A Detailed Comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli.

Dutch Shepherd versus Puli

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Puli: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Dutch Shepherd and for the Puli. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dutch Shepherd or the Puli

Dutch Shepherd versus Puli

Dutch Shepherd versus Puli: Overview

Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are similar in size. The Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are Herding Dogs. This means both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Dutch Shepherd versus Puli: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd to the Puli based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Dutch Shepherd Puli
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 25 to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1590 $2250
Price Range $900 – $2000 $1875 – $2750
Temperament Score 96.2 percent 92.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Puli. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Puli is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Puli. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Pulis are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are most similar:

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Puli

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Dutch Shepherd Versus the Puli

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Puli.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and they are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 92.3 percent, the Puli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 26 Pulis.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Puli

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of a Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Puli puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Puli is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd Puli
    Average Price $1590 $2250
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $1875 to $2750

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Dutch Shepherd and Puli. For different price points, the charts show how many Dutch Shepherd puppies or how many Puli puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pulis

    A breakdown of the prices of Pulis

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dutch Shepherd puppy or the Puli puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Puli

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Pulis do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Puli

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Puli

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Puli?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Puli?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Pulis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Puli?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Pulis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Pulis have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Pulis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Pulis?

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Dutch Shepherds and Pulis?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Puli?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Pulis get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Pulis?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Puli?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Pulis are not easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Japanese Spitz.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Puli:

  • Briard (77 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Briard.
  • Welsh Terrier (75 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (79 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Scottish Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dutch Shepherd and how the Puli compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and of the Puli to other breeds:

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Papillon     Dutch Shepherd versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Dutch Shepherd versus Harrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Toy Poodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Cocker Spaniel     Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Wolfhound     Dutch Shepherd versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Dutch Shepherd versus Akbash     Dutch Shepherd versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Dutch Shepherd versus Kerry Blue Terrier     

    Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puli versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Puli versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Puli versus Portuguese Pointer     Puli versus Frenchton     Puli versus Redbone Coonhound     Puli versus Toy Fox Terrier     Puli versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Puli versus Stabyhoun     Puli versus Lhasapoo     Puli versus Bernedoodle     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd versus Puli. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Dutch Shepherd and the Puli better suits you and your family.