Overview
The Puli is a small-medium Hungarian sheepdog whose coat forms long, dense cords that reach the ground in adults. Under the coat is a light, square, extremely agile dog bred to work sheep on the Hungarian plains, often with a Komondor guarding alongside it. It is usually black but comes in white, grey and fawn.
Pulik are intelligent, energetic and bond tightly to their own household. They are reserved with strangers and will bark to announce them. Like many herders they can be nippy when excited and bossy with other dogs. A new walker should expect to be assessed for a few visits.
Exercise and walking needs
Around an hour to ninety minutes a day with content. They are quick, bouncy and tireless, and they love agility, herding games and anything that involves thinking. A plain lead walk leaves the brain unused.
Keep the coat in mind. Wet cords take hours to dry and weigh the dog down, so plan routes around the weather and the owner's wishes.
On the walk
- Recall: Good when trained; the breed stays close and watches you. Trust takes a few visits though, so use a line at first.
- Herding: Expect attempts to circle and move running dogs or children, sometimes with a nip. Lead on wherever that could cause a problem.
- Other dogs: Confident and inclined to boss. Relaxed with familiar dogs, officious with new ones. Greetings on lead until you know how it behaves.
- Coat: Cords soak up water, pick up seeds and drag through mud. Avoid long wet grass and brambles, and never send a dog home soaked.
- Barking: Alert and vocal. It will announce every passer-by.
Tips for professional walkers
- Check the eyes under the fringe after a walk, and the feet between the cords for mud balls.
- Give the dog a task: a carry, a find-it game or a heel pattern through obstacles.
- Walk in dry weather where possible; wet cords are a genuine welfare issue.
- Keep introductions calm and controlled; the herding stare precedes a nip.
What to ask the owner
- How should the coat be handled after a wet or muddy walk, and is anything off limits?
- Does the dog herd or nip at other dogs or people, and what stops it?
- How long does it take to accept new handlers, and what helps?