The Puli, also known as the Hungarian Shepherd, is a dog breed originating from Hungary, although its roots trace back to Asia. Long used as a herding dog by the Magyar nomads, the Puli was bred to protect and drive herds. Although the breed has been relatively obscure for a long time, it gained popularity following the presentation of Mark Zuckerberg's dog Beast, the founder of Facebook.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Origin: Hungary (with Asian roots)
- Type: Herding dog
- Hypoallergenic? No
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight:
- Male: 10-15 kg
- Female: 10-15 kg
- Height:
- Male: 30-35 cm
- Female: 30-35 cm
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Exercise needs: 1 hour 30 minutes per day
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (The Puli can live in an apartment, but it needs sufficient exercise and careful management of its unique coat)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Protective: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Obedient: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Independent: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (The Puli is an excellent companion for children due to its affectionate and protective nature)
- Other animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (It generally gets along well with other animals, but early socialization is important)
- Strangers: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (It can be reserved towards strangers and is often a good guard dog)
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (The Puli can adapt to apartment living as long as it has enough space and time for exercise)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Due to its distinctive coat, the Puli requires regular grooming to prevent its cords from tangling or getting dirty)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Grooming can be demanding, but a proper maintenance routine makes it manageable)
- Grooming frequency:
- Grooming: Brushing is essential to keep the cords clean and avoid knots. It is recommended to spend some time each week maintaining its coat. It may also be necessary to wash the cords to prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria.
- Exercise: The Puli needs 1 hour and 30 minutes of exercise per day, ideally in the form of play and herding work. It enjoys activities that stimulate both its body and mind.
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: €800-1000
- Average annual cost (veterinary, accessories, food): €350-500
🏡 Important note
The Puli is an exceptionally agile, sturdy, and energetic dog. Although its unique coat is an aesthetic asset, it requires specific maintenance. This dog is suited for active owners who are ready to provide daily physical activity and dedicate time to grooming its coat. It excels in environments where it can use its herding skills, but it can also be a wonderful companion for a dynamic family.
