Puli vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Puli and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Puli
Lively, agile, and unmistakable with its corded coat, this energetic breed thrives on companionship and activity. Highly intelligent and loyal, the Puli excels as a devoted family member.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Medium
13–15 kg
Corded, dense
10–15 years
10–13 kg
High energy
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Puli
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, responds well to training
Very active, needs regular physical activity
Enjoys games and interactive playtime
Adjusts well to various living environments
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Puli
Hip dysplasia, eye disorders
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Puli
Challenging for beginners
Pulis need experienced handling and consistent training from an early age
Needs space
This breed is energetic and may become restless in small apartments
Highly suitable
They thrive with active owners who can provide daily exercise and stimulation
Good with supervision
Pulis are playful but may be too energetic for very young children
Generally compatible
With proper socialization, they usually get along with other pets
Not recommended
Pulis dislike being alone and can develop anxiety or destructive habits
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Puli
- Highly agile and energetic
- Strong herding instincts
- Loyal and protective with family
- Low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat
- Intelligent and quick learner
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Puli
- Requires frequent, intensive coat maintenance
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs extensive daily exercise and stimulation
- Can be wary of strangers
- May try to herd children or pets
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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