Puli

Breed Origin

This dog breed has a rich history, with its roots dating back around 2,000 years. Some evidence indicates that a dog similar to the Puli may have existed as long as 6,000 years ago, although many prefer to link this breed to more recent canines. The story of the Puli begins in present-day Iraq, where oil workers discovered the burial site of a man laid to rest with a sheep and a small dog. Among the findings was a clump of hair resembling the fur of modern Pulis, suggesting that the man was a shepherd interred with his sheep and loyal dog. This region was once part of Sumeria, an ancient civilization, and clay tablets found in Eridu, along with a statue of a Puli, indicate that these dogs were used for herding thousands of years ago. About 1,100 years ago, the Puli was brought to Hungary by Magyar tribesmen, quickly becoming a popular choice for herding livestock. Shepherds often favored black Pulis, as their dark coats made them easier to spot among the sheep. At that time, acquiring a Puli could cost a farmer an entire year’s wages. While shepherds valued their dogs highly, they were known to be demanding, which likely contributed to the breed's exceptional intelligence. In the 1800s, the need for sheepdogs began to decline, resulting in a drop in their numbers. Fortunately, in 1912, Dr. Emil Raitsits, a professor at the Hungarian University of Veterinary Medicine, along with Adolf Lendl, the director of the Budapest Zoo, played a vital role in saving the breed from extinction. They converted a zoo exhibit into a specialized breeding program for Pulis. Although the breed faced the threat of extinction during World War II, its growing popularity before the war helped ensure its survival. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Puli in 1936, and the Puli Club of America was founded in 1951.

Care Routine

The Puli is a herding dog that thrives in large, securely fenced areas where it can burn off its abundant energy. It's crucial to have a tall fence, as these dogs are capable of jumping up to six feet! While they do well in farm environments, they can adapt to smaller living spaces as long as their energetic nature is taken into account. Their daily diet should consist of 1 to 2 cups of dog food, divided into two meals. Grooming is a vital part of caring for a Puli, but their coat requires a unique technique compared to other breeds. Instead of brushing to untangle, begin by wetting the coat, then use your hands to separate and twist the fur into cords. Occasional trims can help keep the coat from gathering too much dirt and debris. Bathing your Puli is much like bathing any other dog, but it should be done infrequently. When you do bathe them, ensure the coat is thoroughly soaked and use a shampoo that is safe for dogs. After rinsing, gently squeeze the cords to eliminate excess water using your hands and a towel. Remember that the drying process can take several days, and avoid using heat to expedite it, as this can cause overheating. Therefore, regular baths are not recommended unless absolutely necessary, such as when the coat becomes matted with burs, urine, feces, or other dirt. Ideally, you should brush your Puli's teeth daily, but if that’s not possible, aim for at least once or twice a week. Additionally, check their nails once or twice a month and trim them as needed.

Play & Exercise