In my years in small-animal practice, the Puli has earned a reputation as one of the more durable herding breeds I see. These are athletic, intelligent dogs that often stay active well into their senior years. That said, no breed is free of inherited tendencies, and the Puli’s distinctive corded coat creates a couple of care challenges that owners do not always anticipate, particularly around the ears and skin.
This guide covers the conditions I most often discuss with Puli owners, the early signs worth watching for, and the practical steps that keep these dogs healthy. None of this replaces an exam with your own veterinarian, but an informed owner who notices changes early is one of the best things a dog can have.
What Are Common Health Problems in Pulik?
Pulik are a generally healthy breed, but the conditions most worth knowing about are orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia, inherited eye disorders including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, recurrent ear infections related to the corded coat, and congenital deafness in some lines. Most of these are manageable, and several can be reduced through responsible breeding and good home care. The goal is early recognition, not alarm.
Symptoms to Watch For
Because Pulik are stoic and their coat hides a lot, problems can be easy to miss. These are the changes I encourage owners to take seriously rather than wait out.
What Causes It
The health issues in this breed come from a mix of inherited factors and the practical realities of caring for a corded coat. Understanding the groupings helps you focus your prevention efforts.
Inherited orthopedic
- Hip dysplasia from genetic joint laxity
- Worsened by excess weight
- Aggravated by overexercise in growing pups
Inherited eye disease
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Passed through unscreened breeding lines
Coat and ear related
- Moisture and debris trapped in cords
- Reduced airflow in the ear canal
- Skin irritation under matted coat
Congenital
- Deafness present from birth in some lines
- Best identified through breeder testing
- More common in certain pigmentation patterns
Treatment and Recovery
How a problem is treated depends entirely on the diagnosis, but here is the general path I walk owners through once we identify an issue.
Get an accurate diagnosis
A veterinary exam, and often x-rays or an eye and hearing assessment, pinpoints the actual problem rather than guessing from symptoms alone.
Manage pain and inflammation
For joint conditions, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, joint supplements, and a tailored exercise plan. Never give human pain relievers, as many are toxic to dogs.
Treat infections promptly
Ear and skin infections respond well to the right cleaning routine and medication. Finishing the full course your vet prescribes prevents stubborn recurrences.
Consider specialist care when needed
Cataracts and severe joint disease may benefit from a veterinary ophthalmologist or surgeon. Your primary vet can refer you when appropriate.
Support recovery at home
Keep your dog lean, follow rehabilitation instructions, and return for recheck appointments so treatment can be adjusted as your dog responds.
Prevention and Home Care
Prevention is where owners have the most power. These habits meaningfully lower the risk and severity of the issues above.
- Choose a breeder who screens parents for hip and eye disease and tests puppies for hearing
- Keep your Puli at a lean, healthy body weight to protect the joints
- Maintain the corded coat properly so moisture and debris do not build up
- Check and dry the ears regularly, especially after baths or swimming
- Keep up with vaccines, parasite prevention, and dental care
- Schedule annual exams, or twice yearly for senior dogs, to catch issues early
- Watch for subtle changes in movement, vision, hearing, and skin and report them
Safety note: Never give your Puli human medications or supplements without veterinary guidance, since many common human drugs are toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
Sources
What you need to know
The Puli, known for its distinctive corded coat, is generally a hardy herding breed with a long lifespan, though a few issues appear. Hip dysplasia can cause stiffness or trouble rising, and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts may affect vision over time. The corded coat needs careful maintenance, and damp cords can harbour skin problems if not dried properly.
Because the coat hides the body so thoroughly, regular hands-on checks during grooming help you notice lumps, parasites, or sore skin early. This active, clever dog thrives on work, and restlessness is more often boredom than illness. Keep an eye out for clumsiness in dim light, which may signal eye changes. For persistent limping, vision concerns, or skin trouble under the cords, arrange a vet examination.