Puli

Published: March 5th, 2016 Last updated: February 25th, 2023 by Kyle J. Larson

Look at that hair! The Puli sports some of the coolest fur ever seen on a dog.

Average size and lifespan

Height: 1ft 4in - 1ft 6in
Weight: 25-35lbs
Lifespan: 10 - 15 Years

Behavior

Affection5/5
Kid-Friendly3/5
Stranger-Friendly3/5

Dog-Friendly2/5
Barking Amount3/5

Care

Grooming Difficulty5/5
Shedding Amount1/5
Easy to Train4/5

Can Be Alone3/5
Exercise Need3/5

Environment

Cold Tolerance4/5
Heat Tolerance4/5

Apartment-Friendly3/5

Puli Information

Their tight wooly cords have been compared to dreadlocks and can be black, white or gray in color. Back in his homeland of Hungary, he is a national treasure, having been part of the culture for more than 1,000 years.

The Pulis are more than great hair, however. They are sweet and affectionate and love being part of family. In fact, this breed is quite the homebody, preferring to stay in the house where they serve as excellent watchdogs.

Puli History

The Puli, a mysterious and ancient canine breed from Hungary, is a small and agile herding dog. Their long, dense fur coats, often likened to dreadlocks, have been their most recognizable trait since they first became popular in the 1800s.

The Puli’s reflective, intelligent eyes have been described as “wise”, giving the breed a unique and thoughtful look. It is believed that their ancestors were brought to Hungary by Magyar tribes as far back as the 9th century. They quickly became popular among local shepherds, admired for their agility and watchfulness.

In modern times, the Puli is still a sought-after companion both in its native Hungary and abroad. The breed is often used for agility competitions and is an excellent option for active families looking for an intelligent, loyal, and outgoing canine companion.

Training and Temperament

The Puli boasts an amenable temperament and a zealous desire to learn and please their owners. While they can benefit from regular and consistent training, they are generally peaceful and compliant and don’t require overly intensive training methods.

The Puli’s cheerful and social personality makes them a great addition to any family. They tend to thrive in a loving and consistent atmosphere, and with the proper guidance and encouragement, they will quickly become a loyal and devoted companion. However, they can be wary of strangers, making them an excellent choice for a guard or watchdog.

Exercise

The Puli is an active breed of canine that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. From agility competitions to long walks and playtime in the park, the Puli can benefit from a variety of activities to keep them engaged and active.

For those with the right environment, an agility course is a great way to mentally and physically engage the Puli. With practice, they can learn to navigate obstacles, weave poles, and navigate tunnels easily. Competing in agility trials can provide them with an outlet for their energy and a sense of accomplishment.

Pulis also love to explore, and a romp around the neighborhood will surely be a treat for them. Taking them for a walk lets them explore the sights, smells, and sounds of the world, and it is a great way to expend some of their excess energy. For those who prefer to stay indoors, playtime with puzzle toys and games is a great way to keep their minds and bodies exercised.

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!

Breed FAQs

Can Pulis be apartment dogs?

Pulis aren't ideal for apartments, but might be able to live there successfully if there are enough opportunities to find larger spaces nearby to play.

Can Pulis be left alone?

While Pulis prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.

Are Pulis good with kids?

Pulis can do fine with kids. They will require some monitoring and training to make sure they get along and react well to unpredictable behavior.

Are Pulis friendly with strangers?

Although Pulis can take a bit to warm up to a stranger, they are mostly friendly with others.

Do Pulis get along with other dogs?

Pulis aren't usually friendly with other dogs. They tend to not get along unless carefully socialized.

Do Pulis bark a lot?

As far as dogs go, Pulis bark an average amount. You can expect them to bark to alert you, get your attention, or when there are strangers or other dogs.

Do Pulis shed a lot?

The Puli rarely, or never, sheds. They're excellent for someone who doesn't want to clean up much dog hair.

Do Pulis need a lot of grooming?

Expect Pulis to require regular grooming. Their coats will need brushing and continued maintenance.

Do Pulis need a lot of exercise?

A Puli will need a moderate amount of exercise to be happy. You'll need to plan some basic walks or fetch during the day.

Are Pulis easy to train?

Typically, Pulis are easy to train. They enjoy the bonding process with their owner and are quick to learn.

Can Pulis handle cold weather?

Pulis do well in cold weather. You may need to protect their paws, but they'll do well in colder climates.

Can Pulis handle hot weather?

Pulis do well in hot climates and can stay out longer without overheating.