The Puli is one of the most recognizable dog breeds out there, with its long, mop-like coat and powerful body. These dogs were traditionally used for herding sheep, but they also make great companions. Read on to find out more amazing Puli facts and information!
The Puli Is An Ancient Breed
The Puli’s ancestry dates back over a thousand years, when the Magyar invaded Hungary and took over, bringing their favorite dog breed with them. Ever since the invasion, Pulis have remained a staple of Hungary, and used as indispensable herding dogs for sheep and goats. Their strongly protective nature, combined with their intelligence, obedience, and agility, make them the ideal breed for herding and guarding flocks.
Their Coat Is Difficult To Care For
The hallmark of the Puli is their long, corded coat that makes them resemble a mop. However, that adorable coat does come with a price. They require lots of grooming and care to keep their coat in tip-top condition.
While many dogs with corded coats love the water, the same cannot be said for the Puli. In fact, if they get wet, it can take days for them to dry off completely! While it is possible to trim their coat so it is easier to care for, most owners opt to put in the extra time and effort.
They Will Herd Just About Anything!
One of the cutest fun facts about Puli dogs is that their herding instinct is so strong, they’ll herd just about anything they can. Most Pulis these days aren’t used for work on a farm and are instead kept as family companions. Without livestock to herd, Pulis will often end up herding children instead! They’ll gently pull, nudge, or nip at young children to steer them where they want, which can be quite hilarious to watch.
The Puli’s Corded Coat Serves An Important Purpose
The Puli’s distinctive coat isn’t just there as a fashion choice. The winters in Hungary are frigidly cold and snowy, so their thick coat and undercoat serve as vital protection against the elements. Guarding a flock also comes with certain dangers, namely wolves. That thick coat also serves as a shield of sorts, protecting them from the vicious bites of predators.
They’re Surprisingly Agile
One of the biggest mistakes many people make is assuming that the Puli’s compact body and long, corded coat make this breed cumbersome. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth! Pulis are actually amazingly agile creatures, which certainly comes in handy while dodging and weaving around herds of sheep.
Even if a Puli isn’t being used for work on a farm, they’re a popular breed when it comes to competing in agility courses.
They Come In Three Colors
One of the most interesting facts about Pulis is that they come in three different colors. The most common color for Pulis is black, because sheep are more likely to obey a dark-colored animal, and it makes them easier for their owner to find among a flock. The other two colors of Puli, gray and white, were used for Pulis who guarded herds at night.
Pulis Are Extremely Protective
While very affectionate and loyal towards their family members, Pulis are naturally wary and even aggressive towards strangers. This makes them the perfect guard dog, as their fierce loyalty towards their family causes them to put their life on the line to defend their owners!
They Rarely Shed
While the Puli’s coat is notoriously difficult to care for, it does come with a surprising advantage. Most Pulis rarely shed, and many don’t even shed at all! Their tightly corded coat will shed as it grows out when the Puli is a puppy, but once they reach adulthood, shedding becomes minimal.
Pulis Need A Lot Of Exercise
Unsurprisingly, the Puli’s roots as a herder mean that the breed is built for high levels of energy. If your Puli doesn’t live on a farm where it’s being used to run around and herd sheep, then you’ll need to be sure to take it on plenty of walks. A large, fenced-in backyard is a must for this breed of dog!
They’re Great Learners!
Our last Puli fact is that they’re very intelligent. While these dogs are known to have a bit of a stubborn streak as puppies, with proper training, they’re very quick learners. In fact, the Puli is a very popular choice for obedience training, because they often wipe out the competition with their quick wit.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Hairless Dog Breeds
Usually, when we think of dogs, we think of furry creatures on four legs. But did you know that there are hairless canines as well? These unique dogs are a favorite among owners who need a hypoallergenic pet, or those who don’t want to deal with fleas or shedding....
Dogs With Short Legs
Dogs with short legs are often robust and adorable at the same time. While these canines were usually bred for hunting or working, they often make charming family pets, as well. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the most popular short-legged dog...
