Learn More About Puli

Summary

The Puli is a small but sturdy dog ​​with a distinctive, curly coat that hangs in cords or strands, giving it the appearance of a fluffy mop. This unique fur not only gives him a distinctive look but also protects him from extreme weather conditions. The Puli belongs to FCI Group 1, which also includes herding and driving dogs. There are no specific distinctions between show and performance lines within the breed. The Puli has a square stature, with the length of the body approximately equal to the height. He possesses an athletic build that allows him to jump and run with amazing agility and speed.

Character

This little bundle of energy has a heart full of loyalty and intelligence. Originally bred as a herding dog, the Puli brings a natural work ethic and alertness that it enjoys bringing to activities and tasks. A typical Puli is alert and has strong protective behavior, making him an excellent watchdog. However, he is also people-oriented and often develops a deep bond with his family. His loyalty means he is often reserved around strangers, but with proper socialization he can learn to be friendly and even-tempered. The Puli is a fairly active dog with a happy and often playful temperament. He loves being part of family life and enjoys being the center of attention. When he's not busy, he tends to divert his energy into unwanted behaviors, so it's important to provide him with enough mental and physical stimulation. Despite its small size, the Puli is not a dog that wants to sit around the house all day. He loves being outside and exercising, whether through games, walks or herding exercises. His intelligent and attentive nature also makes him a skilled learner, quickly picking up new commands and tricks with positive reinforcement. The Puli does not typically exhibit strong hunting behavior, but it can sometimes be somewhat independent, likely due to its history as an independent herding dog. This means that he sometimes makes his own decisions, especially when he is underemployed. When it comes to being alone, the Puli often shows a certain tolerance as long as he is sufficiently occupied when the family is at home. However, he should not be left alone for too long as he develops a close bond with his people and values ​​their company.

What to Expect

Pulis are dogs with a lot of energy. Their original use as herd guards makes them alert and barking dogs. Furthermore, Pulis are self-confident and docile dogs that work independently. Pulis are also repeatedly described as dogs with a pronounced willingness to be aggressive. Due to the properties mentioned, they are not suitable for beginners.

Care

The Puli can be kept in the city as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. He is an active dog and needs daily walks and playtime. Pulis are generally good with children, but as with all dogs, interaction should be supervised. They can also get along well with other pets, including cats, if properly socialized.

Training & Education

The Puli is intelligent and capable of learning, but sometimes a little stubborn. He can enjoy a variety of activities and sports, including agility and obedience. Because of his herding instinct, it's also a good idea to involve him in herding exercises when possible. It is important to note that the Puli may have a tendency to become overly obsessed with balls or toys. This can lead to behavior described as "ball junkie" is referred to. Therefore, it is important to keep play in moderation and offer a variety of activities. Training a Puli should start early and be consistent. It is especially important to teach him frustration tolerance and impulse control since he can be impatient at times. Positive reinforcement and rewards work best for this breed.

Nutrition & Grooming

The Puli benefits from a balanced diet with high-quality proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. It is important to pay attention to the amount of food to avoid becoming overweight, as the Puli is a rather small dog and can be prone to weight problems. In terms of care, the Puli has a unique coat that requires special attention. The fur consists of dense, curly hairs that grow in cords or strands. It has an undercoat that protects it from extreme weather conditions. The climate in Germany is usually not a problem for the Puli. He sheds little, but caring for his cords requires time and patience. It is important to groom the coat regularly to avoid matting.