Puli

Compact, vigorous and alert, the Puli is a tough-as-nails herding dog, able to perform its duties across any terrain. The Puli coat is wavy or curly and clumps together into wooly "cords," which protects them from harsh weather. Coat colors include black, gray and white. Today, the Puli is often seen in the show ring, as well as in the herding, obedience, agility, tracking and therapy dog arenas.

The Puli (Plural Pulik), or Drover, has been an integral part of the lives of Hungarian shepherds for more than 1,000 years. When the Magyars came into Hungary they brought their sheepdogs with them. There were larger kinds similar to the Komondor and the Kuvasz, and a smaller kind which resembled the Puli. Invaders decimated Hungary during the 16th century. People from Western Europe, along with their merino sheep and sheepdogs, began to repopulate Hungary in the 17th century. The Puli intermingled with the sheepdogs of France and Germany and the Pumi was the result. The names Puli and Pumi were used interchangeably for many years, and the Puli breed was nearly lost.

Breed Profile

A Puli is more than a funky hairdo. Pulik are affectionate with loved ones, very smart, and loyal. As world-class watchdogs and family guardians, they can be suspicious of strangers but a friend for life once you earn their confidence. Their energy and dazzling footwork make Pulik comedians. (If you could see their eyes, you might notice a mischievous twinkle.) Bred for centuries to work closely with humans, they are quick learners and eager to please.