Standard_angol

Preliminary Remark:
Each country bears responsibility for their own breeds. It is understandable therefore, that it is expected of us worldwide to mould our own breeds and to determine breeding trends. Being the owner of a breed – especially of one as popular as the puli – puts enormous responsibility on the breeders, as well as all those who take part in the formation of the breed. In the same way, on the judges too, as the acknowledged individual dogs of breed inspections and shows will become the determining pulis within breeding circles. If judging is realistic, professionally sound and evaluation covers as many significant aspects as possible, by favoring the truly outstanding specimens, we can expect the constant evolution of the breed.

UTILISATION: Herding dog.

CLASSIFICATION FCI:

a) Group: Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs

b) Section: Sheepdogs without working trial

Brief Historical Summary: The Puli is a Hungarian herding breed of Asiatic origin. His original ancestors most probably came to the Carpathian Basin with the migrating ancient Magyars, who lived as nomads on stockbreeding.

General Characteristics:
Ancient Hungarian herding breed of medium size, lively temperament extremely able to learn. Of strong constitution, finely boned, of lean muscular body. The body length is equal to the height at the withers; the limbs and the spine form a square.
The construction of the individual body parts is difficult to judge as a strongly developed coat covers the whole body tending to form tassels and cords. A dense “umbrella” of hair covers the eyes, thus the head appears round. The profusely coated tail, curled forward over the back, gives the appearance of the topline rising slightly. The various parts of the limbs are difficult to separate, therefore the proportions and the angles are more practical to judge in movement.
In future judging of pulis will take place on a table.

General Appearance: Dog of medium size with strong constitution, square build and fine, but not too light bones. The lean body is well muscled all over. The construction of the individual body parts is difficult to judge; as a strongly developed coat covers the whole body tending to form curls and cords. It is therefore useful to feel the dog when judging. The coat on the head is so profuse that the head appears round and the eyes are shielded. The profusely coated tail, curled forward over the back, gives the appearance of the topline rising slightly towards the rear.

Important proportions:

Body length/torso 1/1
Muzzle/head length: 3.5/10
Depth of chest/height at withers: 4.5/10
Width of chest/height at withers: 3.3/10
Girdle/height at withers: 12.5/10
Length of ears/length of head: 5.2/10
Behaviour and Temperament: Of lively temperament, extremely able to learn. His present shape is the result of sport breeding.
Head: Seen from the front: round, seen from the side: elliptical.
Skull: well proportioned, fine, domed. Superciliary ridges strongly developed.
Stop: slightly arched
Nose: rather small, black
Snout: not pointed; bridge of nose straight
Lips: taut, with dark pigmentation
Jaws/teeth: Complete according to the dentition formula with scissor bite
Eyes: medium size, dark brown, oval with lively, intelligent expression, set medium wide apart. Rims of lids close fitting to the eyeball and well pigmented.
Ears: broad based set on at medium height. Pendant leathers V-shaped with rounded tips.
Neck: Of medium length, taut, muscled. Forms 45-degree angle with the horizontal. Covered by dense coat.

Head:
The skull is small and fine. As seen from the front it seems round, from the side appears elliptical. Principally it can be compared to a ball of yarn. The bitch’s head is somewhat of finer line; the dog’s slightly rougher, but not coarse.
The neck is set at a 45-degree angle with the horizontal; any deviance from mid-height setting is considered a fault. The puli with a lower neck setting angle hangs its head and is always close to the ground. A neck set too high or too low results in reduced movement capacity. A too short or too long neck also constitutes a fault. The puli’s neck is ideal if, under the coat cover it cannot be differentiated from the line of the trunk.

