What's the Difference between Puli and Komondor dog?

Q: What's the difference between Puli and Komondor dog?
A friend of mine is going to give me a Komondor pup for free because she's got 7 of them and grooming is a big job.
I have never had a big dog before. If compare Komodor vs Puli which is better?

Photo Credit: puliarf/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by CDo
While they are similar in that they have corded coats (yes, a lot of work to maintain), they are different breeds. The Puli is smaller and is a herding dog and the Komondor is larger and used as a livestock guardian.

Answer by Puli family
I have 2 Pulik and know many people with Komondorok. A Komondorok is not for the inexperienced at all, both are very strong-willed dogs. You won’t be able to shower a komondor in a shower cubicle as they are far too big. the coats attract a lot of debris and do take a lot of maintenance. It’s not recommended to keep their coats short as their coats are protective to them, not just from attacks but also from the weather elements.

Answer by Lorraine
Do not take on a Komondor without knowing what you are getting into and the knowledge required. They are HUGE and can have an attitude to match. My friend has two... they are about the size of Newfoundland.

The Puli is much smaller, and they have more hair.
Do not take this pup on unless you have the experience and the time to deal with it.

Answer by Kate
I’ve had both breeds–starting with a Puli in 1960, and their coats and cords are similar: Puli cords are NOT supposed to be ‘tufted’, and the AKC says nothing like it having to be felted or tufted. Plus, the AKC itself does not make the breed standard, this is determined by the breed associations. If a photo shows ‘tufting’ it’s due to improper coat care. Cord quality and the degree to which cords feel more like felt are due to individual coat quality differences among individuals of either breed.

There is something that those unfamiliar with Komondorok should be aware of, though. While technically they’re livestock guardians (LGD), which those familiar with that designation understand to mean very territorial, protective, and highly independent thinkers–a must for dogs who must make instant decisions when predators are a threat–there is a range of temperaments among LGDs. I’m adding this because I was sent a Kom rescue and thought I was prepared (although she was misrepresented to me at the time as ‘completely obedience-trained’, a near impossibility with a Kom) because I’d had Great Pyrenees–another LGD breed, and had Pulik, also with a highly independent nature. Luckily my Puli at the time helped train her. Pyrs are incredibly easy compared to Koms–and are close to being saints, they’re so tolerant, while still protecting their charges, and are extremely gentle creatures.

Komondors are equally lovable but very different: I fell in love with my Kom and changed my life to be able to socialize and keep her, buying a house in another state in the US, as my apt in San Diego at the time wouldn’t have worked. Koms can work in an apt if you’re able to provide an outlet for their energy in the first four or so years–they settle down after they reach maturity and really long walks should be enough…I took my guys for 5-8 mile walks daily, even with a house. The problem can be that other dogs are intimidated by them–they fear nothing and play very ‘rough’. (My Pyr enjoyed body-slamming, but with even a ‘small’ Kom, you’ll really feel this and they need some play like this–finding someone with an equally massive dog–and fearless–is a big help, but not a necessity.)

I’m pretty comfortable saying that, as a breed, they have no meanness in them, but they will move with lightning speed to ‘take down’ anything–anything–that they feel could be a threat to whomever they’re guarding. This can be very stressful in public areas–in the US, a constant risk of litigation. While you can modify this and work around it–I was able to take my girl to large outdoor festivals after some constant training and gradual socialization, you must always be prepared for that sudden protective lunge/leap. And, they’re extremely ‘powerful’–it takes more dog savvy than sheer physical strength,* They look like stuffed animals and are usually smiling–or lying so quietly you’ll think they sound asleep, so you don’t get a sense of how strong and fast they are until some innocent passerby is on the ground, even with leash control. Komondors are absolutely not for first-time dog owners, or in my opinion, even those who haven’t successfully owned working breeds.

Once you’ve lived with a Kom–and have worked out the necessary mutual respect–don’t even think of dominating one–they’ll leave a huge hole in your heart after they’ve passed. They really will give you their entire heart, and that, plus their smile and the earnest, high intelligence that looks back at you is worth the extra work–if you have enough training experience and the situation that allows them to shine. If not, even a well-intentioned person can literally destroy the dog, more so than with most other breeds. If in any way abused, a Kom will snap back at the abuser–not small children, they’re wonderful with those and small animals, especially cats, but neither Pulik nor Komondorok tolerate disrespect or abuse. They deserve and command respect.

Despite the naive good intentions of my girl’s previous owners, and the large house and yard, and their having spent thousands sending her away for professional training (a total waste of money in most cases, because it’s the owners who need the training for that to work), I was told Katie would be put down if I didn’t take her. The wrong situation, a person who confuses being a ‘strong leader’ with being a forceful ‘alpha’, inconsistency, lack of exercise, etc., can create a powerful dog who is really ‘uncontrollable’ as my rescue was described. Most other breeds in that situation would just have a few behavior quirks.

*TMI: I could manage her better than some men over six foot, and I’m 5′ and about 100 lbs, then with torn rotator cuffs–my shoulder cartilage has since been totally destroyed by some doctors in Oregon, which means I’ll never be able to have my own Kom again. As much pain as I’m in, I’m more distressed by being unable to have another Kom than the fact that it’s hard to even get dressed or that I’ve lost everything, including the house I bought for my girl–my Puli didn’t care. I haven’t said much about Pulik, because the question was about a Kom, but they have equally large hearts, are incredibly smart and loyal and also are not dogs for inexperienced owners. For true dog lovers, both breeds are worth every bit of extra work. And, other owners are usually really helpful during the learning process–my Puli’s breeder was wonderful and one of the major Kom breeders in the US was extremely helpful, even though she hadn’t bred my rescue. People are very devoted to these breeds and will help you get through the rough spots, but you really need to understand mutual respect and how to train.

Answer by Meme
Komondors are much bigger than Pulis and used as livestock guardians, Pulis are herding dogs. Pulis are a lot more energetic and need more exercise than the Komondor.

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Beall/Flickr CC

Answer by cav mom
Please research the breed before you accept a pup. Komondor's are a very high maintenance breed ranging from 25 1/2 inch. or more at the shoulder and 80 lbs. or more in weight.

Answer by 4Her4Life
Size and function. The Puli is medium, the Komondor is large. The Puli is a herding breed with the associated energy level and temperament, the Komondor is a flock guardian with associated temperament and instincts.

The Komondor is NOT a good first-time dog - like most guardian breeds they tend to be very territorial, dominant, and aloof. If *properly* cared for (which DOES include VERY high-maintenance grooming) they can be a loyal, stable, strong presence and great dogs. If you have no clue what you are doing and live in an *apartment* then this is NOT a suitable dog for you.

Answer by Iggy's Hole N t
Unlike the Komondor, the Puli it is felted and tufted  AKC prefer the breed be referred to as felted and tufted, but most do call them the corded breed..The Puli is the smaller version of the Komondor....and is the s smallest version of the Hungarian Sheepdog..//Puli's are preferably not clipped down or shaved per AKC standards....

The Komondor's coat is called corded and divided into two groups then trimmed down, the Komondor is all white and the Puli is black or silver...
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