As a certified professional dog trainer who has worked alongside groomers and veterinary teams for years, I get a lot of nervous questions about the Puli. That famous mop-like corded coat looks complicated, and honestly, it is more involved than grooming a short-haired breed. But once you understand that you are managing cords, not fur, the routine becomes predictable and even relaxing.
The most important thing I tell new Puli owners is that this coat is a long-term commitment, not a weekend project. The cords form slowly, they need to be tended by hand, and bathing is more about patient drying than scrubbing. In this guide I will walk you through the tools, the step-by-step routine, the mistakes I see most often, and when it is smarter to call a professional groomer or your vet.
What You Will Need
Grooming a Puli is less about fancy equipment and more about a few reliable tools and a lot of patience. Brushes play almost no role once the cords have formed. Here is the core kit I recommend keeping on hand.
- A high-velocity forced-air dryer, the single most useful tool for a corded coat
- A gentle, residue-free dog shampoo (avoid heavy conditioners that weigh cords down)
- Quality dog nail clippers or a rotary grinder
- Styptic powder in case a nail is trimmed too short
- Round-tipped scissors for trimming hair around the eyes, paws, and sanitary area
- A non-slip mat for the tub and a calm, towel-friendly space
- Cotton balls and a vet-approved ear cleaner
- Plenty of absorbent towels and time set aside for drying
Step by Step: How to Groom a Puli
This is the routine I teach owners for maintaining a corded Puli at home. Work in a calm space, take breaks, and reward your dog throughout so grooming stays a positive experience.
Separate the cords by hand
Every week or two, work through the coat from the skin outward, gently pulling apart any cords that are starting to merge. The goal is even, rope-like cords rather than wide flat mats forming at the base.
Check and trim nails
Trim a small amount off each nail every two to three weeks. Cut just before the quick, the pink area inside lighter nails. Trim less and trim more often rather than risking the quick.
Clean the ears
Apply a vet-approved cleaner to a cotton ball and wipe the visible part of the ear. Never push anything deep into the canal. Check weekly for redness, odor, or discharge.
Bathe thoroughly
Wet the coat completely, work shampoo down to the skin, and rinse until the water runs clear. Leftover shampoo trapped in cords causes itching and odor, so rinse longer than feels necessary.
Dry completely
Squeeze water from each cord, towel firmly, then use the forced-air dryer until the cords are dry to the core. This is the longest step and the most important one for skin health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The errors I see most with Pulik almost always come down to treating the coat like normal fur or rushing the drying process. A few small changes prevent most problems.
Brushing a corded coat breaks up the cords you have worked to form, so put the slicker brush away once cording begins. Just as serious is leaving the dog even slightly damp. Moisture trapped deep inside thick cords does not evaporate on its own and can cause a sour mildew smell, skin irritation, or hot spots. Always dry to the core, and never skip the hand-separation that keeps cords from fusing into a solid mat at the skin.
Tips for Success
A consistent rhythm makes Puli grooming far easier than occasional marathon sessions. These are the habits that keep the coat healthy and your dog comfortable.
Start grooming routines in puppyhood so your Puli learns to relax for handling, bathing, and drying before the cords ever form. Keep sessions short and positive with frequent treats. Tend the cords a little each week rather than letting them go for months, since separated cords are quick to manage but fused mats can require cutting out. After every bath, build in enough time to fully dry, ideally on a day when you are not rushed.
When to Get Professional Help
Even committed owners benefit from a groomer or veterinarian at certain points. A professional groomer experienced with corded breeds is worth seeking out, especially during the first cording transition or when you want a short clip done evenly. If you ever feel overwhelmed by matting, it is far better to get help than to let it worsen.
Loop in your veterinarian, not a groomer, if you notice red, inflamed, or oozing skin under the cords, a persistent odor that does not resolve after a proper bath and dry, constant scratching, head shaking, or signs of an ear infection. These point to a skin or ear problem that needs medical care rather than just grooming. When in doubt, your vet can examine the skin beneath that dense coat where problems are easy to miss.
Safety note: Always dry a Puli’s corded coat completely to the skin after every bath, since trapped moisture can cause skin irritation, and have a vet examine any persistent redness, odor, or itching beneath the cords.