Puli  

Origin*Hungary

  History 

A national treasure to the Hungarians the Puli was brought across by the Magyars when they invaded the country. Similar to the Tibetan Terrier except in color it is said that the Tibetan Terrier may have been foundation stock. Used as sheepdogs in Hungary along side the larger Komondor, the Puli was the smaller dog and would round up the strays while the Komondor stood guard.  Most Pulis are assertive and agile; some are nervous and high-strung. These dogs are protective with strangers and aggressive with other animals. Pulis are sometimes aggressive with other animals. Because they're quick tempered, Pulis aren't the best companions for children. They love to bark and need lots of exercise.  Pulis are herding dogs. In general, herding dogs were originally bred to control the movement of sheep and cattle. While some breeds still work the farmlands, others are used for search and rescue and narcotics detection.  When kept as pets, these dogs often try to "herd" their owners by nipping at their owners' heels. If properly trained and exercised daily, herders make excellent family companions.

 

 

 

General Appearance    The Puli (plural Pulik) is a compact, square appearing, well balanced dog of medium size. They are vigorous, alert, loving, fun and funny. Despite its appearance the Puli is no pushover and if given the chance will put any self-respecting human to shame. Used successfully as police dogs in Hungary they make great companions. Puppies are highly intelligent and quick to learn.The Puli is a compact, square appearing, well balanced dog of medium size. He is vigorous, alert and active. Striking and highly characteristic is the shaggy coat which, combined with his light-footed, distinctive movement, has fitted him for the strenuous work of herding flocks on the plains of Hungary. Agility, combined with soundness of mind and body, is of prime importance for the proper fulfillment of this centuries-old task.

 

Other Names     Pulik, Hungarian * Puli, Hungarian   Water DogSize, Proportion, Substance
Ideally, males are 17 inches measured from the withers to the ground;bitches, 16 inches. An inch over or under these measurements is acceptable. The tightly knit body approximates a square measured from withers to ground and point of shoulder to point of buttock. Medium boned.


 

Head The head is of medium size in proportion to the body. The almond shaped eyes are deep set, rather large, and dark brown with black or slate gray eye rims. The ears, set on somewhat higher than the level of the eyes, are hanging, of medium size, V-shape, and about half the head length. The skull slightly domed and medium broad. The stop is defined, but not abrupt. The muzzle is strong and straight, a third of the head length, and ends in a nose of good size. The nose is always black. Flews and gums are black or slate gray. Flews are tight. A full complement of teeth, comparatively large, meet in a scissors bite.



 

 

Neck Topline, Body *  The neck is strong, muscular, of medium length and free of throatiness. The back is level and strong, of medium length, with croup sloping slightly. The chestis moderately broad and deep--the ribs well sprung. The loin is short, strong and moderately tucked up. The tail is carried over, and blends into the backline.



 

Learning Rate High, Obedience - Low, Problem Solving - High. They are very intelligent but may be bored by training sessions. Activity * High
Living Environment: A house with a yard is preferable or a rural area. Puli are not suited for hot climates. The owner of a Puli should be a strong, competent leader who has time to train, socialize, exercise and groom the Puli.
Health Issues* Hip dysplasia, cataracts and PRA > Life Span: 15 + Years
Litter Size: 4 - 7

 

 

 

Care and Training  The Puli coat does not shed but requires special grooming. From time to time the cords should be separate by your fingers. The fluffy Puli coat needs to be brushed and combed to prevent mats from forming. Always dampen the coat before working with it. Bathing Puli can take up to a couple of hours, they should be dried afterwards. Extremely energetic, Puli needs daily vigorous exercise. Take it easy on hot days.


 

 

Coat  Wiry outer coat mixes with woolly undercoat. Like the Komondor, these hairs mix to form real cords. Occasionally, you have to separate the cords with your fingers. Tail curls over the back; ears hang down.

 

 

Colors   Usually dull black or rusty black. Solid gray or white Pulis are less common. Skin is usually bluish or gray. Eyes are dark brown; nose is black.Special Considerations: Poorly bred Pulis are aggressive. Because of this, some Pulis are difficult to train, it's not recommended for families. Height: 15" - 18"   Weight: About 30 pounds Temperament* Puli are responsive, obedient, agile.
With Children* Yes, will try to herd them.
With Pets* Yes, good with other pets as they are slow to anger. They will try to herd them.
Watch-dog: Very High
Guard-dog: Very High

 

 

Forequarters The shoulders are well laid back. Upper arm and scapula are approximately equal in length and form an angle of 90 degrees. The forelegs are straight, strong and medium boned with strong and flexible pasterns. Dewclaws, if any, may be removed. The round, compact feet--have well arched toes and thick cushioned pads. The Puli stands well up on his pads. The pads and nails are black or slate gray.
Hindquarters *  

The hindquarters * are well developed and muscular with well bent stifles, the rear assembly balancing that of the front. The hocks are perpendicular to the ground and well let down. Dewclaws, if any, may be removed. Feet as in front.



 

 

 

Gait The Puli is typically a lively, acrobatic dog; light, quick, agile and able to change directions instantly. At a collected, or contained trot the gait is distinctive: quick-stepping and animated, not far reaching, yet in no way mincing or stilted. When at a full trot, the Puli covers ground smoothly and efficiently with good reach and drive, the feet naturally tending to converge toward a median line of travel as speed increases. His distinctive movement is essential to the Puli's herding style.

Temperament *  By nature an affectionate, intelligent and home-loving companion, the Puli is sensibly suspicious and therefore an excellent watchdog. Extreme timidity or shyness are serious faults.



 

 

Faults   Any deparure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note **  Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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