What Kind of Dog Looks Like a Puli?
The Puli is a distinctive Hungarian herding breed known for its long, corded coat that resembles dreadlocks. It's a small to medium-sized dog, lively and agile, and easily recognized for its uncommon appearance. If you've seen a dog that looked like a Puli but wasn’t quite the same, you may have encountered one of a few other breeds with similar physical characteristics or grooming styles. Let's explore in detail which dogs resemble the Puli and why.
The Puli’s Trademark Look
The Puli’s coat is dense, weather-resistant, and naturally forms cords. These cords start forming at a young age and continue to develop as the dog ages. Regular maintenance is needed to keep the coat healthy and prevent matting.
Key features of the Puli's appearance include:
- Long, corded coat resembling dreadlocks
- Compact, muscular frame
- Typically weighs between 25–35 pounds
- Often black, but also available in white, gray, and cream
- Energetic and agile, suited for herding activities
Dogs That Look Like a Puli
There are a few breeds that either share ancestry with the Puli or have similar coats due to grooming or coat type. Here are the top contenders:
1. Komondor
Perhaps the most famous Puli lookalike, the Komondor is also of Hungarian origin and has a very similar corded coat. However, the Komondor is significantly larger than the Puli, often exceeding 100 pounds. Originally bred to guard livestock, the Komondor is both protective and aloof with strangers.
- Also known as the “Mop Dog”
- Corded white coat
- Massive size compared to the Puli
- Muscular and powerful frame
- More serious temperament
2. Bergamasco Sheepdog
This Italian herding dog has a unique coat that forms flat mats rather than cords. Though the texture differs, at a distance, their coats can appear similar to those of a Puli.
- Three-layered coat — oily, woolly, and goat-like hair
- Matting begins around the age of 1
- Gray or merle coloring common
- Medium to large size
- Calm and intelligent demeanor
3. Spanish Water Dog
Though not naturally corded, this breed’s curly, woolly coat can be groomed into cords. They are excellent swimmers and versatile working dogs.
- Medium-sized, muscular body
- Coat forms tight curls, somewhat similar to cords
- Usually brown, black, beige, or white
- Used for herding and water work
- Loyal and trainable
4. Havanese (Corded)
While typically not corded, the Havanese can be groomed into cords, giving them a visual similarity to the Puli. However, they are toy dogs and differ greatly in size and use.
- Small companion breed
- Silky, long coat that can be encouraged to cord
- Affectionate and playful
- Lighter weight – 7 to 13 pounds
- Urban-friendly and popular as a pet
5. Lowchen (Corded)
The Lowchen (also known as the Little Lion Dog) can have its coat groomed into cords or other styles. While primarily a companion dog, a corded coat gives it a vaguely Puli-like aesthetic.
- Toy breed with flowing, long hair
- Not naturally corded but may be styled this way
- Groomed traditionally in a lion clip
- Sociable and intelligent
- Distinctive look but different in purpose
Corded Coat vs. Curly Coat
It’s important to make the distinction between dogs that have naturally corded coats and dogs whose curly coats can be maintained to form cords. Natural cording occurs in breeds like the Puli and Komondor, while dogs like the Spanish Water Dog may be groomed to resemble that aesthetic.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion between these breeds often arises due to their similar grooming styles or superficial similarities at a glance. The corded coat, rarely seen in dogs, is a striking feature and often causes people to assume that two dogs with it are closely related—this is not always the case. Size, temperament, and origin vary widely between these breeds.
Choosing a Puli or Lookalike
If you're considering getting a Puli or a similar-looking breed, make sure to factor in:
- Coat maintenance – Corded coats require considerable grooming effort.
- Activity level – Most of these breeds are working dogs and need physical and mental stimulation.
- Size – Dogs like the Komondor are much larger than the Puli.
- Lifestyle fit – Companion vs. herding vs. guardian breed needs vary.
Conclusion
The dog that most looks like a Puli is the Komondor, thanks to their shared Hungarian origin and naturally corded coats. However, several other breeds, such as the Bergamasco Sheepdog, Spanish Water Dog, and even the Havanese, can at times resemble the Puli due to coat grooming techniques. Understanding the difference helps dog lovers choose the right breed for their homes and lifestyles.
