Puli Background Information & History

Dating back to over 2,000 years, the Puli dog breed has a long history. While their earliest beginnings are still unknown, the first proof of these dogs originated in Hungary where they served as excellent herders. Even today these dogs are still used for their high intelligence and excellent herding skills in their native land.

Unfortunately, during World War II, the Puli breed suffered a massive blow to their overall population. It would take until 1960 for their numbers to get back to their pre-war size. Many historians believe this breed was able to make such a comeback because so many Hungarians fought to bring back their population after the war.

Puli Temperament & Personality

The Puli breed is loving, athletic, and loyal to their family. Since they tend to be wary of strangers, they can be an excellent watchdog and will protect their loved ones whenever a situation presents itself. Their energetic nature makes them an excellent pet for a large family or an owner who likes to live an active lifestyle.

Puli Training Tips

Pulis are known to be highly intelligent, however, they still have a stubborn streak that needs to be mentioned. This can make dog training efforts a challenge if they do not have consistent training practices. Professionals recommend keeping the lessons short and interesting to avoid your Puli from getting bored. If you are a new owner and are struggling to train your Puli, try enrolling him in a puppy obedience course for extra assistance.

Puli Exercise Needs

This energetic herding breed needs plenty of exercise to stay both mentally and physically at their best. These dogs have a lot of pent-up energy, so an open yard where they can run and play as they please is ideal. Remember that this breed is a fierce working dog, so any physical challenge they are given they will gladly accept.

Puli Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Puli breed is between 10 to 15 years.

Puli Breed Popularity

Although loved for their endurance and loyalty, the Puli breed is not very popular in the United States today. As of right now, the AKC has ranked these dogs as the 160th most popular breed in America out of 202 registered breeds.

Puli Feeding Requirements

Pulis should consume between 1 to 2 cups of high-quality food a day, split into two separate meals. Keep in mind this may vary depending on the dog’s size, age, weight, activity level, and metabolism. For a more specific feeding regimen for your dog, consult with your veterinarian.

Puli Grooming

If there is one thing to remember the Puli by, it would be their signature chord-like coat. This distinctive appearance does not require any brushing but should be maintained by hand. Separate and twirl the chords regularly to keep them in optimal condition. Bathing a Puli can be very time consuming and difficult, so it is only recommended if they absolutely need one.

Aside from their intensive dog coat grooming, make sure to trim this breed’s nails every couple of weeks to avoid overgrowth or cracking. Your dog should also have his teeth brushed at least once a week to rid his mouth of any bacteria or tartar build up.

Are Pulis Good With Kids?

An obedient Puli can be an excellent companion for children. They are both playful and protective, making a large family a well-suited option them. However, just like with any breed, it’s important that a parent is always around to supervise any interactions between a dog and child.

Puli Health Problems

Pulis are known for their good health, but they are still at risk of developing a number of different health issues throughout their lifetime. Some of these canine health problems include:

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common health concern among larger dog breeds. This hereditary disease occurs when the hip socket and thighbone do not properly fit together how they should. This can cause lameness, pain, and even arthritis in severe cases.

Cataracts: Cataracts in dogs is a common eye problem that affects the Puli breed. This occurs when the lens of the eye turns opaque or fogged over, which restricts light from entering the eye. Once this happens, the dog will begin to progressively lose their sight. In severe cases, cataracts can be removed and replaced through corrective surgery.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: The Puli Club of America, Inc.

Rescue: Puli Rescue