Medium breedherding groupHypoallergenic

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.

Puli — Breed Header
Temperament
loyal · energetic · intelligent · alert · playful
Size
Typically 25–35 lbs and 16–17 inches at the shoulder.
Best for
families, active owners
Energy level
high
Shedding
Minimal
Grooming
High
Training
Moderate
Lifespan
10–15 years

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.