About the breed
The Puli dog, commonly known as Hungarian water dog, is a dog easy to recognize for its exclusive fur : long loops that can reach the ground.
On the street, every person will pay 100% attention to a dog like the Puli. It cannot be otherwise, because not every dog can be compared with Rostoman. Puli dogs are similar to them with their hair cords, which resemble dreadlocks.
Puli is a different breed from Komondor
Puli
The dog Puli, originally from Hungary, is known for its distinctive roping coat and its lively personality. Intelligent and agile, Pulis excels in various sports and canine activities. Their unique appearance and their playful attitude make them as well as active families. Despite their thick coat, pulp adapts to different life environments, including apartments, provided they regularly receive exercise and mental stimulation.
Breed at a Glance
- Origin: Hungary
- Size: Medium
- Weight: 28-33 lbs (13-15 kg)
- Head shape: Round
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Coat Type: Dense, corded, and woolly; naturally forms tight, rope-like cords
- Colors: Black, white, grey, or fawn
- Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, loyal, and protective; often wary of strangers but affectionate with family
- Grooming Needs: High; requires regular maintenance of its unique corded coat
- Exercise Needs: High; needs plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation
- Best For: Active families or individuals with time for grooming and exercise, rural or suburban homes with space to roam
The Puli is known for its distinctive corded coat and its agility. This breed was originally used as a herding dog, making it highly energetic and intelligent. It’s a devoted and loyal companion, thriving with an active lifestyle and consistent care for its unique coat. Ideal for experienced dog owners who can meet its grooming and exercise needs.
The standard of the breed
The Puli is easily recognizable by its distinctive coat with long “cords” that sometimes reach the ground. The color can be black, black with rust, white or different shades of apricot and gray. A strong and muscular body hides under the coat. The height of an adult male is 39 – 45 cm, weight is 13 – 15 kg, adult females are 36 – 42 cm, weight is 10 – 13 kg
Exercise requirements
Compassion for the owner
Friendship with strangers
Energy level
Playfulness
With other pets
Characteristics of the breed
Family
Hungarian Shepherds get along well with school-aged children. It is better not to leave the dog alone with the little ones, because the Pulis will not always be patient with children’s pranks.
Pulis can get along with other animals, but are not always ready to give in to animals that want to dominate. Difficulties can arise with rodents, the Pulis perceive them as prey.
Physical qualities
The shape of the head changes with the angle. From the front, it appears round, but in profile, it appears oval. The skull is graceful and dry. The stop is weakly expressed. The length of the muzzle is 3 times lower than the length of the head.
The Hungarian shepherd has medium -sized ears on both sides of the head, which are not very visible, just like the fluffy feathers of his body. Their ears are generally drooping. However, it looks more like hair with dense feathers around his head and the hairy structure of his ears.
The puli race has eyes hidden in its dense and sometimes invisible feathers through her hair. She has almond and dark brown eyes, clearly visible when her hair is attached.
The dark lips adjust closely to the teeth. The jaws close in scissors.
The puli breed is a medium -sized dog, of square and compact appearance, with a single coat. He is durable with his body with fine but muscular and agile bones. The Hungarian shepherd is an acrobatic dog that can change direction quickly and instantly compared to his small body. They have become famous as “the acrobats of the canine world” because they are very light on their legs and move easily.
The coat is made up of a fine sub-point, recalling the down duvet, and a coarse guard. The puppies are born different from their parents. Their coat is either slightly wavy or completed. At the age of 2-3, he formed solid strings, the length of which can reach 20-30 cm.
Anterior legs
The shoulder blades and elbows are well adjusted to the body. The limbs are based on round legs. The fingers are gathered in a tight ball. Elastic pads, such as claws, are pigmented with black.
Posterior limbs
Placed at a moderate distance from each other. The thighs and the lower legs are distinguished by their length and their musculature. The hind legs are less arched, so their toes are not as tight.
