Alt Text
Hill’s Brand Horizon

Puli

dog Breed Profile

The puli is a medium-sized, active dog with a unique appearance.

Attributes

Floppy ears (naturally)

Size

Weight

25-35 lbs.

25-35 lbs.

Height

16in.

(at withers)

17in.

Coat

Length

Long

Color

Solid black. rusty black, gray, white

Care

Exercise

>40 minutes/day

Energy level

Very energetic

Longevity

12-16 yrs.

Needs

High

Traits

Barking

High

Snoring

Low

Drooling

Low

Digging

Low

Grooming Needs

High

Social Needs

High

Club recognition

AKC Class.

Herding

UKC Class.

Herding Dog

Prevalence

Rare

The Puli Dog Breed

As a herding dog, the puli tends to circle and often tries to herd people by nipping at heels.

About the Puli

The puli is a medium-sized, active dog with a unique appearance.

Puli personality

This active, intelligent, self-confident, self-possessed and manipulative dog is fiercely dedicated to his family and friends. The puli is an extremely intelligent dog with a sense of humor and will remain happy and playful to an advanced age. Bred to be the sole companion of a shepherd working in isolation in the hills, the dog is above all an incomparable companion. The puli can be either outgoing or discriminating in his dealings with those outside the family.

Although a herding dog, above all the puli is a family companion and a guardian of family and flock. This dog feels that his place in life is with his family and will always put them first and come back to check on them, whether off investigating something, working with his flock, or barking an alarm. The puli is a good watchdog but does not usually bark inappropriately.

What to expect

As a herding dog, the puli tends to circle and be quite active. Pulik will often try to herd their people by nipping at their owners' heels. If properly trained and exercised daily, the puli makes an excellent family companion.

Because of the denseness of the corded coat, special care should be taken to avoid letting pulik overheat. If a puli is swimming, either in a pool or pond, pay close attention and help him out of the water if he becomes tired. Washing and drying a fully corded coat can be an ordeal.

History of the Puli

The puli (plural pulik) is an ancient Hungarian breed with an Asiatic origin. Pulik are thought to be descendants of the Tibetan terrier. The Tibetan was brought to Hungary before A.D. 900 by nomadic tribes. The name puli means both drover and destroyer.

Color and size played an enormous role in the development of the puli as a sheepdog. The lighter colored puli guarded the herds and flocks from robbers and wild animals at night, blending in with their charges. The darker-colored puli was used to drive and herd during the day. The breed has always been known for its herding instincts.

All dog breeding in Hungary was almost destroyed during World War II, but by that time the puli had already earned its place as a companion. The dogs were taken into other countries and breeding was continued to preserve the breed, most notably in North America. In 1935, a few specimens of the breed were imported to the United States to be used in a herd guarding dog experiment. Even though  World War  II interrupted these experiments, the dogs had made an impact in America.

Adopt a pet.
Change a life.

Are you prepared to adopt a pet? Use these tools to make sure you’re ready for the commitment.

 

Need help finding the right food for your dog?

Other breeds you might be interested in