Puli breed information, pictures and more...

The Puli is an ancient breed of Hungarian sheep dog. It has been used as herding and droving dog for centuries, prized for its light, agile movement. The Puli is a national treasure to the Hungarians. It is a medium-sized, sturdy dog with a unique, corded coat. A full adult coat can reach to the ground.

Puli dogs are compact, square appearing, well-balanced dogs. The Puli is vigorous, alert, loving, fun and funny. Despite its appearance the Puli is no pushover and if given the chance will put any self-respecting human to shame. Used successfully as police dogs in Hungary it makes a great companion. It makes an excellent family pet. Puppies are highly intelligent and quick to learn.

Black, rusty black, white or various shades of gray and apricot, overall appearance of solid color.

Dense and weatherproof; outer coat wavy or curly, undercoat soft and wooly. The corded coat begins to form around the age of 6 months when the soft woolly undercoat intermingles with the harsher outer-coat; the mats thus formed should be separated by hand very regularly at this stage.

The clumps should be torn apart by hand from the tip to the skin. Each coat is individual but as a rough guide, these sections should not be made thinner than the width of a pencil. Keeping a fully corded Puli is very easy since it takes little care apart from regular coat separation and, of course, bathing. Drying does take some time. The breed does not shed its coat.

The Puli is very hardy and healthy, there are no major health problems known within this breed. Some are prone to hip dysplasia and cataracts. However, to make sure that you get a healthy puppy, you should buy a Puli puppy from a reputable Puli breeder.

The Puli is a lively, cheerful, loving little dog. It is very loyal to its family. This dog will adapt to most surroundings and circumstances. Its innate intelligence makes it easy to train but also gives it a mind of its own. It does very well in obedience and agility as well as in the show ring.

This breed is not recommended for small children who may tease or be rough with the dog, although they get along if it is raised with children from puppyhood. This dog has strong herding instincts, it will try to herd children and other animals. It makes an excellent watchdog and guard dog. Socialization at an early age is a must.

Obedience training is important; this dog may be willful. It is very intelligent but may be bored by training sessions. This dog is very active and energetic and is in its glory when allowed to romp and play. Some of them are fond of water and can swim very well, but not all have this tendency and this should never be permitted unsupervised.

This breed will adapt to almost any circumstance be it an apartment or a farm; it is suited to all climates. In the heat of Australia and Florida it does extremely well and, conversely in the extreme cold of areas like Denver in winter it also does likewise. This dog is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.