The Puli, a loyal and intelligent shepherd and herding dog, captivates dog lovers worldwide. Originating from Hungary, this breed is known for its distinctive curly coat. In 1935, the ancient breed received international recognition from the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and was categorized in Group 1 as herding dogs.

History of the Puli

The Puli originates from the Puszta, the vast Hungarian steppe, and was used for herding and guarding large herds of cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. With their agile, nimble, and intelligent nature, Pulik (plural of Puli) were optimal herding and driving dogs. They ensured the herd stayed together or kept predators away. Ancestors of these shaggy dogs were likely brought to Europe, specifically Hungary, in the 9th century AD by a nomadic Asian tribe. Due to foreign rule over Hungary for many years, dog breeding was forbidden. However, some shepherds continued to breed Pulis unofficially, preserving the excellent breed. It wasn’t until 1867, after the Austro-Hungarian Compromise, that dog breeding became legal again.

Temperament and Character

A Puli is fundamentally loyal and affectionate toward its family members and is primarily bred today as a companion dog. Nevertheless, it still retains some characteristics of a shepherd dog. It is loyal to its pack and is therefore perfect as a family dog. Guarding the house or apartment against strangers, it is always vigilant but never aggressive, and is, in fact, very fond of children. Lively, clever, obedient, and spirited, a Puli has a strong sense of self-confidence. Its owner should be firm yet gentle. A well-trained Puli enjoys commands from its master and executes them joyfully and conscientiously. The breed is known to be very fond of children and bravely protects its pack.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	High
Amount of Shedding	Low

Acquiring a Puli

Puli puppies are very rare, and there are only a few breeders in the United States. Expect costs of up to $1800 for a Puli puppy. Additionally, you may need to join a waiting list. Purchasing from a reputable Puli breeder is always worthwhile. If you prefer an adult Puli rather than a puppy, you may find one through serendipity in animal shelters or foster homes. However, the breed is relatively rare, so the supply is limited. It’s worth inquiring with Hungarian shepherd dog associations. Alternatively, you can look for a mixed-breed Puli without papers in animal shelters.

What to Consider When Buying

When buying a puppy from a reputable breeder, they ensure that you receive a purebred Puli and check that their puppies have no health issues. In most cases, you can meet the puppies and their parents at a good breeder’s place. Many breeders also value a conversation to determine if you can provide a good home for the Puli puppy. Ideally, the little Puli should already be microchipped, dewormed, and come with a pedigree.

Development and Training of the Puppy

The most important aspect is consistent training combined with plenty of praise. From the beginning, you should be consistent and not let the fluffy-headed Puli get away with anything. Pulik are very intelligent and remember inconsistent behavior. Since Pulik are intelligent and attentive, they quickly learn what is allowed and what is not. When the Puli receives praise for doing something right, it greatly enjoys it. Training should generally be based on trust, praise, and understanding.

As the Puli is a herding and shepherd dog, it needs sufficient mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. It’s a good idea to take a Puli puppy to obedience classes. In puppy socialization classes, the Puli can make friends with other breeds and strengthen its social skills. In obedience classes, you can strengthen the herding character of the Puli and deepen the bond between you and your beloved companion.

How to Care for a Puli?

Since the Puli is naturally lively, it needs plenty of space to play. Therefore, the Puli is not a breed that will be happy in the city. These fluffy nature lovers are best suited to a house or a large apartment with a garden where they can guard and express their love for barking. Of course, an apartment or house without a garden is also sufficient, provided that you take your companion out daily and keep them adequately stimulated. If a Puli becomes bored or under-stimulated, it may develop undesirable behaviors, such as constant barking or destructive tendencies.

Due to its fondness for children, the Puli is well-suited as a family dog. However, respectful interaction between children and the dog is essential. The family should be aware that they are bringing a true bundle of energy into the house, one that loves to be kept busy. The herding dog also gets along with cats, as long as they have been socialized with the Puli during their youth.

Activities with the Puli?

Despite their shaggy appearance, some people are surprised at how athletic a Puli can be. Long walks or hikes are no problem for this furry bundle. An adult Puli can become quite the athlete and excel in dog sports such as agility. Pulik generally enjoy being outdoors and want to guard their territory. Therefore, a fenced garden is perfect for a Puli. Since Pulik are herding dogs, the intelligent breed can also be trained without any issues as a therapy, guide, or search and rescue dog.

Grooming a Puli

The coat of the Puli naturally consists of a shaggy and corded hair. The shaggy coat requires intensive and elaborate grooming. Therefore, caring for this mane can take some time. Unlike other dog breeds, you don’t need to comb or brush the Puli’s coat but rather “cord” it. With the Puli, the shed hairs intertwine with the others and become tangled. To prevent this, the cords need to be regularly separated down to the skin to maintain the characteristic cording and banding hair.

On the online pages of Puli breeding associations, there are detailed instructions on how to perfect the grooming process. You can easily incorporate grooming into your pet’s daily petting routine by pulling apart a few cords each time you stroke your pet. However, make sure to reach every part of the body. Often, fur sections behind the ears or under the armpits become corded. If you practice this ritual from puppyhood, your dog will truly enjoy grooming and quickly have a beautiful coat.

The good thing about the shaggy coat is that the Puli hardly sheds. It only loses a few cords now and then, which can be easily collected.

Health and Genetic Diseases

Due to very down-to-earth breeding practices, the Puli is a very robust breed and has so far been spared from genetic diseases. With good care and health, a Puli can easily live up to 15 years. Some Pulis may experience eye problems, patellar luxation, or hip dysplasia. However, these health issues are rare.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

The Puli is a typical Hungarian dog, so it’s not surprising that the shaggy rascal has been featured multiple times on Hungarian postage stamps. In Hungary, there’s even a saying: “Ez nem kutya, hanem puli,” which means “This is not a dog, but a Puli.” This clearly shows that Hungarians are very proud of their breed.