A puli eredete - Hungária Puli Klub

The Origin of the Puli

The Puli is undoubtedly an ancient Hungarian shepherd dog breed. Our nomadic ancestors brought their most essential helpers, the shepherd dogs, along with their flocks, herds, and studs to the Carpathian Basin. The large, robustly built Komondor and Kuvasz guarded their owners’ property with unwavering dedication, while the ever-agile, chattering Puli kept the livestock together. During the medieval migrations, before our ancestors settled in their new homeland, they spent nearly 100 years in Levedia, located between the Don and Dnieper rivers, and then slightly further south, in the region of Etelköz. The Asian dogs they brought with them undoubtedly interbred with local types but retained their character, as breeding primarily focused on guarding and herding abilities. The Puli's survival through the centuries is due to the demanding and resourceful lifestyle of the plains, as well as the harsh weather conditions—hot summers and severe winters. Under these influences, the breed was refined, and its distinctive appearance, characterized by its shaggy coat, uniquely developed.

Researchers trace the term Puli back to two possible origins. In the United States, Dr. Sándor Pálfalvy and Dr. Frigyes Thardy analyzed that the word Puli might derive from the breed’s herding style, which in the Sumerian language means "attacking herder." According to their assessment, the Puli can be traced back several thousand years, supported by references in the Code of Hammurabi, a 6,000-year-old white alabaster figurine housed in the Baghdad Museum, and records found on baked clay tablets. What is certain is that the deliberate breeding of herding dogs in Europe began in the 17th century. German literature is particularly rich in historical knowledge of shepherd dog breeding. In 1751, Heppe described the ancient form of the Puli as follows: “They have tightly curled, matted coats, usually raven black in color, and come in larger and smaller sizes. Their medium-sized bodies are stout, and their expression is defiant.” In 1773, Buffon, in his writings on sheepdogs, described a dog resembling the Puli, whose body, except for the muzzle and limbs, was covered in shaggy, generally black fur. Their primary role was to direct flocks and maintain order. Unfortunately, no records were made of the height of these sheepdogs. Austrian cynologist Hoffmann referred to the Hungarian shepherd dog as the "Hungarian Water Dog." It is a fact that shepherds from the Hortobágy and Kunság regions spoke of a "water-walking Puli" among its variations. This name likely derived from the German term Pudel (poodle), as poodles were then known as water dogs. The poodle, originating from Spain, probably reached Hungary alongside the expansion of large-bodied, woollier Spanish sheep breeds.

Raitsits and Turcsányi hypothesized that the word Puli has German origins. Zoltán Kenéz, a well-known dog expert from the Hortobágy and Kunság regions, wrote the following in 1820: “We admire from afar the herds grazing in the large salt marsh’s shallows. The mare herd is driven from the reeds to the fold by two water-walking Pulik, as the mounted herders cannot enter there.” He further noted: “The traces of the Poodle (Pudli) can often be strikingly observed in the appearance of herding sheepdogs, as Pulik have lived and still live in the Hortobágy whose coats are similar to the Poodle's outer fur, being highly prone to curling.” According to Méhely, Spitz-like and Puli-like dogs were once widespread across the entire Arctic region. Thus, it can be assumed that "our ancestors already knew the Puli in their original homeland, and it is entirely possible that they brought it with them during the Hungarian Conquest.”

Dezső Suk, an expert on Hungarian shepherd and sheepdogs, wrote the following about the Puli: “This little dog is a genius as a flock guardian and simply extraordinary as a sheep herder—indispensable in the truest sense of the word. In many cases, it cannot be replaced by a human. There is no other breed in the world more intelligent or teachable. I saw a Puli guarding 400 sheep on 25 acres of pasture without a shepherd. The pasture was no wider than 150 meters and was surrounded by crops. Despite this, not a single stalk of grain was nibbled by the sheep, even though the Puli guarded them entirely on its own. It can truly be said about this dog that it is only lacking the ability to speak. It understands everything! Not only its owner’s words but also gestures and even the will expressed through their eyes, which it takes as commands and executes without question.”

