Puli — breed guide
A Hungarian herder in dreadlocks. The cords are the real coat, take years to form, and take a full day to dry after a bath.
At a glance
- Group
- herding
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 10–15 kg (22–33 lb)
- Life span
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Naturally corded woolly coat
Living with a Puli
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
- Barely sheds.
- Quick to learn.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Sensitive to heat; keep summer walks short.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Energetic · Clever · Vocal · Self-willed
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Patellar luxation
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Puli good with kids?
Generally yes. Pulis are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Puli good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Puli need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Puli handle hot weather?
It is sensitive; avoid the midday heat.
Leash Life keeps a Puli's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.