Breed Characteristics
Pulik (plural for Puli) are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 25 and 35 pounds and stand between 14 and 16 inches tall. These dogs are known for their black corded coats that look a lot like dreadlocks, which can be quite striking. They have a wide, wedge-shaped head with erect ears that are triangular in shape and their eyes are dark and almond-shaped. Some Pulik also have green eyes.
Puli Temperament
The Puli is a friendly, agile dog that makes a great family pet. They are playful and enjoy spending time with their owners. They are also known for being very intelligent, which makes them easy to train. Pulik are also very loyal and protective of their families, making them great guard dogs.
Bark
Puli dogs are known for their distinctive bark, which is often described as sounding like a combination of a yodel and a laugh. They are also prone to making a variety of other noises, including growling, whining, and whimpering. This makes them an excellent watchdog, as they will always be quick to alert their owners to any potential danger.
Health
The Puli is a generally healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can suffer from a variety of health problems. Some common health issues seen in Pulik include entropion, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and deafness. Pulik also tend to shed a lot, so they may not be the best choice for those with allergies.
Dysplasia
Canine dysplasia is a genetic disorder that affects puli dogs. It causes the bones in the dog’s hips to become malformed, which can lead to pain and mobility issues. Puli dogs are particularly susceptible to this disorder because of their flock-herding genetics. Fortunately, there are ways to treat and manage the condition, and many puli dogs lead happy, healthy lives despite being affected by it.
Entropia
Entropia, also known as entropion, is a condition in which the eyelid turns outward. This can cause the dog’s eyes to become dry and irritated. In severe cases, entropia can lead to vision loss. Treatment typically involves surgically correcting the position of the eyelid. Causes of entropia can include genetics, injuries, and infection. Symptoms of entropia include excessive tearing, redness and inflammation around the eyes, and a discharge from the eyes. If left untreated, entropia can lead to blindness. Pulik are particularly prone to entropia due to the shape of their eyes and the fact that their eyelids are not as elastic as those of other dog breeds.
PRA
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disease that affects Puli dogs. It is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to the progressive death of cells in the retina. Symptoms include vision loss and night blindness. If left untreated, PRA can lead to complete blindness. There is no cure for PRA, but the vet can prescribe treatments to help manage your Puli’s symptoms.
Deafness
Deafness in Puli dogs is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. Symptoms of deafness may include reluctance to respond to commands, inability to hear approaching danger, and difficulty locating food or toys. Deafness can also lead to other problems such as frustration and aggression due to lack of communication. There is no one definitive cure for deafness in Puli dogs, but there are a number of treatments that may help. Some common treatments include sign language training, auditory stimulation, and hearing aids. With early detection and treatment, most deaf Puli dogs can lead happy and healthy lives.
Maintenance
Grooming
The cords of the Puli coat can grow very long, and they will need to be groomed regularly to keep them looking neat. They should be brushed at least once a week, and more often if they are prone to matting.Their cords should be trimmed every few months, and their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid getting the cords wet, as this can lead to fungal growth or other problems.
- If you do get the cords wet, dry them off as soon as possible. You may also want to consider using a conditioner specifically designed for corded coats.
- After you bathe your Puli, be sure to dry him off completely, including the cords. A hair dryer on low heat can be helpful, but make sure not to get the cords too close to the heat or they could start to burn.
- Trim the hair around the pads of Puli’s feet regularly to keep them from getting matted.
To brush your Puli’s cords, use a soft-bristled brush. Start at the base of the cord and brush up towards the tip. Be sure to go gently, as you don’t want to damage the cords. You can also use a special comb designed for corded coats. This will help keep the cords untangled and looking their best.
Activity
Puli dogs need a moderate amount of activity. They should have a good daily walk and be able to run around in a large open space occasionally. Too little activity can lead to boredom and destructive behavior, while too much can cause joint problems. Pulis also love to play fetch and tug-of-war, so make sure you have some toys around for them to play with. They need at least an hour of exercise per day and should be trained in basic obedience commands. Puppy training is especially important, as Puli dogs can be difficult to handle if they’re not properly socialized and trained from a young age.
Cost of Puli Puppies
Puli puppies typically cost between $800 and $1000 dollars. This may seem like a lot, but these dogs are a great investment, as they are loyal and easy to care for. Remember to only get your Puli from a breeder that is registered with the American Kennel Club (or another major kennel club). This indicates that they are serious about their breeding program and are following the proper guidelines.
History of the Puli Breed
Hungary
The Puli is an ancient Hungarian herding dog that may have been brought to Hungary in the 9th or 10th century by the Magyar army, who used them as war dogs. The breed is thought to have descended from Tibetan dogs, and was used to herd and guard livestock. Their names means “woolen” in Hungarian, referring to the Puli’s thick, corded coat, which is used to protect them from harsh weather conditions. The breed was first mentioned in writing in the 15th century by a Hungarian poet, who described the Puli as a “very useful dog, with a superb coat”. Apart from being used by the military and nobility as guard dogs, Pulis were also popular with commoners, who used them to pull carts and sleds. They also worked for shepherds as sheepdogs and flock guardians.
USA
The first record of the Puli being brought to the United States was in 1884, when two pairs were imported by Dr. Charles B. Lane of Connecticut. It is suspected that the Puli’s popularity declined in the early 20th century as a result of mechanization, which made their traditional work obsolete. The breed remained rare in the U.S. until after World War II, when soldiers returning from Europe brought back Pulis they had acquired during the war. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936.
Puli Fun Facts
- The coat is so thick and heavy that it can weigh up to 9 pounds!
- The breed has gained some fame due to its appearance in the Harry Potter movies as Hagrid’s pet, Fang.
- Puli dogs have a double coat, meaning that they have both a long, weather-resistant outer coat and a soft, downy undercoat.
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