The snout is short, one third of the length of the head. The length of the snout should be measured from the snout ridge to the tip of the nose. The longer it is, the more severe the fault. Up until 40% of the length of the head the classification is still “excellent”, above this it is reduced.
Superciliary ridges strongly pronounced.
Stop line is slightly arched.
Bridge of nose straight.
Nose is relatively small, is not pointed and is black in all colour variations of puli. In case of black, masked-fawn (fakó) and grey pulis a deep black nose is a natural requirement. Pigmentation in case of white pulis is judged somewhat more leniently.
Teeth are with scissor bite, complete (i.e complete with scissor bite). In case the teeth are irregular, the basic classification is reduced by one grade. Carp and pike-bites are, in case of pulis, faults resulting in exclusion from breeding. Under the age of five, pincer bite is considered a fault. In cases where the two middle I1 teeth lean out of the curve and the upper teeth bite onto these, it is not considered a fault. With one P1 missing an „excellent“ can be awarded, but not champion title, with two P1-s missing only „very good“. If three of all P1-s are missing only „good“ classification can be given. In case P2, P3 or P4, perhaps M1, M2 teeth are missing the puli can also only receive a „good“ classification. Lack of M3 tooth is not a serious fault, but in awarding a champion title it is to be definitely considered as a differenciating factor.
Lips are taut and black in all color variations of puli. The deeply pigmented lip rim and palate influence judgement favourably.
Eyes are dark, coffee brown colour of slightly narrowing cut with lively, intelligent expression. The iris is to be as dark as possible. Medium-brown or dark-brown eyes are classified "excellent". In case of lighter eye colour and eyes set too close "very good" classification can be given. Yellow eyes are a serious fault, only "satisfactory" classification can be earned. Round, big eyes are usually accompanied by a rough nose and head which is not desirable, but can possibly achieve a „very good“ classifiaction. The rims of lids are close fitting and black in all color variations of puli. Loose eyelids are an indication of a general loose constitution, which is definitely hereditary, a serious fault, only a „good“classifiaction can be given.
Ears are broad based, set on at medium height. Their base can be felt in the line of the lesser canthus. The pendant leathers are V-shaped with rounded tips with pronounced downward trend. The rim of the leathers must reach at least to lesser canthus. In ideal cases ears do not move even in excitement and do not twist back. Ears set too high, and the snout being longer than desirable result in the loss of the harmony and unique character of the head. These are faults that must be penalized during judgement. Ears set on slightly high can be awarded „very good“, high set, light, short, furthermore mobile ears can be given a „good“ classification.

Body: Topline straight, giving impression of slightly rising towards the rear because of tail carriage.
Withers: Only slightly projecting from the topline.
Back: Of medium length, straight, tight and muscular
Loin: Strongly muscled, short
Croup: Short, slightly sloping
Chest: deep, long, medium arched
Underline: Gradually rising towards the rear
Tail: Set on at medium height and is carried under all circumstances in a tight curl over the croup and covered by dense coat. When stretched out, it reaches to the hocks.

Body:
The puli’s body is characteristically quadratic: height at withers equals length of torso. In case of dogs this is to be judged very strictly. In bitches a +5% deviance in the proportion of torso length to height at withers is acceptable, a higher deviation can result in maximum “very good” classification. The truly square, or as often referred to as “quadratic”, fully developed individual dogs are practically square shaped even in puppy hood – they are short and wide.
A common fault is an elongated torso. Usually the loin area is longer than should be, this, combined with binding problems often results in a snake-like gait. Observing the topline from above immediately reveals the fault. Determining the torso length of the puli is not an easy task; it requires feeling and lots of practice. When feeling, always look for the tip of the shoulder, as this is the starting point for measuring the body length of a puli. In case of dogs with full coats an otherwise short body can be made to seem longer by the dense chest coat!

