Puli vs Shetland Sheepdog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Puli
Herding Group
Shetland Sheepdog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Puli Overview
Distinctive for its long, corded coat resembling dreadlocks, the Puli is a compact herding dog with remarkable agility and intelligence. The unique coat, naturally forming cords that provide protection from harsh weather, gives this breed its unmistakable appearance. Alert and nimble, Pulis possess a medium-sized, muscular frame with a proud bearing and characteristic bouncing gait.
Shetland Sheepdog Overview
Shetland Sheepdogs showcase a luxurious double coat in sable, black, and blue merle colors. Their almond-shaped eyes and small, high-set ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 13-16 inches at the shoulder, these compact herders possess graceful movement and refined bone structure. Their gentle temperament combines with keen intelligence and unwavering loyalty, making them exceptional family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pulis are less energetic than Shetland Sheepdogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pulis require more grooming attention compared to Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pulis tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Pulis may be slightly easier to train due to their Puli's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shetland Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Pulis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Puli and Shetland Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Puli | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Puli | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm | 13-16 inches 33-41 cm |
| Weight | 25-35 lbs 11-16 kg | 15-25 lbs 7-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Puli | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Smart, Home-Loving | Playful, Energetic, Bright |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Puli | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Puli Temperament
The Puli is known for being loyal, smart, home-loving, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Shetland Sheepdog Temperament
The Shetland Sheepdog is characterized by being playful, energetic, bright, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Puli and Shetland Sheepdog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Puli
Rating: 3/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Puli
Rating: 3/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Puli
Rating: 3/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Puli
Rating: 2/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Puli
Rating: 5/5
Shetland Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Puli Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pulis require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pulis require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Shetland Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shetland Sheepdogs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Shetland Sheepdogs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Puli Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Deafness
- Bloat
- Allergies
Shetland Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Thyroid Issues
- MDR1 Gene
Pros & Cons
Puli
Pros
- Excellent herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Intelligent and trainable
- Weather-resistant coat
- Good watchdog
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Can be stubborn
- Requires experienced owner
- Moderate exercise needs
- Strong herding instinct may need management
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent family dog
- Low maintenance cost
- Good with children
Cons
- Excessive barking tendency
- Heavy shedding
- Can be shy with strangers
- Requires extensive grooming
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Puli and Shetland Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.