Puli

Life Span:~10 to 15 year
Litter Size: 4 to 7 4
Country of Origin: Hungary

Size: Typically, male Puliks (the plural of Puli) stand at 17 inches at the withers, while females stand at 16 inches. They weigh approximately from 25 to 40 pounds.

Coat: Several dog breeds have coats that cord, but the Puli coat is unique. No other dog coat is quite like it. The outer coat is long and profuse, and the undercoat is soft and woolly. The puppy coat is tufted, and as it grows the undercoat becomes tangled with the top coat, forming long cords and giving the Puli a look that is unkempt to say the least.

Character: The Puli is a sensitive one-man or family dog, which makes an intensely devoted and loyal companion. Loving and affectionate, they are wary of strangers, but extreme timidity, or aggression, are serious faults with this breed. The Puli must be part of the household and does not take to isolation from its family, or being confined to a kennel.

Appearance: The Puli is a square and sturdily built dog. The body is boxy, medium boned and muscular, with straight and muscular forelegs, strong hind legs, and a tight-curling tail. The head is small and fine with a short muzzle, a large nose, dark brown almond-shaped eyes, and medium-sized pendulous ears. The distinctive weatherproof coat is made up of a wavy topcoat and a dense, woolly undercoat, and it forms into flattened or round cords that reach ground in adulthood. The coloring varies but includes black, charcoal and white.

History: The Puli first appeared more than 1,000 years ago when the Magyars relocated to Hungary. Among their sheepdogs were the Komondor, the Kuvasz and the smaller Puli. Possibly derived from the Tibetan Terrier, the Puli???s job was to tend and herd the flock while the Komondor guarded the perimeter.

Health Issues: Puliks are generally healthy, but conditions sometimes seen in the breed include hip dysplasia, eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, and deafness.

Temperament: The Puli brims with energy and is always ready for action. It is a curious and busy dog that requires daily exercise. Even though it is a smart dog, it is tough and headstrong as well. In fact, some Puliks may become aggressive towards other dogs. The Puli is also protective of its human family, often barking at anything it deems a threat.

Care: The Puli coat does not shed but requires special grooming. From time to time the cords should be separated using fingers. The fluffy Puli coat needs to be brushed and combed to prevent mats from forming. Always dampen the coat before working with it. Bathing the Puli can take up to a couple of hours, they should be dried afterwards. Extremely energetic, the Puli needs daily vigorous exercise. Take it easy on hot days, however. 0

Training: It is essentially for the Puli to take Obedience and Crate trainings at an early age in order to teach the proper canine manners. Keep in mind that since the Puli is highly intelligent and independent, they can be bored with repetitive training. Keep lessons fresh, short, and fun to maintain their interest. The Puli can be a bit stubborn, so housetraining might be a challenge at first.

Activity: The Puli needs regular exercise since they love to play and roam free. However, they should always be in a fenced in yard to prevent any accidents. An average sized yard works best for this energetic breed. They love to jog with their owners, and they make excellent biking companion. The Puli enjoys hikes. Ensure the coat is protected when performing this activity with them.