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Puli breed guide
The American Kennel Club says no other breed may be mistaken for the Puli, a compact but powerful herder covered head to tail with thick, naturally occurring cords, an agile and faithful little dynamo that learns quickly.
The coat's cords are wooly, dense and weatherproof and under the dreads is a dog that earned a reputation as the acrobat of the dog world.
Temperament
The Puli needs to be kept mentally active. Pulik are incredibly intelligent, agile and loyal, learn quickly and strive to please, though they do not suffer fools lightly and a running joke says you need to be very smart to own one.
Their herding instinct remains strong: Pulik will try to herd anything, including birds, other dogs and even toddlers, with a gentle tug at the diaper.
Lifespan
Pulik live 10 to 15 years. Members of the Puli Club of America agree to follow guidelines that include CHIC testing, among them OFA or PennHIP screening for hip dysplasia, an OFA test for patella and a DNA test for degenerative myelopathy.
Care
The Puli may be kept in cords, brushed or clipped. Until a Puli is 8 to 10 months old there is no grooming except regular bathing, ear care and grinding toenails and once the undercoat comes in the coat starts to feel thick and matted to your fingers and begins forming natural cords.
A high-drive dog, the Puli needs both physical and mental stimulation and mental exercise matters as much as physical. Breeders caution against overdoing exercise while the growth plates are still open.
History
Pulik are thought to have been brought to Europe about a thousand years ago by the Magyars, the same Asian nomads who introduced the Vizsla to the West. They herded large flocks of sheep on the Hungarian plains and the coat of cords protected them from brutal winters.
Today the breed's herding instinct remains strong.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 3 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 5 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 1 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 5 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |