HUNGARIAN PULI: RESPONSIVE, OBEDIENT, AND WATERPROOF

Originally residing in Hungary, this responsive, obedient, and virtually waterproof breed was first used as a sheep herding dog, and is most likely the ancestor of the poodle. Hungarian shepherds continued to breed carefully for working ability until well into the 1900s, when World War II virtually destroyed all dog breeding in Hungary. Fortunately, the Puli had already been adopted as a companion at that time, and Hungarian immigrants later established the breed abroad, particularly in North America. A gun-dog, the Hungarian Puli enjoys working sheep, and can easily be trained to retrieve from water.

APPEARANCE

The fine, round head of the Hungarian Puli is hidden under his hair, and each cord of hair has to be groomed separately. Its ears are not noticeable, also hidden under the hair, and some cords grow to floor length. His coat can be black, dirty black (a mixture of black with some white), white, cream or apricot.

BREED HISTORY

The name Puli means "leader" in Hungarian. The dog was probably brought to Hungary by the Magyars. Over the last century, Pulis are usually deliberately produced through breeding programs. They are believed to have originated during the middle ages.

THINGS TO KNOW IF CONSIDERING A HUNGARIAN PULI

Pulis are suitable for Urban living or for cold climate conditions, but do not tolerate extreme heat. They require moderate grooming about twice weekly, They are easy to obedience train, and make excellent watchdogs. Your Hungarian Puli will weigh from 22 to 33 pounds (10-15kg), and stand about 14 1/2 to 17 1/2 inches tall (37-44cm).  He or she will have a life span of from 12 to 13 years (Bruce Fogle, DVM, Dogalog). The breed is generally friendly with children and other dogs, but as with all dogs, your younger children should be closely supervised in the presence of any animal.