Puli

The Puli resembles the Tibetan Spaniel, which may have played a role in the Puli’s development, potentially dating as far back as the 9th century. They were originally black so that they could be easily seen through the flock of sheep. They were associated with Hungary, and they are often called Hungarian Puli dogs. In the 1900s, there was an effort to revive the Puli dog, which at that point varied in size. After the World Wars, the breed spread throughout Europe as Hungarians fled. The medium-sized dog is the Puli we know today, which first arrived in America in 1935.

Owners will first and foremost need to not mind being asked about the Puli dog, so striking is their corded coat. Ideally, owners will also have experience with intelligent and obstinate dogs and corded breeds. They need plenty of exercise and have high grooming needs.

Sniffing, running, playing, and herding should all be on a Puli’s calendar. They enjoy mental stimulation as well in the form of puzzles and interactive games and can be taught to trick train. However, they thrive when given a job to do.

They’re not large dogs, but Pulis need space, primarily for drying off their corded coats. It could take days for the coat to dry completely. A fenced-in yard is important as the breed is quick and curious.

Grooming a Puli will require an owner to brush up on corded coat knowledge. Their coats don’t fully develop until the dogs are three years old, but a lot of time and attention needs to be spent ensuring the cords are forming correctly and not pulling on the dog’s skin. The coat of the Hungarian Puli can be cut short for ease, too. The Puli dog doesn’t shed, but it can pick up all sorts of debris in its coat. Baths should only happen in the summer months as it can take several days for the coat to dry fully.

Quick-witted and clever, Puli dogs will enjoy training. They can be independent thinkers, though, which can mean having to motivate them creatively. Food and companionship will usually do the trick! Socialization is important with children and other animals, although they do best with older children as their instinct will be to herd young children.

Iconic, fun, and engaging, the Puli dog can be a good family companion dog with the right family. Families should either have older children or no children, as the Puli might be inclined to herd small children. A family will need to have time to devote to the dog’s grooming, too.

The cost of a Puli from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.