Puli
The Puli is described by the AKC as loyal, smart, home-loving, a member of the Herding Group, originally from Hungary.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
| Height | 17 inches (male), 16 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 25-35 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Loyal / Smart / Home-Loving [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Hungary [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 177 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Puli is a high-drive dog who requires both physical and mental stimulation. In fact, mental exercise is as important as physical exercise for this breed. Reputable breeders caution people to not overdo the physical exercise when the dog is young and the growth plates have not yet fused or closed. [1]
Grooming
The Puli can be kept corded, brushed, or with a clipped coat. Until a Puli puppy is 8 to 10 months old, there is no grooming to do except for regular bathing and ears, and grinding toe nails. When the Puli's undercoat begins to come in, the coat will begin to feel thick and matted to your fingers. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Reputable breeders test their breeding stock for health problems that can occur in most any breed. Breeders who are members of the Puli Club of America agree to the club's guidelines, which include Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) testing to determine that breeding stock is free of inheritable disease. The CHIC testing required by the breed's parent club includes OFA or PennHIP screening for hip dysplasia, OFA test for patella, OFA test for degenerative myelopathy (DNA test), and CERF eye testing (to be updated every three years). Additional tests that can be performed, but are not required, include OFA for elbows, cardiac, and thyroid, and the BAER (hearing) test. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Puli in 1936. [1]
- It ranked No. 177 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 154 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Puli.” [1]
- The AKC lists Hungary as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 5/5
Common questions
How long do Pulis live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-15 years.
How big does a Puli get?
AKC breed information lists height 17 inches (male), 16 inches (female) and weight 25-35 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Puli?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Puli, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.