Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy often between 12 and 15 years, the Puli is one of the dogs that can accompany its family for a long time if its care, its physical activity and its medical prevention are well followed.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Puli tolerates cold and rain well, which reflects its past as a rustic herding dog. Its robustness remains decent without being exceptional, notably because certain orthopedic, ocular, or auditory conditions can appear in the breed.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to the joints, eyes and hearing, without forgetting the condition of the skin under the cords. Insufficient coat maintenance can promote hygiene problems or persistent dampness.
Progressive retinal atrophy: Degenerative eye condition that can lead to a gradual decline in vision and then blindness.
Cataract: Clouding of the lens that may impair vision and sometimes require specific management.
Hip dysplasia: Joint malformation that can cause lameness, pain and osteoarthritis in the more or less long term.
Deafness: Hearing disorder that may be congenital or appear later and that deserves appropriate screening.
Patellar luxation: Abnormal displacement of the kneecap, sometimes responsible for discomfort, instability or intermittent lameness.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Puli tolerates cold and humidity very well thanks to its dense, corded coat. On the other hand, in hot weather, you must monitor exertion, provide shaded areas and fresh water, because its coat can make heat dissipation less easy.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Puli needs a diet adapted to its activity level and regular monitoring of its body condition. Moderate weight gain can quickly weigh on its joints and reduce its natural ease.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check and regularly maintain the cords to prevent moisture and debris.
- Schedule an annual veterinary follow-up with eye and joint checks.
- Maintain a stable weight to limit strain on the hips and knees.
- Monitor hearing and promptly report any abnormality in responsiveness.
Vaccination
Puli vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Puli need? Like all dogs, Pulis should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Puli vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Puli booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Puli need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Puli
Before breeding as well as throughout life, screening of the hips, knees, eyes and hearing is relevant. These checks help to detect early several conditions known in the breed.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
