Puli
A bouncy Hungarian herding dog in a corded coat: quick, clever, loyal and full of opinions.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 39–45 cm · Females 36–42 cm
- Weight
- Males 13–15 kg · Females 10–13 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- A few times a week
- Coat
- Corded, long
- Colours
- Black, Grey, Fawn, White
- Bred for
- Herding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Hungary
- FCI
- Group 1, no. 55 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 1/5 – Very low |
| Grooming effort | 5/5 – Very high |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 5/5 – Very high |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a lively, distinctive medium-sized dog
- enjoy coat care or are happy to learn it
- like to train and play every day
Think twice if you …
- want a quiet dog
- prefer an easy, wash-and-go coat
- want a dog that greets everyone happily
Care
Temperament
Pulik are loyal, lively and alert. They are often reserved with strangers and can be protective. They are quick-thinking and sometimes self-willed.
Exercise
An hour or more of daily activity with play and training suits them. Herding, agility, obedience and trick work are good fits.
Grooming
Once the coat starts to cord, the cords must be separated by hand regularly to prevent matting. Bathing and drying take time; some owners keep the coat brushed out or trimmed short instead.
Training
Very intelligent but independent. Varied, reward-based sessions and early socialisation work best.
Health
Pulik are generally hardy; hip dysplasia, some eye conditions and patellar luxation are known. Breeding dogs are usually hip and eye examined, so ask the breeder for results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Eye examination
- Kneecaps (patella)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Puli has herded sheep on the Hungarian plains for many centuries, working alongside larger guardian dogs. It is a small, agile dog that can turn and jump quickly, and its weatherproof corded coat protected it in all seasons.
Pulik are lively, affectionate and closely bonded to their family, and they keep a watchful eye on home and strangers alike. They are clever, sometimes stubborn and often vocal. The cords take ongoing care, and the breed suits owners who enjoy an active, characterful dog rather than an easy-care one.
Did you know?
A Puli's cords begin forming naturally from the puppy coat, usually at around 9 to 12 months of age.