Herding dog Medium size 10-15 kg

Puli

An agile, devoted Hungarian herder famous for its corded coat - that coat is high-maintenance and the breed needs a job and daily activity.

Compare
Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
10-15 kg, 36-45 cm tall
High
Activity
Working herder that needs daily exercise and tasks
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Strongly bonded; dislikes long solitude
Easy
Handling
Quick and clever, with an independent streak
Very high
Coat care
Corded coat needs separating and slow drying
Good
Fit with kids
Playful and protective of family
Good
Other pets
Usually fine when raised together; may herd
Moderate
Health burden
Hip and eye conditions

The Puli typically weighs 10-15 kg, stands 36-45 cm, and lives 12-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want an agile, trainable herder for dog sports or an active life,
you are ready for serious coat work - separating cords and long drying times,
you want a devoted, alert family dog that bonds closely,
you have daily time for exercise plus mental tasks.

Do not consider this breed if…

you cannot commit hours to corded-coat maintenance or afford grooming,
the dog would regularly be alone 6 or more hours,
you want a calm, low-energy couch companion,
you dislike a watchful, vocal dog that alarm-barks.

A typical day with a Puli

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Brisk walk or run, 30-45 min
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Cord tidying, rest, chewing
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk and a sniff around
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training or agility practice, 15-20 min
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Active play or a sport session
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles calmly with the family once worked

Temperament and training

Trainability High
Drive to work High
Alertness Very high
Independence Moderate
Herding instinct High
Vocality High
Common owner mistakes
Underestimating the time and effort the corded coat demands · Providing exercise but no mental work or job to do · Letting alarm-barking become a habit without training

Family and environment

Kids Good
Playful and protective; may herd small running children.
Dogs Good
Usually social when raised with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Fine when raised together; may try to herd them.
Apartment Conditional
Possible with heavy daily activity and bark management.
House with a yard Suitable
A yard helps but does not replace real work.
City Manages
Copes with enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Countryside Ideal
Space and jobs suit this working herder best.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock for hip scores
Progressive retinal atrophy Genetic eye disease; DNA testing available
Epilepsy Seizure disorder usually managed with medication
Allergies and skin issues Can cause recurring itching under the coat

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Related Hungarian herder with an easier coat
Pumi
A whip-smart, high-drive Hungarian herder that excels at dog sports - its energy and vocal alertness overwhelm a quiet or sedentary home.
View profile →
Larger Hungarian corded breed, guardian type
Komondor
A massive Hungarian guardian with an unmistakable corded coat, best for experienced owners with land - the trade-off is intense protectiveness and a coat that is a real chore to maintain.
View profile →
Another corded herding breed with heavy coat care
Bergamasco Shepherd
A calm, hardy herder with a distinctive matted coat that needs no brushing once formed - a healthy breed, but the flocks take time to set and it wants space.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much grooming does a Puli's corded coat need?
A lot. The cords must be separated by hand as they form and kept clean, and after a bath the coat can take a full day or more to dry properly, which is important to prevent mildew and skin problems. Some owners clip the coat down instead to cut the workload. This is not a low-maintenance breed.
Can a Puli live in an apartment?
Conditionally. It is medium-sized and can settle indoors, but it is an active, alert herder that needs real daily exercise plus mental work, and it tends to alarm-bark. With committed activity and some bark training it can manage a flat; without that, expect noise and restlessness.
How much does a Puli cost in the US?
The Puli is uncommon in the US, so breeders are limited and waitlists are normal; puppies commonly run roughly $1,500-$3,000. Across a 12-16 year life, routine food, supplies and preventive care typically add $12,000-$18,000 or more, and regular professional grooming or coat upkeep is an ongoing extra cost on top.
Is a Puli good with children?
Generally yes with its own family - it is playful, devoted and protective. Its herding instinct can show as chasing or nudging small running children, so supervise and redirect that behavior. Older kids who join in exercise and training tend to be the best match.