Puli Dog Breeds | Breed Introduction
Puli Dog ( Pulik in plural) is a small to medium sized herding dog breed from Hungary. It is popular for the long, tight, and corded curls similar to dreadlocks. The Pulik coat is a result of a controlled matting process. The coat can become quite long with age even reaching the ground. However, some may prefer to trim the coat for a shaved appearance to ease maintenance. Even though, the corded coat is what makes people attracted to the breed.
After shaving, the coat of a Pulik will still grow out again contrary to some beliefs. A Puli looks similar to a Komondor although it is smaller in size. Despite the very thick coat and bulky appearance, Pulik are agile, fast, and able to change directions instantly. Originally bred as a herding dog and also used to guard the livestock, the Puli Dog makes a great guard dog since it is naturally protective of its owner and territory. The Puli is also sensitive, courageous, protective, fun-loving, loyal, agile, obedient, and devoted.
However, they are wary of strangers and somewhat headstrong and tough. This breed will keep its distance until they are sure the stranger is not a threat to the family pack. Although, when annoyed, a Puli may attack without warning. Therefore, strangers should keep a considerable distance from the dog. Even if the Pulik has been raised as a family dog, it still has a strong herding instinct. Therefore, it may try to herd anything including dogs, birds, and even toddlers with a gentle tug at the diaper.
Puli Dog Origin
The Puli Dog originated in Hungary. The progenitors of the breed were probably brought to Hungary by the Magyars who also introduced Viszla to the West. They were used to herd the sheep in the Hungarian plain. It is believed this breed worked along with Komondor. The Puli would herd the livestock during the day while the Komondor guarded the livestock during the night against bears and wolves. The corded coat had a purpose of protecting the Puli against the brutal winters. AKC recognized the Puli Dog in 1936. A few dogs survived World War II and some made it to the U.S. for guarding and herding use. Even today, Pulik are natural herders.
Puli Dog Lifespan
The Pulik have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Puli Dog Grooming
A Puli parent may keep the coat corded, clipped, or brushed. However, cording may start from the age of 8 to 10 months after the undercoat of the dog starts growing in. Before the age of 8 months, the grooming requirements needs are bathing, stroking the coat using your hands, trimming the nails, and cleaning the ears.
Brush the teeth of a Puli Dog at least twice a week if not daily to remove tartar buildup using a dog formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. Trim the nails fortnightly using grinders or trimmers to prevent cracking, overgrowth, and splitting. Clean the ears on a weekly basis using cotton balls soaked in an ear cleanser solution.
A pet owner will know when the undercoat comes in after the coat starts feeling thick and matted to your hands. The parent will also feel the natural separations which marks the beginning of cording. Separate the soft clumps forming by pulling them apart using your fingers. This is a process that will be repeated over the course of 6 to 9 months until the coat has distinctive cords.
Bathing
The number of baths depend on the lifestyle of the pet. However, if possible the dog should be kept reasonably clean to bath as little as 4 or 5 times a year. This only applies where the rear end and beard are regularly rinsed. Separate the cords and remove the mats before and after a bath.
While bathing your dog use lots of diluted shampoo and water to bath the pet. An insecticidal shampoo is preferred. Furthermore, parents should also used a flea control product on a Puli. Use lukewarm water to thoroughly rinse off the shampoo from the coat until the water runs clean.
Irregularly rinsed coat can cause skin irritations which lead to hair loss. Remember to dry off the coat. If the coat is not thoroughly dried, bacteria forms inside the cords and you will have a smelly pet.
Puli Dog Without Dreads | Puli Dog Shaved | Short Hair
The hallmark of a Puli Dog is the corded coat that resemble dreads. Although, the coat can also be clipped or shaved for easy maintenance. A parent may be forced to shave a Puli Dog if the coat gets infested with fleas or bacteria if not properly dried off after a bath. However, this may be prevented by using a flea control product on your pet.
The coat of some Pulik may fail to cord if the the undercoat is not enough to mingle with the topcoat. Furthermore, if the undercoat is too much and the top coat is not enough, it becomes impossible to form the dreads. Even if they form, they will break off due to lack of strength. The cords form better if the coat is somewhat textured and dull as opposed to shiny and smooth.
Puli Dog Dreadlocks | With Dreads
The Puli Dog puppies are born with no corded coat. However, the cording start from the age of 8 to 10 months. It takes a period of 6 to 9 months before the cords are distinctively formed to resemble the dreadlocks or dreads. The cording occurs if the topcoat and the undercoat which is softer and finer mingles. Both the top coat and undercoat grow at different rates and as they mix together this is what begins the formation of the cords.