The color of Puli’s fur is mainly black. However, white and gray colors can also be found in black. In his native country, Hungary, the most popular fur color after black is the wheat tone. In some countries, Puli is not allowed to have certain colors. In the United Kingdom and in general, Puli black, all shades of gray, apricot (with or without black mask) and rarer white are all authorized. The black color is defined as “patinated black” because the white hair of dogs begin to push after the age of one year. In addition, as he does not lose many hairs, his feathers lose a certain intensity of color due to the influence of the sun and the bad weather.
Lifespan
Standards & Classifications
The dog Puli is recognized by the main canine clubs around the world, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the International Cynological Federation (FCI). These organizations establish breed standards and promote farmed practices responsible for Pulis worldwide.
FCI classification
Group 1: Shepherd and Bouvier dogs (except Swiss Bouvier dogs).
Section 1: Shepherd dogs.
What to expect when taking care of a Puli
Taking care of a dog involves daily exercise, regular diet, grooming and veterinary care. Expect camaraderie, loyalty and joy, as well as responsibilities such as training, cleaning after them and the supply of a safe environment.
His health is strong, the body’s immune defenses are strong. These dogs are hardy and mentally resilient. This characteristic of the breed, with regard to health, has remained unchanged for several centuries.
It is worth noting the Puli dog’s predisposition to the following diseases:
- Hypothyroidism – occurs due to an insufficient amount of hormones in the thyroid gland.
- Onychodystrophy is a claw pathology.
- Portosystemic shunt is an anastomosis between the veins of the gastrointestinal tract and the caudal vena cava.
- Pemphigus erythematosus – usually occurs on the front of the head (bridge of the nose and around the eyes), as well as on the ears.
- Tail shortening.
- Partial teeth.
- Dysplasia – causes severe pain, the dog is limping and has little movement.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Dermatitis is a skin disease that requires long-term treatment.
- Diabetes.
Puli care is quite a story. Their unusually thick and long coat requires careful grooming, and it can sometimes be difficult to find a canine groomer who is knowledgeable about them. Therefore, accept the fact that you may very well need to cut and remove the tangled hairballs yourself.
Trim claws once every 10 days. Be sure to clean the ears several times a week and treat them for bacteria, as well as keep the eyes clean, since the wool covers almost the entire head, like a thick hat.
Pulis are bathed every two weeks, for this the dog is immersed in a bath with a special shampoo, then the coat is rinsed well. After water procedures, the dog is soaked with towels or dried with a hair dryer. The coat dries out completely only after 3-4 days. After swimming in cold weather, it is better to leave the dog at home.
Puli dogs can adapt well to various living conditions, including houses and apartments. However, they thrive in environments where they have enough space to move and exercise regularly. The apartments are suitable provided that the puli receives enough physical and mental stimulation through walks, recreation and training sessions to avoid boredom and behavioral problems. Access to outdoor spaces to exercise is beneficial for this active breed
Puli dogs can adapt well to various living conditions, including houses and apartments. However, they thrive in environments where they have enough space to move and exercise regularly. The apartments are suitable provided that the puli receives enough physical and mental stimulation through walks, recreation and training sessions to avoid boredom and behavioral problems. Access to outdoor spaces to exercise is beneficial for this active breed
Character and behavior
The Puli is very attached to the owner and to all members of the family. The breed’s energy reserves never seem to run out. Therefore, the lazy owner will not suit him. Puli dogs are ready to accompany any member of the family, just to hang around, run, jump and, of course, guard.
The guarding skills of the Hungarian Shepherd prove to be excellent. At the slightest noise or the arrival of strangers, this dog barks loudly. If the owner, family members or pets are in danger, the Puli transforms from an affectionate and intelligent dog into a fearsome and fearless guardian.
Sociality
Relationship with the human family
Attitude towards loneliness
Tendency to bark
Friendship with dogs
Adaptability
City life
Suitable as the first dog
Tolerance for hot temperatures
Tolerance for cold temperatures
Did you know?
