Pet Wiki

Puli

Also called Hungarian Puli, Hungarian Water Dog

Recognised breedFCI group 1Short profile

From Hungary; its ancestors most likely arrived in the Carpathian Basin with the migrating Magyars.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male13 to 15 kg13
Weight, female10 to 13 kg13
Height, male39 to 45 cm1
Height, female36 to 42 cm1
Lifespan12 to 16 years34
Sizemedium

FCI figures. Hill's gives 25-35 lb (about 11-16 kg) for both sexes.

Quick to learn
Lively and devoted to its family
Alert watchdog that is good with children
153

Coat and looks how to spot one

corded double coat

A square, compact and surprisingly light-footed herder hidden under a coat that naturally forms cords. A coarse outer coat and soft undercoat mat together as the dog matures, making cords that run longest over the hindquarters and shortest on the head and legs, so the head looks round and the eyes are barely visible.14

Coloursblackblack with rusty or grey shadingfawn with black maskgrey (any shade)pearl white12

Personality what they are like

An upbeat, clever little dynamo that learns fast and likes working closely with people. It is loyal and affectionate with its household, keeps an eye on everything that happens around the home, and tends to be cautious with strangers.152

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very energetic; needs more than 40 minutes of exercise a day, and up to about an hour of activity suits most dogs.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The corded coat does not shed but needs regular work more than once a week to separate cords as they form; bathing and drying a full coat takes time and planning. Some owners keep the coat clipped short, and it grows back after trimming.432

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to town or country and can live in a smaller house as long as it gets daily exercise.4

Company who they like around

Bred to work alongside a shepherd, it bonds tightly with its people and enjoys being involved in family life; early training channels its herding instincts.532

The story where it all began

The Puli is an old Hungarian sheepdog whose forebears probably came west with the Magyars around the 9th century. For centuries it worked flocks on the Hungarian plains, and its numbers dropped after the Second World War as traditional shepherding gave way to modern farming.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The Royal Kennel Club notes that Pulik were often seen running across the backs of tightly packed sheep while herding.4

  2. 2

    A fully grown corded coat can reach the ground and weigh around 5-7 lb.3

  3. 3

    Shepherds reportedly used lighter-coloured dogs to guard flocks at night and darker ones to herd by day.3

  4. 4

    In 1935 the US Department of Agriculture imported four Pulik to Maryland for herding research.2

  5. 5

    White Pulik have dark noses and pads and are not albino.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Puli' is thought to derive from an old Hungarian word meaning 'shepherd' or 'herder', reflecting the breed's historical role as a sheepdog.2

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

PipikeFütyiGömbTáncBolyhosBogárZiziTwistyCordyDoodleRaggyPezsi

A day in the life told by a Puli

This morning I wove through the garden, my cords swaying like happy vines. Mom laughed as I herded the kids into a neat circle for breakfast. After a brisk romp in the park, I kept watch from the sofa, ears perked for any squirrel gossip. Later, I helped Dad untangle a ball of yarn, well, I tried. By sunset, I curled up with my family, feeling the day's adventures settle into a cozy, corded hug.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 55, Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs; standard dated 06.12.2013.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Pastoral group, listed as Hungarian Puli.4
AKC
Herding Group.5

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Puli. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Puli tip

Choose single-ingredient treats like fresh fruits or vegetables, and limit them to 10% of daily calories to help prevent weight gain. Because Pulis are prone to dental problems, offering dental chews or brushing their teeth regularly can support oral health.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Puli, and at what times?

Feed your Puli at least two meals a day, as adult dogs do best with a consistent schedule. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Your vet can help set the right times and portions for your dog.6

What should a Puli eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A Puli should eat a balanced, high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always check with your vet for specific dietary advice.7

How often should I bathe a Puli?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing your Puli about every eight weeks, but you can adjust based on how dirty it gets. The corded coat takes time and planning to bathe and dry thoroughly. General guidance recommends at least once every three months.84 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Puli need brushing?

Brush your Puli more than once a week to separate the cords as they form, since the coat doesn't shed but needs regular care. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly brushing, but you may need to do it more often to keep cords neat. Some owners clip the coat short for easier care.432 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Puli's nails, and how often?

Trim your Puli's nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Puli need?

Your Puli needs more than 40 minutes of exercise each day, and up to an hour of activity suits most dogs. Daily walks and play are essential to keep this energetic breed happy and healthy. Furry Diary's plan includes daily exercise.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Puli's teeth and ears?

Brush your Puli's teeth two to three times a week, ideally daily, using dog toothpaste never human toothpaste. Check its ears weekly and gently dry them if they feel moist, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Puli live?

A Puli typically lives between 12 and 16 years with proper care and regular vet check-ups. Senior years usually start around age 8, so adjust care as needed.34 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Puli good with children and other pets?

The Puli is loyal and affectionate with its household and can be good with children and other pets when properly socialized from an early age. It tends to be cautious with strangers and may try to herd family members, so early training helps channel its instincts. Always supervise interactions with young children.1523

Can a Puli be left alone?

A Puli bonds tightly with its people and enjoys being involved in family life, so it may not do well when left alone for long periods. It can adapt with proper training and gradual acclimation, but it's best to ask a good breeder or vet for advice specific to your dog.532

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI standard no. 55 Puli fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament
  2. Puli - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, colours, facts
  3. Puli - Hill's Pet hillspet.comused for lifespan, weight, exercise, grooming, facts
  4. Hungarian Puli - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, lifespan, exercise, grooming, home, facts
  5. Puli - AKC akc.orgused for recognition, temperament
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.