Grooming
If your daily hair care routine takes longer than the average sitcom, you can probably relate to what a Puli needs to keep their locks looking lovely. Grooming a Puli is a serious time commitment, though not due to shedding—these dogs are not known to shed a lot. However, once your Puli puppy hits 8 to 10 months of age, their wooly and dense undercoat starts to develop. If you want to keep your pup in their distinctive corded coat, you’ll have to help separate the clumps of hair to form the cords with your fingers.
Cords are essentially “mats” that have historically helped the breed stay warm while herding sheep during the frigid winter. The cords take about five years to grow out and reach the ground and require daily care. You’ll need to check the cords to ensure the mats don’t clump together and cause problems like skin lesions. You can use a bristle brush or your fingers.
If you’re not into the corded look, you can brush out your pup’s coat weekly with a pin brush. (No skipping, or the coat will start to cord.) Work in sections and brush away from the dog (there’s so much fur!). Spray with water or a conditioner to prevent coat breakage after brushing the area.
Your Puli will only need a bath every six to eight weeks, some even less often. When you do bathe your Puli, check their cords afterward to make sure they are completely dry, as wet cords can cause skin problems.
Aside from the fur, there are a few other grooming tasks. Clip their nails before they get long enough to touch the floor (every two to four weeks). You should also check their ears for debris and any redness or swelling. If you notice anything, speak to your vet. If your vet recommends at-home cleaning, follow this step-by-step guide on how to clean dog ears.
Experts recommend you brush your dog’s teeth daily to stop plaque and tartar from building up. Periodontal disease can lead to a loss of teeth and even more severe issues like heart, liver and kidney disease. In addition to regular brushings at home, take your dog to the vet for annual dental cleanings with a professional.
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Training
Pulik are an intelligent breed who love to learn and are naturally curious. Pair that with tons of energy, and you have a dog who requires training and looks forward to it. They’re so bright, in fact, that some pet parents might say their Puli can be a little manipulative to get things to go their way. (Hey, if you were this cute, wouldn’t you use it to your advantage too?)
Pulik can be headstrong and super focused on what they’re doing, so they need a dedicated and consistent pet parent. Good initial commands include the basics (sit, stay, come) and cues such as “leave it.” Working on agility skills to build your dog’s confidence appropriately can be helpful, too.
Like other breeds, Pulik learn best with positive reinforcement training (treats, toys and praise for good behavior) to help them develop confidence and look forward to training.
Since Pulik are reserved around people they don’t know, it’s important to start socializing them, aka introducing them to new people and experiences, when they’re puppies, to help them learn that different people and situations are ordinary. Take your puppy on walks and let them meet the people and dogs you encounter. Enroll in puppy school, where they’ll learn to play nicely with other puppies and meet pup parents in one location.
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Diet
The Puli typically does well on high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult or senior).
Because Pulik are so active and always on the go, they may benefit from high-protein dog food or different serving sizes than recommended. And remember to factor in treats! Those little nibbles also count toward your Puli’s daily caloric intake. If you think you’re pup’s gaining a little extra weight (and it’s not just those cords!), chat with your vet. They can help you create a mealtime and exercise plan to help your pup lose the extra weight and maintain their nutritional needs.
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Exercise
You know daily exercise is good for you, but it’s a must for your Puli. The Puli is a herding breed requiring tons of mental and physical activity. But don’t worry if you’re not going to make the Olympics for the 100-yard dash—these dogs aren’t known for their speed. Your Puli will do best with one to two hours of daily exercise, whether a long walk, hike, (slow) run or an agility/herding class. You may want to invest in an extra pair of athletic shoes because lazy days are few and far between with a Puli in your life.
Pulis also need to use their brains with things like puzzle toys and will let you know if they aren’t getting enough stimulation by finding a way to get into trouble. Another way to incorporate using their brain into daily life is with a slow feeder bowl, which turns mealtimes into a fun and challenging puzzle.
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Environment
If they get enough exercise, a Puli can thrive in whatever size home you’ve got. While they’ll be happiest if they can embrace their herding instincts in a class or on a farm, your Puli will love roaming a large yard or any ample, fenced-in space you can access.
Puli dogs are utterly dedicated to their families. They can be wary of strangers, so if yours is the party house, know that your Puli won’t make the rounds with drinks and appetizers like a Labrador Retriever might. However, with proper socialization, you can help your pup be more comfortable with social situations.
The Puli’s natural herding traits come out with children and cats. Still, if your Puli puppy grows up learning to respect boundaries, they will likely be a well-behaved adult dog.
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