puli (pl. pulik), a breed of wiry, medium-sized working dog developed nearly 1,000 years ago in Hungary. It stands from 16 to 18 in. (40.6-45.7 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 25 to 35 lb (11.3-15.9 kg). The weather-resistant double coat is composed of soft, woolly underhairs and a moderately harsh, long, slightly curled outercoat that tends to become tangled and matted, producing a characteristically corded appearance when not groomed. Its usual color is a faded black, but it may also be white or various shades of gray. Raised for centuries in its native Hungary to herd sheep, today the puli is kept principally as a watchdog and companion. See dog.