Kicsi (Mournebrake Over Shadow- DOB 01.07.2002) is a Hungarian Puli bitch. Kicsi is a Hungarian word meaning small/tiny - simply as when I first saw her she was so small that was the first name that came into my head! If you are thinking about naming your puli something authentic Hungarian, this page should help you - a guide to pronouncing Hungarian letters and traditional dog names

See Kicsi's Pedigree Here.

Pulis are an ancient Hungarian herding breed. They are similar to the Komondor, another Hungarian breed, in that they both have long corded coats.

For a brief history on Hungarian breeds, see here.

The puli in general is the most recognised outside Hungary's borders. Perhaps due to its magnificent coat, its getting more and more fans right across the globe. The coat has actually got a purpose: to shield the pulis from extreme weather conditions. Its keeps them cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. I know its difficult to believe something so big and wooly could keep you cool, but it does! Air gets trapped between the cords, which acts as an insulator.

Pulis can be white, black, grey or masked apricot. It is thought that long time ago only white and shades of white were around, but when black was brought into the bloodstream it quickly took over being a dominant colour.

I would say pulis are a one-man dog. Even living with a large family, they always pick out their leader, whom they worship and follow the rest of their lives. When I go out and leave the family home, Kicsi is generally withdrawn, just sits in her bed and doesnt take part in anything until I get back! On a couple of occasions I had to leave for a few days, leaving the family in charge of the house. Kicsi hardly ate, was very unhappy, and appeared sick, but of course that all changed as soon as I got home! Becasue of this trait a puli really IS for life, and rehoming adults can be very difficult.

In general early socialisation is even more important than with other breeds. Remember these dogs for centuries were living in the "puszta" (large plain) only with the sheep and their master as company. Getting them used to lots of different noises/people/animals when they are young puppies will help creating a well balanced dog for a life-long companion.

The coat is not as difficult to groom as it might seem - I do generally spend a lot more time on my airedale. There is a difficult stage at about 8 months old when the fluffy poodle like coat starts forming cords. This can last from weeks to months, but once the cords are developed the only thing that needs doing is bathing. They do not need brushing/combing, but bathing, especially drying is time consuming with large coats. For more advice on grooming see under my links.

Now that Kicsi is getting older, her coat is turning grey - a very rare colour that not many pulis are born with, but sometimes develops in the years.

Kicsi's weaknesses:

- The coat can pick up all sorts of rubbish from the garden!

- She will not let just anybody let it be the vet, a judge, a friend etc come up to her and stroke her - she decides where and when she wants to make friends, and comes to you in her own time. Frustrating!