According to Ottó Herman: “The Puli is the most renowned herding shepherd dog, clearly the ancient Central Asian dog of the Hungarians. The breed still exists today in Tibet, in Lhasa, from where the British brought it back after their last successful incursion. Old shepherds believe that their ancestors brought this dog with them.” Wherever the Hungarians traveled during the Migration Period, breeds similar to the Puli can be found. The Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso, mentioned by Ottó Herman, are undoubtedly related to the Puli. While modern selective breeding for show purposes has introduced many differing traits, the ancient characteristics remain recognizable. Features such as body proportions, shape, head type, tail carriage, and long coat are signs of this kinship. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog (Polski Owczarek Nizinny) was once referred to in its homeland simply as a shaggy shepherd dog. Its medium size, Puli-like character, and similar herding role also suggest a relationship. The Poodle, evolutionarily speaking, is likely not related to the Puli. However, it did enter Hungary with imported sheep and interbred with the Puli. The Puli's uniform corded coat, predominantly black color, and occasionally elongated muzzle can partly be attributed to the influence of the Poodle.

The Puli’s closest related breeds are the Pumi and the Mudi, two other Hungarian shepherd dog breeds developed in the Carpathian Basin. These breeds originated from crossing the ancient Puli with German and French shepherd dogs. Their development, largely influenced by sport breeding, was completed by the early 20th century. In the early 20th century, the names Pumi and Puli were often used interchangeably, referring to minor differences in characteristics without clear distinction. The precise description, separation, and refinement of the two breeds were achieved through the work of Dr. Emil Raitsits. Of the two theories regarding the origin of the Puli’s name, the Central Asian linguistic origin appears older and more substantiated than the hypothesis linking it to the Poodle. The archaeological and linguistic research of Hungarian-born Andor Schedel and English researcher Thompson highlights the advanced nature of Sumerian dog worship, with traces pointing to the Puli’s early existence.

The research and registry of Hungarian shepherd dog breeds were revitalized after World War I by Dr. Emil Raitsits. As a professor at the Veterinary College, he worked with great expertise, dedication, and sincere humility to improve Hungarian breeds. His efforts saved these breeds from the brink of extinction. In 1924, separating from the Hungarian Kennel Club (MEOE), he established the Hungarian Dog Breeds Registry (Magyar Kutyafajták Törzskönyve, MRT), where he served as the first president. Key contributors included Dr. Géza Hamary, Dénes Martosi Móroc, Brúnó Schneeberger, and Dr. Gyula Vantsó. Their headquarters was located at the Veterinary College, where they organized numerous exhibitions and reviews. In addition to his academic role, Dr. Raitsits also served as a veterinarian at the Budapest Zoo. Collaborating with the zoo director, Dr. Adolf Lendl, he collected and showcased the finest specimens of Hungarian dog breeds to both domestic and international visitors. This promotional work significantly boosted the global reputation of Hungarian breeds, especially the Puli. The breed’s remarkable intelligence, ability to work independently, loyalty, and bravery earned it a legendary and popular status. Following World War I, the Puli became a star at national and later international exhibitions. The dogs bred under the new system were among the finest of their time. Among the males, Vidra and Bobi stood out, while Marcsa and Anikó among the females earned titles such as “Champion” and later “Permanent Champion.” Marcsa was an exceptional breeding female, with one of her renowned offspring being Permanent Champion Gazdag Állatkert (Csibész) PL 136, a foundational stud dog owned by Dr. Géza Hamary. In 1931, the sculptor Gyula Maugsch created a statue of this Puli, which was reproduced by the Herend Porcelain Factory. This further heightened interest in the breed. The Puli became irreplaceable as a herding dog and renowned as an excellent guard dog. Dr. Emil Raitsits was joined by an increasing number of enthusiasts who, with selfless dedication, sought out the most exemplary males and females to refine and perfect the Puli.

