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PuliBreed infoBreed group: Herding Color: solid black, rusty black, gray, and white Height: male: 17, female: 16 inches Weight: 25-35 lbs Description: The Puli (Pulik plural) is an ancient breed of Hungarian sheep dog, medium-sized, sturdy with a unique, corded coat. A full adult coat can reach to the ground. Some colors are not permitted in some countries but, in the U.K., black, any shade of gray, apricot (with or without a black mask) and the rarer white are all permissible. Their body shape is square and, though fine-boned, fairly muscular. The head from the side should be egg-shaped while from the front it will give a rounded appearance. The tail should curl fairly tightly over the back. Eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown in color, ears are medium-sized, pigment should be black. Temperament: The Puli is a lively, cheerful little 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. Though wary of strangers, they are never aggressive, but 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 puppyhood, they can do just fine. Health problems: 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. Living conditions: The Puli will adapt to almost any circumstance be it an apartment or a farm. They are suited to all climates. In the heat of Australia and Florida they do extremely well and, conversely in the extreme cold of areas like Denver in winter they also do likewise. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Exercise: 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. Life expectancy: About 12 or more years. Grooming: 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. 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. Eyes and ears should be cleaned regularly; nails kept clipped. The breed does not shed its coat. 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. 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. Origin: The Pulis 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. 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. Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR Pictures
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