Herding group
Puli
A bouncing, corded Hungarian herder — clever, loyal and full of life.
Pulik are medium-sized Hungarian herding dogs famous for their long cords. They are intelligent, energetic and devoted, but wary of strangers and demanding to groom.
- Height
- 16–17 in41–43 cm
- Weight
- 25–35 lb11–16 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Herding
- Origin
- Hungary
Coat: Dense, weatherproof coat that forms long cords. Colours: Black, Rusty black, Grey, White.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Pulik are lively, loyal and often clownish with their families. They are agile and athletic despite the heavy coat.
They are natural watchdogs, suspicious of strangers and quick to bark. They are intelligent and can be stubborn, so consistent training is important.
Living with a Puli
Exercise
About an hour of daily exercise with walks, herding or agility.
Grooming
Cords must be separated by hand regularly, and bathing and drying take many hours. Many owners keep a shorter clip.
Training
Clever but independent; keep training varied and consistent.
Kids & other pets
Loyal with their family and good with considerate children. Wary of strangers.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time once exercised, but may bark at noises and passers-by.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Puli right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Puli matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Puli typically lives 10–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Inherited vision loss; annual eye exams help.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps occasionally occur.
Degenerative myelopathy
A progressive spinal disease; a DNA test identifies at-risk dogs.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Eye examination
- Patella evaluation
- DNA test for degenerative myelopathy
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Puli; Puli Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Pulik came to Hungary with the Magyars over a thousand years ago and herded sheep on the plains, often working alongside the larger Komondor, which guarded the flock.
The breed nearly disappeared after WWII, but emigrés and breeders preserved it. The AKC recognised the Puli in 1936. Mark Zuckerberg’s dog Beast made the breed an internet celebrity.
Did you know?
- Mark Zuckerberg’s dog Beast is a Puli.
- Pulik could jump onto sheep’s backs to turn the flock.
- The cords begin forming at around nine months of age.
Library guides for Puli owners
Grooming
Brushing
Puli coats mat without regular brushing.
Grooming
Bathing
How to bath a Puli without drying out the coat.
Exercise & Play
Hide and Seek
Brain work that tires busy minds.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Puli.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Do Pulik shed?
- Very little; loose hair is trapped in the cords.
- Are Pulik good family dogs?
- Yes, for active families. They are loyal but wary of strangers.
- Puli vs Komondor?
- Both are corded Hungarian dogs, but the Puli is a medium herder and the Komondor a giant guardian.