Which is Better between the Komondor and the Puli? A Very Detailed Review.

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Komondor Versus Puli: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Komondor 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 Komondor 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Komondor 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 Komondor or the Puli.

Komondor versus Puli

Komondor versus Puli: Overview

A very important difference between the Komondor and the Puli is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Komondor is a large-sized dog while the Puli is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Komondor belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Puli belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs 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.

Komondor versus Puli: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Komondor and the Puli

Factor Komondor Puli
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
General Health 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 25 to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $840 $2250
Price Range $550 – $800 $1875 – $2750
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 92.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 170 150

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor 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 the Komondor is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Puli is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Komondor and the Puli so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Komondor and the Puli

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

  • Komondors do not get along well with other dogs. However, Pulis get along well with other dogs.
  • Komondors do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Pulis do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Komondors have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Pulis are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Komondors have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Pulis have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Puli

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

  • Both the Komondor and the Puli are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Komondor and the Puli are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Puli

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

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 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.

    Lifespan of Komondor versus Puli

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.

    Pulis live longer than Komondors.

    Temperament of the Komondor Versus the Puli

    The Puli has a better temperament than the Komondor.

    This is because the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 percent while the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 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 90.0 percent, the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Puli by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 26 Pulis.

    Price of Komondor versus Price of Puli

    The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of a Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor 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 the 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 Komondor.

    Komondor Puli
    Average Price $840 $2250
    Price Range $550 to $800 $1875 to $2750

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. 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 Komondor 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    The Popularity of Komondor versus Popularity of Puli

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Komondor and the Puli over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Puli is more popular with dog owners than the Komondor. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Puli is 150 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Puli

    Popularity of Puli

    Year Komondor Popularity Rank Puli Popularity Rank
    2013 159 136
    2014 168 151
    2015 163 154
    2016 177 159
    2017 163 142
    2018 173 160
    2019 181 160
    2020 178 143

    Health Problems of Komondor versus Health Problems of Puli

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Komondor and the Puli are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Puli is prone to more genetic health problems than the Komondor.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Puli than for the Komondor.

    3 health tests are recommended for Komondor while 7 tests are recommended for the Puli.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Komondors and in Pulis.

    Komondor Health Problems

    Komondors are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Komondor puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Komondor puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Komondor breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Komondors for:

  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Komondors here.

    Puli Health Problems

    Pulis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Puli puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Puli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Puli breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pulis for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Komondors and Pulis

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Komondor Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Komondor ranks 19 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 54 Komondors, 1 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Komondors, and how common these diseases are in Komondors relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 19 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 30 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 90 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Puli Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    This is because the Puli ranks 37 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 201 Pulis, 6 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pulis, and how common these diseases are in Pulis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 37 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 39 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 70 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 115 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 144 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Komondor and in Puli and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Komondor and the Puli:

    Disease Komondor Rank Puli Rank
    Eyes problems 19 out of 182 dog breeds 144 out of 182 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 30 out of 70 dog breeds 37 out of 70 dog breeds
    Hips problems 90 out of 198 dog breeds 115 out of 198 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 39 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 70 out of 144 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Puli

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Pulis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Komondors shed more than Pulis?

    Komondors shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Puli

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Komondor or the Puli?

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

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

    Does the Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?

    Komondors have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other 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.

    Do Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?

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

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

    Can Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Puli

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

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

    Can Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pulis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Pulis?

    Komondors 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 Komondors and Pulis?

    Komondors get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Puli?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Pulis are not easy to train.

    Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Puli?

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Pulis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Komondor

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Komondor 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 Komondor:

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • 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 Komondor vs Briard.
  • Welsh Terrier (75 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (79 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Scottish Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Carolina Dog     Komondor versus Lhasapoo     Komondor versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Komondor versus Toy Poodle     Komondor versus Frenchton     Komondor versus Australian Kelpie     Komondor versus Kishu Ken     Komondor versus Carolina Dog     Komondor versus Japanese Spitz     Komondor versus Bich Poo     Komondor versus Kishu Ken     Komondor versus Kishu Ken     Komondor versus Lakeland Terrier     Komondor versus Sheepadoodle     Komondor versus Bloodhound     Komondor versus Yorkipoo     Komondor versus Pomchi     Komondor versus Puggle     Komondor versus Stabyhoun     Komondor versus Barbet     Komondor versus Berger Picard     Komondor versus Shiranian     Komondor versus Bluetick Coonhound     Komondor versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Komondor versus Bearded Collie     

    Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puli versus Cavapoo     Puli versus Belgian Tervuren     Puli versus Sealyham Terrier     Puli versus Miniature Pinscher     Puli versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Puli versus Korean Jindo Dog     Puli versus German Shepherd Dog     Puli versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Puli versus Aussiedoodle     Puli versus Dachshund     Puli versus Chorkie     Puli versus Spinone Italiano     Puli versus Giant Schnauzer     Puli versus Siberian Husky     Puli versus American Hairless Terrier     Puli versus Border Collie     Puli versus Vizsla     Puli versus Portuguese Pointer     Puli versus Samoyed     Puli versus Irish Wolfhound     Puli versus Fila Brasileiro     Puli versus Akbash     Puli versus American Bulldog     Puli versus Mastiff     Puli versus Lagotto Romagnolo     

    Conclusion: Komondor 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 Komondor and the Puli better suits you and your family.