puppy-like appearance and behavior with endear them to you their entire life.

If you've raised them from puppyhood, you can manage to train them to be fairly inactive indoors and make do with a yard. But even if they've been housebroken, they're more suited to the suburban outdoors and wide spaces than to city life or apartment dwelling. Deprive the Puli of enough exercise, and it will grow hyperactive and restless or lazy and aloof.

Despite being a hardy breed, this sheepdog is just as prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems. Other than that, the Puli can adapt to almost any condition or climate.

Lastly, take note that this breed shows little to no shedding such that its corded coat could reach to the ground with age. When kept clean and well-groomed, the coat is exactly what attracts people to own these lovable Pulis.

Visitor Comments

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