Puli
Other names: Hungarian Puli
The Puli is a medium-sized dog that was originally bred in Hungary and was used for herding livestock. It is recognised most readily by its long and corded coat. The ‘dreadlock’ appearance of the dog’s coat is shared only with the Puli’s larger cousin the Komondor. The Puli is an agile, intelligent and loving dog but one that is prone to stubbornness and independence. The word used for a gathering of two or more of these dogs is ‘Pulik’.
Key facts about the Puli
Origins and history
Pulik are an ancient breed of dog known to have been used by Hungarian farmers of the Middle Ages. They were introduced to Hungary by nomadic Asian tribes and so are believed to have first been used by farmers of the Middle East and India. Pulik with light-coloured coats were set among herds of sheep in an attempt to protect the animals from poachers and wild animals. The popularity of the breed as a house dog in the United Kingdom waned after World War II and has not surged since.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
Section
Section 1 : Sheepdogs
Physical characteristics of the Puli
Adult size
Female : Between 14 and 17 in
Male : Between 15 and 18 in
Weight
Female : Between 22 and 29 lb
Male : Between 29 and 33 lb
Coat colour
A Puli’s coat can be coloured completely black or black with some areas of grey. Other less common coat colours are white, grey or fawn. Fawn-coloured Pulik often have black faces; this gives us an impression of them wearing a mask.
Type of coat
Their hair is long.
The Puli’s coat is usually corded or curled but can vary slightly in appearance from dog to dog determined by the nature of the undercoat and texture of the top coat. Some Puli coats are self-cording but most are corded by the dog’s owner. The Puli’s coat takes around four years to fully develop.
Eye colour
The Puli’s eyes are usually coloured dark brown.
Description
The Puli has a sturdy and well-balanced look. The thickness of the fur belies the lean but muscular body. The top line of the dog appears almost horizontal. The dog’s long tail curls flatly over its croup. Despite its sturdy appearance the dog’s skull is usually small and fine and its muzzle short. The ears are reasonably high on the dog’s head and hang close; they widen at the base.
Good to know
Although the Puli’s coat is arguably the dog’s best-loved feature it does have its drawbacks. The dog is especially intolerant to heat and great care must be taken to avoid the Puli overheating. Additionally, the coat will weigh very heavily on a swimming dog. Care should be taken to assist a Puli from the water if the owner believes the dog is getting tired.