Puli
The Puli is a lively, loving herding dog with a famously corded coat and an even more famous sense of humor. They bond deeply with their families and tend to shadow their favorite people from room to room. Quick-witted and curious, Pulis love having a job to do, whether that's herding the kids in from the yard or learning a new trick before breakfast.

Behavior & traits
- devoted to family
- good with respectful kids
- watchful and alert
- bouncy and agile
- smart problem solver
Health concerns
Pulis are generally a hardy breed, but families should be aware of hip dysplasia, certain eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy, and occasional deafness. Routine vet checks and screening from a responsible breeder go a long way. Their dense coat can also hide skin issues, so regular hands-on checks during grooming are important.
Responsible breeding and regular check-ups go a long way. Always ask breeders about health testing.
Feeding & nutrition
A high-quality diet formulated for active medium-sized dogs works well, typically 1 to 1.5 cups of food split into two meals a day. Because their coat hides body condition, families should regularly feel along the ribs to make sure their Puli isn't gaining unnoticed weight. Fresh water and limited table scraps help keep them in athletic shape.
Exercise needs
Pulis need at least an hour of active exercise daily, ideally mixed with mental challenges like training games, agility, or puzzle toys. Families can meet this with brisk walks, backyard fetch, and hikes — and bonus points if there's a herding class or dog sport nearby. A bored Puli is a noisy, mischievous Puli, so keeping their body and brain busy is key.
Living with a Puli
Living with a Puli is a bit like having a bouncy, dreadlocked best friend who follows you everywhere and always has an opinion. They're vocal dogs — expect alert barking when the mail arrives or a squirrel dares to exist — and they form intense, loyal bonds with their family. With kids, they're playful and patient when raised together, though their herding instincts may show up as gentle nudging during backyard games. Daily routines often revolve around their famous cords, which need regular separating to stay clean and healthy, and their need to be involved in everything from cooking dinner to family movie night. Families who love an interactive, characterful dog will find the Puli endlessly entertaining and deeply devoted.
Recommended products
Cord care is the big one — keep a quality pin-free comb, gentle dog shampoo, and absorbent microfiber towels on hand, since wet cords take hours to dry. A front-clip harness helps with leash manners during their energetic walks, and puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys are essential for keeping that clever brain busy. A sturdy tug toy and a few durable fetch balls round out the toy basket, and an elevated feeding bowl can help keep those facial cords out of dinner.
Reads for Puli owners
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How to Train a Dog to Stay Calm During Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms making your dog anxious? Discover practical steps to train your fur friend to stay calm and collected during even the loudest storms with calming exercises and body awareness techniques.
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The Sensitive Stomach Playbook: A 3-Week Plan Before You Blame the Food
If you've cycled through three "sensitive stomach" foods in two months and your dog's gut is still a mystery, the problem probably isn't the kibble — it's that no one told you how to actually run an elimination trial. Here's the 3-week diagnostic process, the variables most owners forget (hint: eating speed and anxiety), and honest picks for slow feeders and limited-ingredient foods when you genuinely need them.
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How to Create a Sensory Garden for Your Dog
Transform your backyard into a sensory wonderland for your dog with our guide to creating a sensory garden. Enhance their senses and enrich their life with tactile pathways, aromatic plants, and interactive features.