Puli
A Hungarian herding dog famous for its long, naturally corded coat. Lively, intelligent and devoted, with strong herding instincts; the distinctive cords are low-shedding but very demanding to maintain.
Overview
A Hungarian herding dog famous for its long, naturally corded coat. Lively, intelligent and devoted, with strong herding instincts; the distinctive cords are low-shedding but very demanding to maintain.
Good to know — a Puli is best with a garden and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Puli is fine with sensible, older children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a vocal / alert barker, and as a guide they are better with some experience. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Homes with a secure garden
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Puli typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is daily / professional and shedding is minimal. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Puli should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a medium breed will eat a moderate amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Loyal, agile and very intelligent
- Distinctive low-shedding corded coat
Things to consider
- Corded coat is high-maintenance
- Vocal, energetic and reserved with strangers
Similar breeds
Border Collie
The ultimate working brain — astonishingly clever and trainable, but needs hours of exercise and a job to do.
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Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
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English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionately known as the "nanny dog" — devoted, people-loving and famously gentle with children.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Pulis good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Pulis tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Puli need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Puli needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Pulis shed a lot?
Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is daily / professional — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Pulis easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Pulis are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Pulis bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Pulis good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Pulis suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Puli is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.