Interest in the Hungarian Puli has circled the globe.

Before the second world war the Agricultural Department in the United States imported Pulis for evaluation purposes as herding dogs. Not that they really wanting to be accessed!!

In England the first litter of Hungarian Pulis was registered in 1969, the breeder a George Ingus, who had imported a bitch into the country in whelp.

The litter, born in quarantine, produced four puppies, and was the beginning of the development of the breed in the UK. Although George Ingus, his family and dogs later went to the USA.

Thanks to the interest of Mrs Pat Lanz, a breeder and exhibitor of Rottweilers under the "Borgvaale" prefix, who was struck by the beautiful corded coat of the adult Pulis, all the puppies went to show homes. Albeit in the early days Pulis did not have classes of their own, the first classes being scheduled in 1972.

More dogs were brought in from Hungary by Pat Lanz, Mr and Mrs Robert Stretton, as well as Terry and Stef Horan who moved to Canada were they are still actively breeding and showing their Pulis.

The early years brought problems, from the first litters there were throwbacks. Puppies which resembled Mudis. Being a native dog of Hungary, this really could not have been too much of a surprise, seeing that it had been acknowledged other breeds were in the background breeding of Pulis.

Health related issues showed up in eye and hips problems. The breed club which was formed here in the UK sort professional advise on the matters of retinal dysplasia and hip displasia. But even today both problems still exist.

Often it is the striking long corded coat, considered characteristic of the breed and which in adult show dogs is floor length and evenly corded, that attracts people to the Hungarian Puli in the first instance. Beneath this beautiful jacket there is a rather unique medium sized, extremely intelligent and agile dog.

A Puli, it is often said for those considering a companion dog, is not for the feint hearted. Firm and fair handling are a must from the onset!

When considering a Hungarian Puli as a pet, the upkeep of the coat should be a consideration. Although of course there is no reason why the coat could not be trimmed to a more suitable length, as those reaching the floor can act as brushes, bringing in all types of debris and dust. Autumn (Fall) can be fun if you have trees in the garden! Whether long or short, there is still some grooming to attend to, as well as bathing and drying the coat.

The Hungarian Puli of today, has become a very adaptable canine, he is just as much at home in the country as he is living in an urban area. Although he requires and enjoys exercise is happy to stay at home and laze around in your favourite armchair. Often on a wet day a Puli has been known to come to an abrupt halt at the door when discovering the conditions outside. One thing he does not like, being left by himself for too long. Boredom will encourage him to find things to do, a little redecorating or redesigning of wardrobe contents are not beyond the capabilities of this ingenious little dog.

A Puli adores his family, even an absence of a short time will result in a greeting befitting that of months away! However, it must be said that a Puli is certainly not too keen on being kennelled should his master and family have to go away! He would much prefer to accompany them!

With strangers a Puli is suspicious, he can also tell you much about your guests - simply by carefully watching his reactions. He also has a strong sense of ownership, and will warn of the something, or someone strange on or near his property.

To see a Puli romping at full speed, almost flying, with cords streaming a whirling as he jumps and turns, is indeed quite a sight!

A Puli is a fun loving dog, he will enjoy participating in obedience, well at least for a while as anything repetitive can become a little boring to him. The challenges of agility, that is if you can keep up with him, are far more fun or some Pulis, given the opportunity, love herding.

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