Puli Dog

The Puli (plural: Pulik) is an ancient sheepdog breed with a history in Hungary that stretches back over a thousand years. It is believed that their ancestors were brought to the Carpathian Basin by the migrating Magyar tribes from Central Asia. These hardy and intelligent dogs were indispensable to Hungarian shepherds, primarily used for herding and driving flocks of sheep. Their unique corded coat provided excellent protection from the harsh weather conditions of the Hungarian plains and also offered some defense against predators.

The Puli worked in close partnership with the larger Komondor, another Hungarian livestock guardian breed. While the Komondor typically guarded the flock at night, the Puli was the agile day worker, keeping the sheep together and moving them as directed by the shepherd. The cording of their coat is a natural process where the soft undercoat intermingles with the coarser outercoat. The breed faced challenges during the World Wars, but dedicated breeders worked to preserve these unique dogs. The Puli was first imported to the United States in the 1930s, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1936.

The Puli is known for its high intelligence, agility, and energetic, playful temperament. They are quick learners and possess a keen sense of awareness, often described as having a “thinking” expression. Pulik are deeply loyal and affectionate with their families, forming strong bonds and enjoying being involved in household activities. Despite their sometimes serious working demeanor, they have a fun-loving and often comical side.

As natural herders and watchdogs, they can be wary or reserved with strangers and will readily bark to announce anything unusual. Early and consistent socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted and to manage their natural protective instincts. Pulik are generally good with children they have been raised with, often being playful and tolerant companions. They can also get along with other dogs and pets if properly introduced and socialized. Their intelligence and energy mean they require regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to undesirable behaviors.

The Puli’s most distinctive feature is its profuse, naturally corded double coat. The coat consists of a soft, woolly undercoat and a coarser, wavy or curly outercoat that intertwine to form long, felt-like cords. Puppies are born with a soft, fluffy coat, and the cording process typically begins around 9-10 months of age, taking several years to fully develop across the entire body.

Grooming a corded Puli is very different from grooming most other breeds. **Once the cords are formed, they should never be brushed or combed out**, as this will destroy their structure. The primary grooming task is to regularly separate the cords by hand down to the skin to ensure they remain distinct and don’t merge into large, uncomfortable mats. This can be a time-consuming process, especially as the coat grows. Bathing a corded Puli is a major undertaking, as the heavy cords absorb a lot of water and can take a very long time (sometimes 24 hours or more, even with dryers) to dry completely. Thorough drying is crucial to prevent mildew and skin issues. Some pet owners opt to keep their Puli in a shorter, brushed-out “puppy clip” or a neatly trimmed corded style for easier maintenance. Regular nail trims and ear checks are also important.

Pulik are energetic and exceptionally agile dogs that require regular daily exercise and, equally importantly, mental stimulation. They were bred for active herding work and retain a good deal of stamina and intelligence that needs an outlet. A bored Puli can become mischievous or overly vocal.

Aim for at least an hour of activity per day. Good exercise options for a Puli include:

• Brisk daily walks, jogging (once fully mature), or hiking.
• Playtime in a securely fenced yard. They enjoy games like fetch or interactive play.
• Canine sports: Pulik excel in activities that showcase their agility, intelligence, and herding instincts, such as herding trials, agility (they are surprisingly nimble under those cords!), obedience, rally, or even dock diving.
• Learning new tricks and using puzzle toys to keep their sharp minds engaged.

Their unique coat can make them prone to overheating in very hot, humid weather, so exercise should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day during warm months.

The Puli is generally a hardy and healthy breed with a good lifespan. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these issues. Potential health concerns include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint, common in many breeds. Elbow dysplasia can also occur.
• Eye Conditions: Including Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. Eye certification is important for breeding stock.
• Patellar Luxation:** Dislocation of the kneecap.
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM):** A progressive disease of the spinal cord. DNA testing is available.
• Skin Issues:** If the corded coat is not properly maintained (kept clean and thoroughly dried after bathing), skin infections or hot spots can develop beneath the cords.