Ideal withers only rise slightly above the topline but is perceptible.
The back is tight, of medium length.
The loin is very strongly muscled.
The croup is slightly sloping, short (not heavily sloping). This makes the most economical transmission of power possible.
The underline gradually rises towards the rear.
The tail is set at medium height, is tightly curled onto the croup. When stretched out it reaches to the hocks. Short tails are hereditary therefore during judging it definitely has to be considered as a differentiating aspect when awarding titles. The puli can be awarded an “excellent” classification if the tail falls towards the loin, is tightly closed onto the sides or is curled into a circle onto the topline. A puli with a sickle shaped tail can only receive a “good” classification. Tail carriage that is closed at all times is desirable. Uncertain tail carriage is a serious fault. If the dog shown hangs its tail throughout the judging process and does not raise it for a short period even in movement, it can maximum be classified “very good”. Tail carriage of the puli is to be considered a mark of the breed. A tail curled over the croup or resting on the loins is a requirement under all circumstances, similarly in the ring too!

The chest is moderately arched, deep and long. A barrel chest results in a reeling movement and narrow, empty cardiac region. A dog with a chest not arched enough has its forelegs set too close to each other, its whole body is narrower than desired. Naturally it classifies as a constitutional abnormality.

Limbs
Forequarters:
Shoulder: the shoulder blades are sloped and tightly fitting to the brisket. The angle between the shoulder blade and the upper arm is 90 degrees.
Upper arm: Medium long, well muscled
Elbows: Lying closely to the brisket. The angle between the upper arm and lower arm is 120-130 degrees.
Lower arm: long and straight with dry muscles.
Forefeet: short, rounded, closed. Nails are black or dark slate grey. Pads are dark in colour and springy. Feet are parallel set medium wide apart.

Forequarters:
The forefeet stand medium wide apart and parallel. The shoulder blade fits tightly to the brisket. The tips of the shoulders are in line with the brisket. The shoulder blades are at 90-degree angles to the upper arm. Upper arm is of medium length, muscular and is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the torso. Elbows close closely to the brisket. Lower arms are at 120-130 degree angle to the upper arm. The lower arm is long and straight, lean muscled. The paws are short, round, tight and closed. The nails are black or slate grey. The pads are dark and springy.

Hindquarters
The legs are medium wide apart and parallel. The angle between the pelvis and the upper thigh is approx. 90 degrees. Angulation of stifle joint is 100 to 110 degrees.
Upper thigh and forearm: long and well muscled
Hock: Dry, clean cut
Metatarsus: short
Hind feet: a little longer than front feet and closed
Gait/Movement: very lively and spirited. Steps short, sprint fast, extremely nimble. The gait is often typically mincing.

Hindquarters:
The hind legs are also medium wide apart and parallel. The upper thigh and the forearms are long and richly muscled. The pelvis forms a 90-degree angle with the upper thighbone. The thighbone forms a 100-110 degree angle with the tibia. Hock is lean, metatarsus is short. The joints are neat and dry. The back paws are slightly flatter than front. The nails are also dark slate grey or black. The pads are springy and dark.

Gait/Movement:
The puli’s movement is minced, bouncy and lively. This kind of movement is only possible with regular and well-muscled limbs. Any form of irregular limb position will result in wasted energy.

Skin: Devoid of wrinkles, tight, with dark pigment. Bare skin is black or dark slate grey in all colour variations.
Coat: Puppy coat is dense, wavy or curly. With time forms tassels, later tight structured cords or ribbons. The coat consists of a coarser topcoat and a finer undercoat. The relation of these two types of hair determines the character of the coat. In cases where the topcoat greatly predominates the finer undercoat, the coat structure is without character, open structured. Too predominant soft undercoat results in a coat structure that is matted, is of too soft texture and difficult to groom. The correct proportion between the two types of hair, which is genetically fixed, produces the aesthetical tassels or cords, which are easy to groom.
The length of the coat is longest at the loins and the croup, shortest on the head and limbs. The coat on the head is ideal when the hair forms a strong structure of cords covering the eyes and facial region.
Both a combed out and a neglected, tousled coat are undesirable.

