At a glance the quick version
FCI figures. Hill's gives 25-35 lb (about 11-16 kg) for both sexes.
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
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
The Royal Kennel Club notes that Pulik were often seen running across the backs of tightly packed sheep while herding.4
- 2
A fully grown corded coat can reach the ground and weigh around 5-7 lb.3
- 3
Shepherds reportedly used lighter-coloured dogs to guard flocks at night and darker ones to herd by day.3
- 4
In 1935 the US Department of Agriculture imported four Pulik to Maryland for herding research.2
- 5
White Pulik have dark noses and pads and are not albino.2
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 Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Puli. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI standard no. 55 Puli fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament
- Puli - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, colours, facts
- Puli - Hill's Pet hillspet.comused for lifespan, weight, exercise, grooming, facts
- Hungarian Puli - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, lifespan, exercise, grooming, home, facts
- Puli - AKC akc.orgused for recognition, temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.