In May 1930, the journal Kutyatenyésztés ("Dog Breeding") began publication, focusing primarily on articles about Hungarian shepherd dog breeds. Besides Dr. Emil Raitsits, influential contributors included Lajos Abonyi, Csaba Anghi, and Gyula Vantsó. In March 1932, Dr. Raitsits organized a competition for Hungarian dog breeds at the request of the National Hungarian Agricultural Association. This event showcased 26 Pulik, 4 Pumis, 17 Komondors, and 22 Kuvaszs. For the first time, the public witnessed demonstrations by multiple award-winning police Pulik, such as Szegedi Kóbi Bikfic, Kispesti Őrszem Kadét, and Újpesti Őrszem Apród, organized by the National Hungarian Police Dog Association. On September 8, 1932, an unusual exhibition titled “The Lady and Her Dog” was held on Margaret Island, featuring 10 Pulik alongside their owners. In February 1933, the Kutyatenyésztés journal was succeeded by Magyar Kutyatenyésztő ("The Hungarian Dog Breeder"), which praised the showcase of Hungarian breeds in its inaugural issue. At this event, 150 dogs were judged. Unfortunately, Dr. Raitsits’s worsening illness hindered the organization of further dog exhibitions. A grand dog show planned for March 18, 1934, as part of the annual agricultural exhibition, was interrupted by the announcement of Dr. Raitsits’s death. His passing left a significant void in Hungarian cynology. Dr. Lajos Abonyi succeeded him at the Veterinary College and, together with Csaba Anghi, continued to support the registration of Hungarian dog breeds. By May 10, 1934, the new leadership organized an international exhibition, featuring 71 Pulik, demonstrating that the legacy of Dr. Raitsits’s work was being carried forward.

In 1935, Dr. Lajos Abonyi, Dr. Csaba Anghi, and Dr. Iván Müller compiled the standard descriptions for Hungarian shepherd dog breeds, including a classification of the Puli into four size categories: Miniature Puli (under 30 cm) Small Puli (30–40 cm) Medium Puli (40–50 cm) Large or Police Puli (over 50 cm) They also defined the acceptable coat colors for the breed and excluded spotted individuals from breeding programs to maintain uniformity and adhere to the breed's standards.

The last exhibition before the outbreak of World War II took place on March 31, 1940, showcasing 47 Pulik. Despite the challenging economic conditions that dampened the momentum of breeding, the Puli population, which had multiplied in number and improved in quality during the preceding decades, was not significantly diminished. Dr. Emil Raitsits played a pivotal role in the purposeful direction of Hungarian breed development during the 1920s and 1930s. As a trained animal breeder and veterinarian, he foresaw that changes in pastoral life would affect the selection of dog breeds. He recognized that natural selection, based on working readiness and ability, would give way to sport breeding as the primary influence on breed characteristics. The emphasis on sheep herding diminished, while roles like guarding and companionship gained prominence. In the 1960s, a breeding program began for white Pulik, followed by one for masked fawn Pulik in the 1970s. The central breed club, with 600–800 members, fostered an active community life under the leadership of Dr. Lajos Abonyi, Dr. Imre Ócsag, Dr. Imre Bordács, Lászlóné Nagy, Anzelm Bárány, and later György Dózsa. By 1972, international exhibitions saw 80–100 Pulik participating, reflecting the breed's growing popularity. The Puli gained fame internationally, with independent Puli clubs established in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The breed became a star, often owned and promoted by notable figures, including actors, singers, writers, and poets. Famous Puli owners included Éva Ruttkai, Lajos Áprily, Judit Gombár, László Aradszky, István Sztankai, Péter Haumann, and Mária Ronyecz, with their dogs frequently featured in magazines.

HUNGARIAN PULI CLUB

Once a Puli, always a Puli

HUNGARIAN PULI CLUB

Once a Puli, always a Puli

The Origin of the Puli

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