Puli

Developed in Hungary over a thousand years ago, the Puli worked flocks on the plains (Puszta), prized for its nimble, “bouncing” herding style and weatherproof coat. Ancestors likely arrived with early Magyar pastoralists; modern breed standardization took shape in the early 1900s. Today, the Puli remains a versatile herder and sport dog, known worldwide for both brains and iconic cords.

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A small, square, elastic mover wrapped in protective cords.

• Weight: 25–35 lbs (male), 20–30 lbs (female)
• Height: 16–17 in (male), 14–16 in (female)
• Coat Type: Double coat that naturally mats into cords (woolly undercoat + harsher outer hair)
• Coat Colors: Solid black (most common), white, gray, or fawn/apricot (with/without black mask)
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Corded coat forming natural tassels, high-set curled tail, lively gait, alert, expressive eyes hidden by cords

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The corded coat is low-shedding but high-maintenance without the right routine.

• Cord Formation: Around 8–12 months, separate felting into even cords by hand; continue as dog matures
• Maintenance: Weekly to biweekly hand-separation of cords; check armpits, ears, groin, and tail base
• Bathing: Every 4–8 weeks (as needed); squeeze-rinse and squeeze-dry—never brush out cords
• Drying: Thorough air-dry with fans; drying can take hours—prevent skin issues by drying fully
• Hygiene Trim: Tidy feet, sanitary areas every 6–8 weeks; keep cords off the ground if very long
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 3–4 weeks
• Shedding: Very low (hair remains locked in cords)

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A buoyant athlete that needs daily outlets for body and brain.

• Daily Exercise: 60–90 minutes total (walks, fetch, off-leash zooms in secure areas)
• Ideal Activities: Herding, agility, rally, trick training, nose work, hiking
• Suitability: Can live in apartments with robust daily exercise and enrichment; yard preferred

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Clever, enthusiastic, and people-oriented—with a herder’s independence.

• Approach: Reward-based training; fast, varied sessions to keep engagement high
• Focus Areas: Recall around motion, polite greetings (they can be bouncy), “quiet” on cue (alert barkers)
• Socialization: Early exposure to new people/dogs/situations to avoid suspicion/shyness
• Mental Work: Trick chains, scent puzzles, shaping games; avoid repetitive drilling

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Fuel the athlete while protecting joints and coat health.

• Food Type: High-quality kibble or balanced fresh diet for active small/medium breeds
• Daily Quantity: ~1.5–2.5 cups/day split into two meals (adjust to activity/age)
• Diet Advice: Prioritize animal protein; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/coat; maintain lean body condition

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Look for preservation breeders and sport-savvy rescues.

• Breeders: Choose CKC/AKC/FCI-affiliated breeders providing hip/patella/eye clearances and detailed cord-care guidance
• Adoption: Check herding-breed rescues; ask agility/herding clubs about rehoming networks
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club breeder directory; Puli Club of Canada (education/networking); regional herding clubs in ON/BC/QC

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Generally robust, but responsible screening matters.

• Common Issues: Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye disorders (including PRA), degenerative myelopathy (in some lines)
• Sport Care: Warm-ups/cool-downs to prevent soft-tissue strains; keep cords trimmed around eyes/feet for performance
• Life Expectancy: 12–16 years
• Recommended Testing: Hips, patellas, ophthalmologist (CAER); available DNA tests as advised by breed clubs

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Are Pulis hypoallergenic?
Low-shedding and often tolerated by allergy-sensitive people, but no dog is fully hypoallergenic—meet a Puli first.

How do you groom a Puli’s corded coat?
Separate cords by hand weekly, bathe as needed, and thoroughly air-dry; never brush out cords.

Do Pulis bark a lot?
They’re alert vocalizers. Teach “quiet” early and provide ample exercise and enrichment.

Is a Puli good for apartments?
Yes—with 60–90 minutes of daily activity, enrichment, and bark management.

How much exercise does a Puli need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily plus brain work (tricks, scent games, training).

Do Pulis shed?
Very little—loose hair stays trapped in cords until bathing/maintenance.

Are Pulis good with kids and other pets?
Typically, yes, with early socialization and supervision; herding nips can be redirected into games.

How old before cords form?
Usually 8–12 months; full cords mature over the next 1–2 years with regular hand-separation.

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