- The Hungarian Dog leads the flock in a very peculiar way. He guides the sheep by jumping on their backs and jumping over them.
- The Puli dog is very fond of water (from this name) and is an excellent swimmer. Only one problem – after water procedures, long wool lashes dry for about 4 days.
- Rough handling of the Hungarian Shepherd Dog by the owner can lead it to deep depression and even cardiac arrest due to the stress received.
- In ancient times, a Hungarian Shepherd puppy was comparable in price to a cow. It was impossible to get such a pet cheaper.
- In most cases, Puli dogs were looked after very badly; the food for herding dogs often consisted of several pieces of black bread.
- In ancient times, for any error, the owner could hang a Puli dog over a well. But even such cruel treatment did not “kill” love for people in shepherds.
Price and budget
Here’s a breakdown of the typical purchase price and annual maintenance cost of a Puli dog across France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, USA, and Germany, with mini and maxi values:
| Country | Purchase Price (Mini) | Purchase Price (Maxi) | Annual Maintenance (Mini) | Annual Maintenance (Maxi) |
| France | €1,000 | €2,500 | €800 | €2,000 |
| Canada | CAD 1,500 | CAD 4,000 | CAD 1,000 | CAD 2,500 |
| Belgium | €1,200 | €3,000 | €900 | €2,200 |
| Switzerland | CHF 1,200 | CHF 3,500 | CHF 1,100 | CHF 2,500 |
| USA | USD 1,200 | USD 4,500 | USD 1,000 | USD 2,800 |
| Germany | €1,200 | €3,200 | €900 | €2,400 |
The Puli’s unique coat requires regular grooming, which may influence maintenance costs, especially if professional groomers are involved. Additional costs for vet care, food, and training are standard, but prices can vary based on specific needs.
Competitions
| Competition Type | Description | Key Competitions |
| Herding Trials | Tests the Puli's natural herding ability with livestock. | AKC Herding Trials, FCI Herding Competitions |
| Agility Competitions | Obstacle courses testing speed, coordination, and agility. | AKC Agility Trials, UKC Agility Trials, FCI International Agility Competitions |
| Conformation Shows | Judged on how closely the dog meets breed standards. | Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Crufts, FCI International Dog Shows |
| Obedience Trials | Tests the Puli’s ability to follow commands and behave. | AKC Obedience Trials, FCI Obedience World Championship, UKC Obedience Trials |
| Rally Obedience | Interactive obedience tasks performed in sequence. | AKC Rally, FCI Rally Obedience |
| Flyball and Dog Sports | Relay races involving speed and teamwork. | North American Flyball Association (NAFA), UKC Flyball |
| Canine Freestyle | Choreographed routines with tricks and music. | Various canine freestyle competitions |
| Working Dog Competitions | Tests herding, guarding, and working abilities. | Various working dog events worldwide |
History of the breed
The Puli dogs belong to one of the oldest dog breeds. Hungary is considered their homeland, however, according to researchers, the animals were brought to this country by the Romans or Turks. There is no complete information about the origin of the breed, since no records were kept in herd books for a long time.
Some sources claim that Puli dogs are the ancestors of the commander, others adhere to the parallel development of two different breeds. Since dogs are very similar in appearance, they are often called the same – Hungarian Shepherd Dogs.
Thanks to endurance and the ability to drive a flock of sheep in the right direction, Hungarian shepherds began to use a Puli dog as helpers. They could quickly run from one part of the flock to another, not running around the livestock, but moving along the backs of the animals.
In the 18th century, dogs were highly prized. One animal was given a price equal to the annual earnings of the average citizen. However, after farming in Hungary lost its popularity, Puli dogs began to be used as a companion dog or watchdog. People noticed that dogs jump fearlessly into the water when chasing small animals, so they also came to be called water dogs.
In 1915, the breed standard was created. During this period, animals are brought to America, where they are recognized as the most capable herding dogs. In Europe, the number of Puli dogs is small. They are most often found in Hungary and America.