Dog Breeds > Puli

The Puli

The Puli is a small to medium sized dog with characteristics typical to that of any Hungarian livestock guarding breed and is known for its unique black coat that is cord-like in texture reaching down to the ground. If you want to own one of these lively and cheerful dogs, knowing in and out about it very essential.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

It is said that the origin of Puli dates back to several thousands of years ago when they had traversed across the vast plains to enter Hungary. Owing to them being black in colour, they were popular sheepdogs easily identifiable within the sheep. Today, with the gift of intelligence, obedience, high level of agility and sudden direction changing skills, this breed is one of the most popular athletic dogs enjoying its success at dog sports.

Physical Appearance

The Puli has an extremely unique look which is the primary reason behind its popularity. It is generally a medium sized dog with about 17 inches height and 25-35 pounds weight. Its uniqueness lies in its corded coat which is generally solid black in colour which reaches down to the ground. Overall their body has a squarish look that is well muscled. The head is domed covered with hairs and sports half obscured brown eyes that are almond shaped. Other coat colours are white, cream or grey but are extremely rare to find.

Grooming

In case of a Puli, grooming is vitally important. It is when they are only 6 months old that their unique coats begin to develop. While the outer coat is coarse and harsh, the undercoat is woolly and quite soft. Remember tat manually separating the cords by hand would help in avoiding matting of the same. The cords should be maintained at a width even thinner than a pencil and lumps should be torn apart. Apart from this cord separation, a Puli hardly needs any other grooming. Ocassional bathing, drying with a dryer, regular cleaning of eyes and ears with clipping of the nails is all that there is to Puli grooming.

Mood

The Puli is a very lively and cheerful dog that can adapt to any kind of circumstances and hence are very good house dogs. If they once feel the lack of disciplined and firm leadership, they will take to forming their own rules and thereafter will be difficult to control or trained. But if they perceive their owners to be strong minded then they will be obedient and affectionate.

With Children

Since a strong minded leadership is required for a Puli to be at its best, leaving it with children may not be a very good idea. Moreover, children tend to pull its corded hairs and tease making things worse.

Training & Exercise

In training a Puli remember that focus on both the approach and technique has to be maintained. In terms of the approach, a constant firm and authoritative leadership needs to be shown so that the dog understands who the master is. For example, while talking the dog for a walk, leash and keep it behind with you leading the way. Small things such as these, communicates to the dog that its free will or dominance will not be entertained and that you are the boss. Once this is understood, you will find a Puli to be a highly intelligent dog possessing athletic skills and great agility. So various techniques and dog tricks can be taught to it.

Exercising a Puli with long walks or a jog is highly beneficial. This breed loves to play and jump around, specially with another dog. They also love to swim but you must never leave them unsupervised since some may have not developed the required facilities to swim.

Health & Life Expectancy

The Puli lives for approximately 12 years and have no major health issues to be concerned about. Though it is always a good idea to get a regular check up done for the common dog problems like hip dysplasia and other eye problems. Apart from these, Pulis are a very healthy and hardy breed.

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