Coat:
The coat is a special feature of the breed. The coat develops through different stages from the wavy, curly structure of puppy hood to the felty structure of tassels and cords of adulthood. The proportion of overcoat and soft undercoat determines the character of the coat. This is genetically fixed. Coats that are corded, of corded character or thin tasselled are desirable. “Excellent” classification can only be given to pulis in full, homogeneous coat with a well-structured covering of the facial region/head. At breed inspections a scanty, ragged coat is acceptable if the quality of the coat structure can be established by feeling it. Deficient head cover, worn hair on the chest or withers can only be awarded a “very good” classification. An occurring fault in case of the whole coat is an open structured coat on the withers and the head, which must be taken into consideration when awarding a champion title. A puli with hair chewn off its feet, can also only get a “very good”. A dog with unkempt hair can also not be classified as “excellent”.
Skin:
Well pigmented, slate grey coloured. Can be easily judged on the underside or on the back.

Colours:

a) Black

b) Black with a few rusty or grey shadings

c) Fawn (fakó) with a distinct black mask around the muzzle

d) Grey

e) Pearl white without any shade of sandy colour

A white patch of maximum 3 cm in diameter is acceptable on the brisket.
White markings between the toes does not classify as a fault.
Any other colouring or markings are to be considered a fault.

Colours:

In the case of black colour we look for as deep a black shade as possible, but rusty shades are a natural characteristic of pulis and cannot be considered a fault. A white patch of maximum 5 cms in diameter on the brisket is acceptable, but such a dog cannot be a champion as this is hereditary.
In case of white pulis a sandy shade is unacceptable and is cause for elimination from being bred.
In case of masked fawn (fakó) colours we can come across dogs of various shades but in all cases the dark mask around the muzzle is desirable.
Grey colour is extremely rare. An ashen, silvery shade only develops at a later stage in the ontogenesis of the individual dog. It can happen, that the grey character comes through at 7-8 weeks of age. Generally it is at 4-5 months, or at one year of age when the greying process firmly commences. The truly grey puli will have become totally grey by 1-1.5 years of age, therefore pulis born and registered as black can only be officially reclassified to grey at breed inspections up until the age of 18 months.

Size and weight:

Height at withers:
Dogs: 41-43-cm. Permissible size domain 39-45 cm
Bitches: 38-40-cm. Permissible size domain 36-42 cm

Height:

An experienced judge can judge the height of a puli with almost absolute certainty. In extreme, doubtful cases however, it is advisable to measure. In the judging process the height domain as laid down in the standard must be strictly observed. The “dwarfing” of the puli cannot be an aim, neither making it taller. In judging dogs below and above the size laid down in the standard, in aid of homogeneity, should be downgraded. In case of dogs, the desired, ideal size is 41-43 cm, in case of bitches 38-40. In case of dogs the ideal average size is a requirement of “excellent I” classification. The puli reaches full height at the age of 9 months, therefore even in junior classes and breed inspections the ideal height is desirable.

Weight:
Dogs: 13-14 kg
Bitches: 10-13 kg

Faults: Any departure form the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault is regarded should be in exact proportion to tis degree.

Eliminating faults:

· Short, open coat

· Hanging, or sickle shaped tail carriage

· Faults in colour, undesired markings and patches

· Over- or undershot bite of more than 2mm, wry mouth

· More than 2 P1 missing or absence of any other tooth except M3-s.

· Size deviating from the limits mentioned in the standard.

Eliminating faults:
As per the standard:

-Yellow coloured eyes

-Over- or undershot bite

-More than two P1-s or any P2, 3, 4 or M1, M2 teeth missing

-Sickle shape or straight tail carriage

-Size deviating from the limits mentioned in the standard

-Short, open structured, smooth coat

-Faults in colour (pale, black and tan) and patchiness

Any departure form the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault is regarded should be in exact proportion to tis degree.

NB. Male animals must have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Prepared by:
Hungária Puli Club
1^st March 2006.
Translated by:
Zsuzsanna Ringelhann
Based on the FCI English Standard

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