The Puli is an unusual herding dog trained to walk on the backs of sheep herds when they are massed together.
Alternate Names
Hungarian Puli
Pulik (plural)
Hungarian Water Dog
Puli is Hungarian for “livestock drover”
Appearance:
Body: Square and sturdy with a moderately long, level back, deep chest, and oblique shoulders.
Coat: Long, coarse, shaggy outer coat with wooly cords, and a dense weather resistant undercoat.
Color: White, black, rusty black, and all shades of gray.
Ears: Medium size, broad, v-shaped, and drooped.
Eyes: Lively, large, deep set, dark brown with black rims and eyelids.
Feet: Short, round, and tight with elastic pads, and slate-grey or black nails. Hind feet are slightly longer than forefeet.
Head: Medium size with a slightly domed skull, straight muzzle, and black nose.
Legs: Forelegs are long and straight with tight elbows. Hindquarters are long and muscular with a broad pelvis, well-bent stifles, and low set hocks.
Neck: Moderately long, and muscular.
Size:
Weight: 22 – 33 pounds
Height: 16 – 17 inches
Tail: Tightly curled.
Behavior
Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Adaptable to different lifestyles
Not an indoor dog
Will chase smaller animals
Can be territorial
The Puli is an intelligent, responsive, energetic, and affectionate breed with a long, corded coat and a love for family and play. He was developed as a specialized herding dog for tending and protecting flocks and was trained to run up along the backs of the sheep when they were massed together.
Michele Welton, author of Your Purebred Puppy says, “The acrobatic Puli has been likened to a bouncing spring. Happy and playful well into his teens, with boundless energy and insatiable curiosity, he bustles about with light-footed agility checking out every new sight and sound and expressing his opinion about it.”
He is highly intelligent and has a propensity for being surprisingly more mischievous than most breeds. His independent, sometimes obstinate, personality and lively disposition will amuse you. He’s a courageous guard dog and good companion.
AKC Standard says, “Pulik are extremely intelligent, deeply loyal dogs, wary of strangers. Quick and keen, when frustrated or excited they can resemble a bouncing ball and bubble with an energy they can scarcely control at times. They are often clowns for their owners, but they are always capable of the dazzling footwork that evoked the admiration of shepherds so long ago.”
Because of his drover instincts he will likely try to herd people and animals alike so he can keep guard over them. Early and continuous obedience training in the hands of an experienced dog handler is a must or he will get the best of you. He needs strong leadership, a kind hand, and a positive training regimen including gentle correction, rewarding treats, and praise for a job well done.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Herding Group
Sheep herding
Care and Grooming
Exercise: He is an athletic dog in need of vigorous daily exercise.
Grooming: The corded coat is not meant to be brushed out so regular bathing is recommended to avoid body odor. When grooming does take place, each cord is groomed individually.
Health
Life Expectancy: 12 – 13 Years
Possible Problems:
Cataracts
Retinal Dysplasia – eye disorder
Recommended Certificates:
OFA – for the hips
Country of Origin
Hungary