Puli

    4
    1765
    Puli
    Credit : Depositphotos

    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

    Puli

    Exercise requirements

    Compassion for the owner

    Friendship with strangers

    Energy level

    Playfulness

    With other pets

    Characteristics of the breed

    Family

    Physical qualities

    Lifespan

    Years
    0
    Years
    0
    Puli dog

    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.

     

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here