Dog Breeds - Puli

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The likelihood of a breed being affectionate towards family members or well-known individuals can differ. While certain breeds may come across as aloof towards all but their owner, other breeds treat anyone they are acquainted with as their closest confidant.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
It is important to consider a breed's capacity to tolerate and be patient with children's actions, as well as its overall family-friendly characteristics. When it comes to young kids or those who have limited interaction with dogs, it is crucial to provide constant supervision whenever dogs are present.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
It is essential to gauge the general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs. While all dog interactions and introductions should be supervised, certain breeds have a natural inclination to be more sociable and get along well with other dogs, whether it be within the household or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
Considering the amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is crucial. Breeds that have a high shedding tendency will necessitate more frequent brushing to manage their fur. Additionally, they are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies and may require regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
When evaluating a breed, it's important to assess the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance required. This consideration involves determining the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for grooming. It's worth noting that all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming as part of their routine care.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
It's worth considering the tendency of a breed to drool. If you have a preference for cleanliness, it may not be suitable for you to opt for a breed that can leave long strands of saliva on your arm or create substantial wet spots on your clothes.
COAT TYPE +
Corded, Double
COAT LENGTH +
Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
It is important to consider the breed's disposition towards strangers. Certain breeds are naturally reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting, while others are generally eager to meet new people whenever they are present.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
It's worth considering a breed's level of enthusiasm for play, even beyond puppyhood. Some breeds maintain a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. On the other hand, certain breeds are content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The tendency of a breed to alert you about the presence of strangers should be taken into account. Some breeds are more prone to react to potential threats, such as the mailman or a squirrel spotted outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are more likely to become more comfortable with strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
It is important to consider how easily a breed adapts to change. This includes changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. Some breeds are more resilient and flexible, while others may struggle to adjust to new circumstances.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are significant factors to consider. While certain breeds are inherently motivated to please their owners and are apt learners, others may have a more independent nature and choose to do things on their own terms, at their own pace and wherever they please.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
It is important to consider the exercise and mental stimulation needs of a breed. High-energy breeds are always prepared and enthusiastic for their next adventure. They thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing, requiring ample exercise throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more inclined to be couch potatoes finding contentment in lounging around and snoozing.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Considering the frequency of vocalization is important when evaluating a breed. Certain breeds tend to bark or howl frequently, sometimes at every passer-by or even at birds in the window. Conversely, other breeds only bark in specific situations. It's also worth noting that some barkless breeds may still be vocal using alternative sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Assess the level of mental stimulation necessary for the well-being and contentment of each breed. Purpose-bred dogs often have occupations that demand decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own activities to occupy their minds. Unfortunately, these self-initiated projects might not align with your preferences or expectations.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The likelihood of a breed being affectionate towards family members or well-known individuals can differ. While certain breeds may come across as aloof towards all but their owner, other breeds treat anyone they are acquainted with as their closest confidant.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

It is important to consider a breed's capacity to tolerate and be patient with children's actions, as well as its overall family-friendly characteristics. When it comes to young kids or those who have limited interaction with dogs, it is crucial to provide constant supervision whenever dogs are present.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

It is essential to gauge the general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs. While all dog interactions and introductions should be supervised, certain breeds have a natural inclination to be more sociable and get along well with other dogs, whether it be within the household or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

Considering the amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed is crucial. Breeds that have a high shedding tendency will necessitate more frequent brushing to manage their fur. Additionally, they are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies and may require regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

When evaluating a breed, it's important to assess the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance required. This consideration involves determining the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for grooming. It's worth noting that all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming as part of their routine care.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

It's worth considering the tendency of a breed to drool. If you have a preference for cleanliness, it may not be suitable for you to opt for a breed that can leave long strands of saliva on your arm or create substantial wet spots on your clothes.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Corded, Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Long

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

It is important to consider the breed's disposition towards strangers. Certain breeds are naturally reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting, while others are generally eager to meet new people whenever they are present.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

It's worth considering a breed's level of enthusiasm for play, even beyond puppyhood. Some breeds maintain a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. On the other hand, certain breeds are content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The tendency of a breed to alert you about the presence of strangers should be taken into account. Some breeds are more prone to react to potential threats, such as the mailman or a squirrel spotted outside the window. Additionally, these breeds are more likely to become more comfortable with strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

It is important to consider how easily a breed adapts to change. This includes changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. Some breeds are more resilient and flexible, while others may struggle to adjust to new circumstances.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are significant factors to consider. While certain breeds are inherently motivated to please their owners and are apt learners, others may have a more independent nature and choose to do things on their own terms, at their own pace and wherever they please.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

It is important to consider the exercise and mental stimulation needs of a breed. High-energy breeds are always prepared and enthusiastic for their next adventure. They thrive on activities such as running, jumping and playing, requiring ample exercise throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more inclined to be couch potatoes finding contentment in lounging around and snoozing.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Assess the level of mental stimulation necessary for the well-being and contentment of each breed. Purpose-bred dogs often have occupations that demand decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, they may resort to creating their own activities to occupy their minds. Unfortunately, these self-initiated projects might not align with your preferences or expectations.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Silver	176
White	199
Rust	161
Brindle	057
Cream	076
Brown	061

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Mask	004
White Markings	014
Black Markings	002

About The Breed

The Puli breed is distinct and easily recognizable due to its unique coat of naturally occurring cords. These cords are wooly, dense and weatherproof giving the Puli its characteristic dreadlock appearance. Maintaining this coat requires dedicated attention and grooming.

