Understanding the Health and Care of Your Puli

Quick answer

The Puli is a devoted, intelligent, and energetic breed that thrives on mental engagement and consistent, short training sessions. While they are generally robust, they have a recognised tendency toward hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and deafness. By monitoring your dog for changes in mobility, vision, or responsiveness to sound, you can work with your veterinarian to manage these conditions effectively and ensure your companion remains comfortable throughout their life.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, leading to abnormal wear and tear over time. This is a well recognised condition in the Puli. At home, you might first notice your dog struggling to rise from a resting position, showing a reluctance to climb stairs, or exhibiting a swaying gait when walking. Some owners notice their dog bunny-hopping when running or favoring one hind leg.

When you visit the clinic, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination to check for joint laxity and pain during movement. To confirm the diagnosis, the vet will take radiographs of the hip joints while the dog is sedated to ensure proper positioning. This imaging allows the vet to assess the fit of the ball and socket joint.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a group of genetic diseases that cause the gradual degeneration of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. How this passes down is not settled, but it is known to affect the Puli. The first signs you might notice at home are subtle, such as your dog appearing hesitant or bumping into furniture in low-light conditions or at night. As the condition progresses, you may notice their eyes appear more reflective or that they seem startled by sudden movements.

Your veterinarian will use an ophthalmoscope to examine the back of the eye for characteristic changes in the retina and blood vessels. If vision loss is suspected, the vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for specialized testing, such as an electroretinogram, to measure the electrical activity of the retina. While there is no cure for this condition, early identification helps you adapt your home environment to keep your dog safe and confident.

Deafness

Deafness in the Puli can be present from birth or develop as a result of other factors. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. At home, you might notice that your dog does not respond to their name, fails to react to loud noises like doorbells or thunder, or seems startled when you approach them from behind. It is common for owners to mistake this lack of response for stubbornness or selective hearing, especially given the independent nature of the Puli.

To determine if your dog has hearing loss, your veterinarian will conduct a physical examination of the ear canals to rule out infections or obstructions. If the physical exam is clear, the vet may perform a brainstem auditory evoked response test, which uses sensors to measure how the brain responds to sound. This test provides a definitive answer regarding the dog's hearing ability.