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PULI |
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Additonal Breeds Starting With Letter:
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Much of the Hungarian
culture came from the Far East with invading Magyars, including its flock-guarding
and herding breeds. The Puli is very much like the Tibetan Terrier in
structure and instincts. It shows the Asian influence in its short-coupled
body, the thick coat covering its body and, particularly, the tail curled
over the back.
Its working
abilities are of utmost importance. In fact, the dogs which do not measure
up are not even given the breed name—they are just plain dogs and are
not kept. The breed name is derived from the Puli Hou> the "Destroyer
Huns" of Asia. One branch of these nomadic huns, the Magyars, migrated
into eastern Europe with their sheep, dogs and horses in the ninth century
and settled Hungary. In their native land, more than two dogs are called
Pulix\ in America
the plural is Pulik. The Puli came close to being lost during the
many wars that tore its country, but the breed has survived.
Recognizing
the native breed's value as a herding dog, due to its intelligence and
eagerness in performing its chores, Emil Raitsits brought the breed
back from the edge of extinction.
The Puli coat
is remarkable and resembles a rag mop. The idea that the coat is unkempt
or not touched is a fallacy. Owners spend a great deal of time keeping
their dogs' cords clean. The painstaking cording procedure is begun
when the dog is a young puppy. Drying after a bath is time-consuming.
Coats may be brushed into a woolly Afro, rather than corded in the States,
but only corded coats may be shown in Hungary, Canada and Mexico.
A working
Puli is a picture of agility and flying cords. The adult corded coat
affords protection from the elements and a cushion from the hooves of
cattle.
Pulik have
been used for police work in some parts of the world. They have been
successful in the show ring and obedience work in North America. In
Hungary, these dogs are still seen with flocks.
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