POO-lee

The Puli (Pulik plural) is an ancient breed of Hungarian sheep dog, medium-sized, sturdy with a unique, corded coat. Takes about 5 years for the cords to reach to the ground. Only the solid colors of rusty black, black, all shades of gray, and white are acceptable for AKC conformation; however on the chest a white spot of not more than 2" is permissible. The fully pigmented skin has a bluish or gray cast whatever the coat color. Their body shape is compact square appearing; a well balanced dog of medium size. The head from the side should be egg-shaped while from the front it will give a rounded appearance as the skull is slightly domed and medium broad.  The stop is defined, but not abrupt. The muzzle is strong and straight, a third of the head length, and ends in a nose of good size. The nose is always black. The head should always be in balance/proportion to the body. The tail should curl fairly tightly over the back, blending in with the topline. Eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown in color, ears are medium-sized set on somewhat higher than the level of the eyes, v shaped and about half the head length.  

The Puli is a lively, cheerful, medium sized dog who is very loyal to his family. They are excellent family dogs and will adapt to most surroundings and circumstances. Their innate intelligence makes them easy to train but also gives them a mind of their own. They do very well in obedience and agility as well as in the show ring. Some more than others can be/should be wary of strangers, and they may well give a vocal warning if they feel their owner is being threatened. Puli are not recommended for small children who may tease or be rough with them, although if they are raised with a child from puppy-hood, they can do just fine as they do think of the whole family as their flock.

Height: Ideally, Males are 17" measured from the withers to the ground; Bitches 16". An Inch over or under these measurements is acceptable.Average Weight should more than likely range: Dogs 25-35 pounds (11-16 kg.)  Bitches 20-30 pounds (9-14 kg.)

The Puli is a very hardy breed. All reputable breeders will test their stock for hip dysplasia and will eye test, though there are no major health problems known within this breed.

The Puli will adapt to almost any circumstance be it an apartment or a farm. They are suited to all climates as long as they are acclimated. One must be aware of the extremes  in temperatures to guard against heat exhaustion and or frost bite. They are fairly vigorous, alert and active. Needing ever so often a good romp of running circles in the yard. As with any dog to be let out to run on its own, it is strongly suggested to have a fenced yard.  The Puli is a Herding dog and like most herding dogs they BARK ... they can be trained when to or not to bark... being a dog that wants to be with its people 24/7 if left to fend on its own outdoors or for long periods alone in the house it will most likely become very vocal out of loneliness/ boredom or just to entertain him or her self.

These dogs are energetic and lively and are in their glory when allowed to romp and play, especially if their owner or a companion dog joins in the fun. 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 can mean sure drowning for a full coated Puli as the weight of the coat will drag him down in the water.

About 15 years.

The corded coat begins to form around the age of 8 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, being careful not to rip the skin. the best method is raking fingers through the coat from the skin out therefore separating most of the cords from the skin out. If lucky you will have a coat that will show you the divisions that need separating. Each coat is individual but as a rough guide, these sections should not be made thinner than the width of thumb; as the Puli ages so do the cords start to thin out. It is a relaxing and enjoyable process for dog and owner and if done regularly, takes little time. Keeping a fully corded Puli is very easy since they take little care apart from regular coat separation and, of course, bathing. Bathing is as easy as washing a sweater but drying does take some time. With a dryer a fully corded Puli coat will take several hours and without a drier can take around 2 days to be fully dry. To let one air dry like this is probably asking for another bath as the coat if not dried properly will take on a mildew smell. Eyes and ears should be cleaned regularly;it is advised to pluck the hair from the ear canal; keeping the ear canals clean and where air can get to them keeps down the recurring ear infections that most hairy/drop eared dogs are so prone to have. Nails should be kept clipped and be sure to watch the dew claw nail if it has not been removed as they have a tendency to wrap into the leg if not clipped. The breed does not shed its coat. The Puli is a Hair dog rather than a Fur dog so you will not have the shedding like say a golden retriever but you will have shedding  ever so often in the form of clumps of undercoat. If you are allergic to dogs in general, you might try to see how you'd get along with a Puli since their coat is so different.  Do take note that the Puli is a canine therefore having the same dander as say other canines. So if you are allergic to canine dander then a good chance you may still be allergic to a dog with the different coat textures. A good breeder will let you visit several times by prior arrangement to see how their dogs affect you before you consider going ahead with a puppy.

The Pulik crossed the plains into Hungary with the Magyars several thousand years ago where they were used as sheep dogs. Many shepherds seemed to prefer black dogs, but this was probably because they are easier to see among the flock plus it is a known fact that stock take notice of the darker dogs. The Puli was the herding and droving dog, prized for its light, agile movement while the larger Hungarian breed, the Komondor, was more often used as a guarding dog for the flocks. At the time of the second world war, the breed had almost died out and its numbers were reduced to two figures. But a controlled breeding program assisted by dedicated breeders around the world ensured the survival of these unique little Hungarians.

Herding