Puli
A spring-loaded sheepdog disguised as a mop — Hungary's bouncing shepherd in cords.
Vital stats
| Size | Small–medium · 37–44 cm |
| Weight | 10–15 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–16 years |
| Energy | High — 60+ min/day |
| Shedding | Minimal — hair forms cords instead |
| Coat | Corded double coat · black, grey, white |
| Group | Herding · FCI №55 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred to turn flocks on the Hungarian plains at a sprint, the Puli is fast, decisive and remarkably springy — famous for bouncing vertically to see over sheep. At home it is loyal and playful with its family, reserved with strangers, and permanently on duty: an under-employed Puli will find work you didn't assign.
Habits & quirks
The vertical bounce
Centuries of seeing over sheep left a dog that leaps straight up like it's on springs.
Perimeter patrol
Garden boundaries get inspected on a schedule only the Puli knows.
The watchful flop
It lies facing the door, cords over its eyes, seeing everything anyway.
Flock management
Family members drifting apart on a walk will be discreetly regathered.
Care
| Grooming | Cords must be separated by hand regularly and can take a full day to dry after bathing — this is the breed's defining commitment. |
| Exercise | An hour daily of real activity; herding, agility and obedience suit its quick mind best. |
| Training | Clever and independent — motivate rather than drill, and socialise early against over-guarding. |
| Health | A tough, weatherproof breed; ask breeders for hip scores and eye testing. |
Common questions
Do Puli cords form naturally?
The coat mats naturally, but the cords need regular hand-separating to form neatly rather than felting into plates. Owners learn the routine or work with a groomer.
Do Pulik shed?
Barely — loose hair stays caught in the cords instead of falling. The trade-off is one of dogdom's most demanding coat-care routines.
Are Pulik good family dogs?
Yes for active families — they're playful, devoted and gentle with their own children. Expect wariness with strangers and some herding of small, fast humans.