Puli Dog Shed
The Puli has a little to no shedding coat.
Puli Dog Hair
The Puli has a profuse, dense, and weather resistant coat that is double coated. The undercoat is woolly, dense, and soft while the topcoat is curly or wavy, but never silky.
Puli Dog Hypoallergenic
The Puli Dog is hypoallergenic. It has a low to non-shedding coat hence suitable for parents who suffer from dog allergies. However, no cross breed or pure breed dog is truly hypoallergenic. Therefore, parents should spend lots of time with a Puli Dog before adopting to ensure they can tolerate the dog.
Puli Dog Training
The Puli Dog is loyal, fast, intelligent, and agile which makes them learn quickly. Although, it may be stubborn and headstrong breed that has no problem ignoring your commands. Therefore, parents should establish a firm but gentle handle when training. Naturally, Pulik are not social animals. Therefore, they should be socialized from an early age while they are still with the breeder at the age of 3 weeks.
This training will still continue after the Puli Dog leaves for its new home from the age of 8 weeks until the age of 16 weeks. Although, socialization may be a life-long process to ensure the pet matures to have a well-rounded temperament. To socialize a Puli Dog, expose it a wide variety of animals, people, places, surfaces, situations, smell, experiences, sights, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, washing machine, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, door bells, sirens, and whistles. Enrolling a Puli in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization.
Use positive methods to motivate good behaviors by issuing treats, toys, playtime, verbal praise, and petting. Harsh corrections methods like punching, beating, and kicking are counterproductive and should be avoided. Keep the training sessions lively and challenging to prevent boredom. Teach basic command words like come, stay, lie down, sit, leave it, heel, etc. one at a time from the age of 8 weeks. Effectively housebreak Pulik by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training. Although, Pulik are generally not suitable as city or indoor pets.
Puli Dog Temperament
- Loyal.
- Agile.
- Intelligent.
- Affectionate.
- Home-loving companion.
- Sensitive.
- Alert.
- Obedient.
- Devoted.
- Active.
- Wary of strangers.
- Playful.
Puli Dog Exercise
This is an active and high-energetic breed that requires both physical and mental stimulation. Although, breeders caution Puli parents against exercising the puppies vigorously before the age of 18 months to allow the growth plates to close. Pulik also excel in canine sports including agility, obedience, and herding.
Puli Dog Height
A female Puli has a height of 16 inches ( approx. 41 cm ) while a male Puli has a height of 17 inches ( approx. 43 cm ).
Puli Dog Weight
A mature Puli Dog has a weight of 25 to 35 pounds ( approx. 11 to 16 kg ).
Puli Dog Size
A Puli Dog is a small-to medium sized herding dog breed that has a height of 16 to 17 inches ( approx. 41 to 43 cm ) and a weight of 25 to 35 pounds ( approx. 11 to 16 kg ).
Puli Dog Health Problems
The Pulik are healthy and robust dogs although, they suffer from certain health issues including hip dysplasia and eye issues like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Other Breeds of Dogs Include:
Pulik Dog Colors
A Pulik Dog may have a solid color of black, rusty black, white, and all shades of gray. Although, a white spot not exceeding 2 inches is permissible.
Puli Dog Price | Cost
Depending on the age, location of the breeder, pedigree, and the popularity of the breed, the average price of a Pulik Dog is $800 to $2000.
How Much Are Puli Dogs |How Much Do Puli Dogs Cost
Puli Dogs coat $800 to $2000 depending on the pedigree of the dog, age, location of the breeder, and how famous the breed is at the time of purchase.
What Is A Puli Dog
This is a small to medium sized herding dog breed from Hungary popular for its cording coat that resemble dreadlocks.
Do Puli Dogs Shed
Yes. However, the coat is little to non-shedding hence the loose hair is barely noticeable.
Are Puli Dogs Hypoallergenic
Yes. Puli Dogs are hypoallergenic since they have a low to non-shedding coat hence considered suitable for people who suffer from pooch allergies.
Puli Dog Quick Facts
- They have a corded coat that looks like dreads.
- The Puli Dogs resemble a Komondor, a Hungarian sheepdog, although they are smaller in size.
- Although Pulik appear to have a bulky appearance and a thick coat, they are fast and agile dogs.