Retriever Breeds
Retrievers were specially created to retrieve game such as fowl and other animals while hunting, and they are revered for their obedience and trainability. So how many retriever breeds are there? Altogether, there are six official retriever breeds, and in this...
Giant Dog Breeds
Dogs can come in a bunch of different sizes, and a few breeds can be as big as humans, or even bigger! Giant dogs require an experienced and responsible owner, and they can be costly to care for, however they are extremely rewarding to keep as pets. That being said,...
Dog Breeds With Beards
One surprising yet adorable feature in some dog breeds is an adorable fluffy beard. This is a popular breed trait that adds a whole lot of personality to a dog. So here are the top dog breeds with beards, and what you'll want to know about each of them! Brussels...
Dogs With Dreadlocks
Dogs can come with all sorts of different hairstyles, but did you know that they can come with dreadlocks, too? If you want a dog that looks totally unique from all the other canines out there, then a dog with dreadlocks just might be the pooch for you. With that...
Dogs With Different Colored Eyes
While it may sound rare, there are actually a lot of dogs with different colored eyes. This is an odd but gorgeous condition that can occur in a variety of different breeds. So here are some of the top dog breeds with different colored eyes! Heterochromia in Dogs...
Slovakian Dog Breeds
Slovakia is a small country in central Europe. It is landlocked and bordered by Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. And from hounds to wolfdogs Slovakia has created some of the most unique canines on the planet. So here are the Slovakian dog...
Danish Dog Breeds
The Kingdom of Denmark is a Northern European country. It is made up of the peninsula of Jutland along with more than 400 islands. This Scandinavian nation is also home to a handful of its very own dog breeds, which to most people’s surprise doesn’t include the Great...
Czech Dog Breeds
The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. It has an interesting history and has been an independent state since Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993 and split into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And it has created some amazing canines....
Polish Dog Breeds
Located in Central Europe, the Republic of Poland is a country of stunning beauty with a range of natural habitats. And it’s also home to several remarkable breeds of dogs that were developed for specific jobs. So here are the Polish dog breeds and what you’ll want to...
Dogs That Look Like Cows
Real cows belong on the farm and don’t make great pets, however dogs that look like cows do! Luckily for cow fans there are quite a few breeds ranging in size from tiny to extra-large, that have a cow-like appearance. So here are the top cow-looking dogs and what...
Dogs That Look Like Horses
Horses are gallant creatures with long flowing tails and manes. And while these aren’t traits most people think of when it comes to canines, amazingly there are a handful of dogs that look like horses. So here are the top horse-looking dogs and what you’ll want to...
Romanian Dog Breeds
Nestled in Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country with a diverse range of wildlife, and that includes predators. To safeguard livestock in this rugged terrain, four distinct Romanian dog breeds were developed. Dive into the unique characteristics and histories of...
Dogs That Look Like Deer
Deer are beautiful and graceful creatures that use their speed to evade predators. And it’s no coincidence that most of the dogs that look like deer are fast on their feet as well. Their similar looks are the result of function, and that function is speed. Here are...
Thai Dog Breeds
Like many other countries around the world, the Southeast Asian country of Thailand can be credited with developing its own very own dog breeds. And while there are only two, both are incredibly unique with a look and temperament all their own. So here are both of the...
Maltese Dog Breeds
Even some of the smallest countries in the world have created their very own dog breeds. And the Republic of Malta is no exception. This Southern European island nation located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has developed two unique breeds to call its very...
Dogs That Look Like A Rug
Different dog breeds can have wildly different coat types. And with so many breeds out there, a few even have coats that make them look quite rug-like in appearance. Here are nine dogs that look like a rug including what you’ll want to know about each of these...
Dogs That Look Like A Lamb
Dogs are unique to other animals because they come in an endless combination of shapes, sizes, and colors. It's no wonder these beloved pets have made their way into our hearts! No matter what kind of dog you prefer, you're sure to find at least one breed that fits...
Dogs That Look Like Sheep
Through artificial selection, dog breeders have created hundreds of unique breeds with a range of different physical characteristics. Some even look similar to other animals including sheep. So here are seven dogs that look like sheep, and what you’ll want to know...