Puli
also known as Pulik, Puli Dog, Hungarian Water Dog, Puli Kutya, Hungarian Puli
Summary
The Puli is a medium-sized herding breed known for its distinctive corded coat. Believed to have originated in ancient Hungary, it was first recognized by the Kennel Club of Hungary in 1901 and later by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1936. The breed is known for its intelligence, trainability and agility, making it suitable for herding, obedience, agility and therapy work. It is highly protective of its owners and is known to be a loyal companion. The unique corded coat requires specific grooming to maintain, but it's worth the effort as it keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
Breed Information
Is Puli a purebred?
Purebred
How do you pronounce the Puli name? How do you say Pulis?
POO-lee
What were Pulis originally used for?
sheep herding
How Long Do Pulis Live? What is average life expectancy for a Puli? How long can Pulis live?
12-16 years
The average Puli lifespan is somewhere between 12-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
Puli Height & Weight
How big is a full grown Puli?
| Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 16-18 inches (40.6 - 45.7 cm) | 13.0 inches (33 cm) | 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) | 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) |
| Female | 14-16 inches (35.6 - 40.6 cm) | 11.0 inches (27.9 cm) | 13.0 inches (33 cm) | 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) |
| Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 30-35 pounds (14 - 16 kg) | 22.5 pounds (10 kg) | 27.5 pounds (12 kg) | 32.5 pounds (15 kg) |
| Female | 25-30 pounds (11 - 14 kg) | 17.5 pounds (8 kg) | 22.5 pounds (10 kg) | 27.5 pounds (12 kg) |
Do Pulis get fat easily?
The Puli is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.
Are Pulis Hypoallergenic?
Yes
While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Pulis are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.
What is a Puli personality? What are Puli dogs best known for?
Agile
Faithful
Loyal
Energetic
Intelligent
Obedient
Smart
Home-Loving
Are Pulis heavy shedders? How Much Does a Puli Shed?
Puli will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.
What is the watchdog ability of a Puli dog?
The Puli dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.
Breed History
Where do Pulis come from?
Hungary
What are Pulis descended from?
hungarian shepherd dog
What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Puli breed?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
When were Pulis first bred? How old is the Puli breed?
middle ages
What Breed Group is a Puli?
Herding (AKC:1936 & UKC)
Puli Appearance
What color are Puli eyes?
Brown
What color can Puli nose be naturally?
Black
What color can Puli coat be naturally?
Black
Gray
White
How long is a Pulis coat?
The coat of a Puli dog is generally known for its length.
How Dense Is The Puli Coat?
What is the texture of the hair of a Puli?
Corded
How many puppies can a Puli have in a litter? How many puppies can a Puli have in her first litter?
12-16 puppies per pregnancy
A Puli can have a litter of 12-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
The adaptability of Puli dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.
Puli Health Issues
Do Pulis have a lot of health problems?
The Puli is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Puli?
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Pulis?
Cataracts
What are the occasional tests recommended for Puli breed?
Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Puli Needs and Activities
Do Pulis have a lot of energy?
Pulis are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.
Do Pulis need socialization? How social are Pulis?
Pulis have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.
How much exercise should Pulis get?
The Puli dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.
How much sleep should a Puli have? Do Pulis sleep a lot?
Pulis are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.
Does a Puli drool a lot?
The Puli is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.
How much does it bark?
The Puli is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.
Do Pulis exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?
These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.
Are Pulis mouthy?
What is the likelihood of a Puli running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?
Do Puli dogs have a high prey drive?
What do Pulis enjoy doing? How do I keep my Puli busy?
Fetch, Hiking, Running, Tug-of-war
What is the energy level of a Puli? How much energy does a Puli have?
Medium
Pulis are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.
How far should a Puli walk each week? How many miles should a Puli walk every week?
8 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Puli, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
How much a Puli should exercise a day? How much activity does a Puli need?
60 minutes
In general most Pulis usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
What level of grooming should be provided for a Puli?
This breed is known for having high grooming needs.
How often should you brush a Puli?
Monthly
In general Puli should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Pulis?
Pin Brush
Clipper
Nail Clipper
Costs
How many cups of food does a Puli eat?
2 cups
For an average 30-35 pound (14 - 16 kg) Puli feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
How Much Does a Puli Cost Daily?
$2.10 - $2.80 / day
The average cost of a Puli is somewhere $2.10 - $2.80 per day.
How Much Does a Puli Cost Per Month?
$63 - $84 / month
The average per month expenses of a Puli is between $63 - $84. This makes an average of $756 - $1008 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Puli Characteristic
How intelligent is a Puli?
The Puli breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.
How sensitive is a Puli dog?
This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.
Are Puli dogs affectionate?
Do Puli do well in apartments? Are Pulis good indoor dogs?
The Puli is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.
Are Pulis good with kids? Are Pulis good around children?
Pulis are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.
Are Pulis good for elderly?
Are Pulis good with cats? How friendly Pulis are toward cats?
Pulis are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,
Do Puli dogs get along with other dogs? Are Pulis OK with other dogs?
Pulis are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.
How do Puli dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?
Are Pulis friendly with strangers?
Pulis are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Pulis are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Pulis will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.
Do Pulis like to play? Are Pulis playful?
The Puli is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Puli is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.
Are Puli easily trained?
Puli dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unique
Their corded coat is unique and requires regular grooming. - Hypoallergenic
Allergy sufferers may want to consider a Puli as they are less likely to cause allergic reactions. - Intelligent
They are highly trainable and excel in obedience and working tasks. - Protective
They make excellent watchdogs and are protective of their family. - Active
They have high energy levels and require regular exercise.
Cons
- Not Apartment Friendly
Living in an apartment may not be suitable for Puli breeds. - Barking
Pulis are a breed that tends to be loud. - Not suitable for office environment
A Puli may not be the best choice for a dog to have in an office setting. - Training
They require consistent and firm training to prevent them from becoming dominant. - Medical conditions
Just like other breeds, Pulis may have a likelihood of developing certain health issues such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hip Dysplasia and Cataracts.