Beneath the cords, the Puli is a compact yet powerful dog typically reaching a shoulder height of 16 to 17 inches. One notable feature of the Puli is its agility and nimbleness earning it the reputation of being the "acrobat of the dog world." This breed was purposefully bred to work closely with humans and possesses a high level of intelligence making them quick and eager learners.

What to Expect When Caring for A PULI

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Puli: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Reputable breeders of the Puli breed adhere to specific guidelines and prioritize the health of their breeding stock. These responsible breeders, who are members of the Puli Club of America follow the club's guidelines, which include conducting health tests to ensure that their breeding dogs are free from inheritable diseases. The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) testing is a key requirement set by the parent club. This testing includes screenings such as OFA or PennHIP for hip dysplasia, OFA test for patella, OFA test for degenerative myelopathy using a DNA test and CERF eye testing (updated every three years). While these tests are required additional tests such as OFA for elbows, cardiac and thyroid, as well as the BAER (hearing) test can be performed but are not mandatory. If you are considering getting a Puli, it is recommended to inquire with the breeder about their adherence to these health testing guidelines specifically the tests required by the Puli Club of America. A responsible breeder will provide transparency and willingly share information regarding the health status of their breeding dogs. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Patella Evaluation Hip Evaluation Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Puli breed offers flexibility when it comes to grooming choices. They can be maintained with corded, brushed or clipped coats depending on the owner's preference. During the initial months (around 8 to 10 months) of a Puli puppy's life, grooming is relatively minimal consisting mainly of regular bathing, cleaning the ears and trimming the nails. However, once the Puli's undercoat starts to grow in, the coat will begin to feel thick and matted. At this point, natural separations in the coat will emerge creating clumps of hair close to the skin. These clumps can be easily separated by hand, which is the beginning of the cord formation. Over the following six to nine months, the process of separating and organizing the growing cords will be repeated multiple times until the coat develops distinct cords. Once the cords are well-formed, the grooming routine primarily involves bathing the dog as needed and separating the cords. This can be done during leisure time like while watching TV, providing an activity for your hands. The Puli Club of America, the national parent club offers valuable resources on grooming through articles available on their website. These articles can provide further guidance and instructions for maintaining the Puli's coat according to your chosen grooming style.

Exercise

	The Puli, a dog with strong drive requires both physical and mental stimulation. In fact, mental exercise holds equal importance to physical exercise for this breed. Renowned breeders advise against excessive physical activity during the dog's early stages when their growth plates are not yet fused or closed. The Puli's expertise shines in various canine sports, such as herding, obedience and agility.

Training

	This particular breed thrives when provided with mental stimulation. Pulik possess exceptional levels of intelligence, agility and loyalty, enabling them to grasp new concepts rapidly, while their eagerness to please their owners remains unparalleled. However, they have little tolerance for fools (there is an ongoing jest that Puli owners must possess remarkable intelligence) and they necessitate a firm yet fair approach. These headstrong canines have no qualms about publicly embarrassing their owners, so be prepared. As herding dogs, Pulik are accustomed to being in control and rarely relinquish it easily. Although they will obey commands, they prefer doing things in their own unique manner, disregarding repetitive tasks. Ensuring proper socialization especially during the puppy stage is crucial.

Nutrition

	To ensure the optimal health of your Puli, it is recommended to provide them with high-quality dog food. This can either be commercially manufactured or prepared at home, under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. It is essential to consider the age of your dog (puppy, adult, or senior) when selecting an appropriate diet. It is worth noting that some Pulik are prone to weight gain, so monitoring their calorie intake and weight is crucial. While treats can be useful during training, it is important to avoid overindulgence as it can lead to obesity. Familiarize yourself with the safe human foods for dogs and consult your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Lastly, remember to provide clean and fresh water to your Puli at all times.

Historiography

It is believed that Pulik were introduced to Europe around a millennium ago by the Magyars, who were Asian nomads. These Magyars also brought the Vizsla another dog breed to the Western world. In Hungary, Pulik were primarily used as herding dogs on the vast plains, where their distinctive corded coats provided protection during the harsh winters. Even today, the breed retains its strong herding instincts. Pulik possess an inherent drive to herd, which manifests in their tendency to attempt herding various objects such as birds, other dogs and sometimes even toddlers, gently tugging at their diapers.