Puli

The unique Puli (also called a Hungarian Sheepdog, Hungarian Puli or Hungarian Water Dog) hails from Hungary, where he was an expert sheep herder. The Puli was known for herding while his close cousin, the Komondor, was used for guarding the flock.

This breed has high-maintenance grooming requirements and prefers to have a job herding or policing. Given their extraordinarily obedient mindset combined with their courageous, bold attitude, Pulis are popular police dogs.

Personality

Respectful, jovial, intelligent and somewhat stubborn
Can be a bit over boisterous and over energetic, so potential owners should consider their high energy level

Size

20-40 pounds
15-19 inches at the withers (shoulders)

Lifestyle

A highly adaptable breed that does well in any temperature or living condition, provided they are well-exercised and given a job to do
A family dog and very protective of their people
Good with older children; younger children are likely to pull on their cords, which he will not react to well
Can be terribly destructive and loud when bored, left alone too long or inactive

Training

A rather independent, headstrong dog that can a be a challenge to train; however, he likes to have a role, and once he is trained he will excel at it
Responds best to consistent, innovate training
Given his history of hiding among sheep and surprising predators, the Puli can sometimes be surprisingly aggressive to other dogs and thus requires proper socialization

Exercise

The high-energy Puli requires a defined role to be happy, be it herding, policing or guarding
Requires daily exercise with multiple, vigorous walks

Coat

The distinguished Puli coat comes in white, black, gray or cream; it can become dirty easily and absorb all sorts of unwanted muck, so keeping him clean is both important and challenging
The non-shedding, weatherproof coat needs daily brushing or cording
Bathing is extremely time-consuming and it can take a full day for the coat to dry; a professional Puli groomer is a great option
Coat cords begin to form at 6 months of age

Health

May be genetically prone to progressive retinol atrophy and deafness

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Rescue

To find a Puli to adopt, visit the Puli Club of America.

PHOTO: Sannse

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