Mary Allen
The Pulis originate from Hungary, where they are used to herd sheep by jumping over their backs. Their extraordinary coat consists of a lot of natural cords and tangles that protect against cold and moisture. Beneath the coat is an independent and intelligent herding dog that, if well trained and socialized, makes a good family pet.
Puli – a good house dog
Pulis are counted among the cattle dogs and their task at that time was to guard the herdsmen’s herds of sheep, cattle, and pigs and to keep them together when looking for new pastures. The early Pulis were lean, long-legged dogs with drooping or erect ears. In contrast to today’s Pulis, the head was longer and the snout more pointed.
Care
It takes about three years for the Puli to develop its distinctive coat. The delicate undercoat does not fall out but becomes matted with the long, coarse outer hair. To encourage this matting, you can “scrub” the hair into cords.
The advantage of this fur costume is that the Puli rarely sheds hair, but the disadvantage is that an incredible number of things can get caught in these cords. You should wash your Puli mainly in the summer because it understandably takes a lot of time to dry it after the bath.
Externalities of the Pulis
Head
Compact and powerful, with a strong, deep muzzle. The nose is always black, regardless of coat color.
The back
Broad, with a straight topline between the base of the neck and the tail.
Hind legs
Muscular and well built – the Puli is an excellent jumper.
Tail
Curls down the back and is trimmed with dense cords and shags.
Temperament
Intelligent and willing to learn, full of character, lively, good watchdog, loyal to its owner. The dogs adapt well while remaining independent. Very little escapes a Puli.
Characteristics
The Puli has remained a robust, weatherproof, and self-confident nature boy who has been spared from hereditary diseases and character defects. He is spirited, quick and intelligent, suspicious of strangers but never or rarely aggressive. Its main distinguishing feature, however, is the long, shaggy hair that envelops the entire body and is prone to matting and getting dirty.
Upbringing
The breed must be brought up very consistently, this applies above all to the first year of life. Pupils generally don’t think much of training, so you should make the exercises varied and always give the dog the opportunity to play in between, then it will learn quite quickly.
Attitude
The Puli is only conditionally suitable for city life, he much prefers a free life in the country, if possible on a spacious property. Then grooming is a little less of a hassle.
Compatibility
Pulis are usually good with their peers and other pets. They also tend to get along great with children. The Puli has a tendency to “cling” to one person in the family in particular.
Movement
The Puli is in his element when he can romp and play – and in his typical coat, he is a great sight. You can also take the dog to agility or fly-ball course. In these areas of dog sport, the breed really doesn’t cut a bad figure.
Story
The Puli originated in Hungary, dogs of this appearance were an integral part of the life of Hungarian shepherds for over a thousand years. There were notable declines in the development of the breed as a result of the Ottoman conquests of Hungary in the 16th century, as well as the Habsburg conquests, which prohibited Hungarians from breeding their own dog breeds.
Only after the Austro-Hungarian Compromise in 1867 could breeding be practiced legally. The word, which is still used today, “ez nem kutya, hanem puli” in German “it’s not a dog, it’s a Puli” expresses the bond many Hungarians have with “their” Puli.
The name “Puli” can be proven in the specialist literature since 1751. The doctor Ferenc Pápai Páriz had the first description of these Hungarian shepherd dogs made.
It was primarily the Hungarian researcher Prof. Dr. Emil Raitsits (regarded as the leading cynologist in Hungary, as he had written many cynological treatises), who described the individual breeds in detail. From 1910 onwards, based on the description of the individual breeds and their differentiation, pure breeding could begin.
The first standard for the Puli was set up in 1915 and recognized internationally. Prof. Dr. Emil Raitsits enjoyed a very high reputation among dog breeders and many turned to him and his studbook, although this has never been recognized by the FCI. His breed book disappeared after his suicide and the 1955 standard revision reduced the permitted colors.
The first Puli litter was born on June 20th, 1926 in the kennel “vom Lechgau” at the leading Puli breeder Clemens Schenk. Schenk was significantly involved in promoting the Pulis breed.