Puli has been used as a herding dog for Hungarian shepherds for more than 1,000 years. Often a Puli would be teamed with a Komondor; the Puli would herd the sheep or cattle and the Komondor would guard against predators. The plural of Puli is Pulik.
Puli dog breed stands between 15 and 17 inches tall, usually weighing 25 to 35 pounds. The body is the same length as the dog is tall at the shoulder. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark, while the ears are hanging and V-shaped. The tail is carried up over the dog’s back. The undercoat is soft and dense. The outer coat is wavy or curly and can either be brushed out or corded. In Puli adults, the cords can eventually reach the ground. The coat may be black, gray, or white. The cords on a Puli are much like controlled mats or hair tangles. Caring for this coat requires some expertise; it cannot be ignored. Unless the Puli coat is clipped short, this is a high-maintenance dog breed. Potential Puli owners should discuss coat care with a Puli breeder.
The Puli is an active dog who needs daily exercise. The Puli will enjoy daily walks and a chance to run. Pulik have done extremely well in many canine sports, including herding, obedience, therapy dog work, agility, and flyball. The Puli retains her herding instincts and strong desire to work, and training can fulfill that need. Training should begin early and be fun yet firm and structured.
The Puli dog breed is receptive to training, although a passive trainer might experience difficulty. Pulik can also get bored with training that is too repetitive; this breed needs a challenge. A Puli is versatile and can live in the city or on a ranch. The Puli needs an owner who is going to be involved with grooming, training, exercise, and playtimes. The Puli breed can be good with children, but some can be jealous or possessive. They should be supervised with other pets. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and cancer.