Puli dogs, often referred to as Hungarian Water Dogs, are a unique and fascinating breed. With their long, corded coats, they are instantly recognizable and stand out in a crowd. But one of their defining characteristics are the iconic dreadlocks that cover their entire bodies. It is a unique look that many people wonder how these dogs acquire. In this blog post, we will explore the process of how these Hungarian Water Dogs get dreads and what it means for their owners. We’ll discuss the breed’s history, the grooming process involved in maintaining their dreadlocks, and the special care that must be taken when dealing with the breed’s unique coats. So whether you are considering getting a Puli dog or you are an owner of one, this post will provide you with the information you need to understand the breed and care for them properly.
How long does it take to grow that long coat?
The coat typically grows to the ground in four to five years. And because a full coat stands out so much in the ring, a fascinating side effect is that many Pulis who finish (earn an AKC Championship) as young dogs will leave to pursue other interests for a few years while the coat develops. It’s a great time to compete in obedience and agility and earn a herding title. The Puli then emerges as a Special and may compete between the ages of four or five until reaching nine or ten years of age, just as some other breeds are starting to retire from the showring.
What is the largest dog breed?
Do you have to braid the coat to get those ‘cords’
(and how long does that take)?
No, when the puppy is about nine months old, the cords start to naturally form. Even if you think you want a brushed Puli, by twelve months it may not be possible to stop the cording due to the amount of mixture of soft and wiry hair. The Pulis human must now keep an eye on the cording process to ensure that newly formed cords are separated from (opened up) to the skin. Otherwise, the hair may start to solidify into a mat, which won’t look good and prevent air from reaching the skin. However, this cord exposure to the skin only facilitates a very natural process.
FAQ
Do Puli dogs naturally dread?
Only a small number of dog breeds have vibrant dreadlocks. Some come by it naturally—like the Komondor, puli, and Bergamesco.
Do Komondors hair naturally dread?
Komondor puppies are not born with dreadlocks; instead, they have a short, white coat that gradually develops into fluffy curls. As the dog grows, the curls get longer. When the curls become matted patches at around one year of age, human intervention is required to separate them into individual cords.
How do mop dogs get their hair?
Some dogs experience the mop effect naturally, while others can develop it. In natural mop dogs, the undercoat and topcoat grow together to form rounded “cords” that resemble ropes. Other mop dogs have curly hair instead of fur, which will naturally “mat” or combine to create textures resembling felt.
What breed of dog has dreads?
The Komondor has the longest, thickest, and most strikingly corded white coat in the canine world, measuring 20–27 cm in length and resembling dreadlocks or a mop. The puppy coat is soft and fluffy.