Puli Dog Breed Information

  • AKA:Pulik, Hungarian Puli, Hungarian Water Dog
  • Size:Small/Medium
  • Ease of Training:Low/Medium
  • Grooming:Medium/High
  • Shedding:Low
  • Exercise Needed:Daily walks
  • Energy Level:High
  • Protection:High, guard dog
  • Good with Children:Yes, with older, gentle children
  • Health Clearances:OFA, CERF
  • Weight:25-35 lbs
  • Height:Male: 17; Female: 16 inches
  • Coat Colour:Solid black, rusty black, gray, and white

Puli Coat

The Puli has a very unique coat. The coat is fairly weather resistant and is dense and profuse. The outer coat should be wavy or curly, while the undercoat is soft and woolly. In adult Puli, the coat should form cords naturally and never be man made. The coat should never be clipped, always natural.

Puli Character

The Puli surprisingly makes a very good watchdog, as they are very protective of their master and territory. This is a very intelligent breed making him fairly easy to train. This breed does very well in obedience and agility and is a favourite in the show ring. His light and agile movement give this breed an advantage when it comes to guarding flocks of sheep.

Puli Temperament

Happy, cheerful, and devoted, this dog does very well in a home environment, however is not recommended for a home with small children. The Puli can do well with other animals if they are properly socialized at puppyhood, but should not be trusted around smaller and more passive animals. If children are taught how to handle a dog properly, this breed can do well providing the children do not pester or pull on the long cords of hair.

Puli Care

The Puli has a strange and unique coat making grooming for this breed a learned technique for the inexperienced. Professional grooming in the beginning should be required. After bathing, drying of the coat can be a task. Blow-drying with cold air works best. Brushing is not required, as the Puli should always have naturally formed cords.

Puli Activity

The Puli should have regular exercise, as they love to play and roam free, however should always be in a fenced in yard. An average sized yard works best for this energetic breed. They love to jog with their owners, and does very well running along side a bike. The Puli enjoys hikes, however the coat should be protected.

Puli Health and Life Expectancy

The Puli is a relatively healthy breed with a life expectancy of around 14-16 years. Some of the health problems to look out for with this breed include cataracts, vWD, HD, and PRA. The parents of the Puli puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.