Komondor Breed Description

Introduction

Also known as the Hungarian Sheepdog, the Komondor is a massive dog with a proud gait. Their body is totally covered with an extraordinary felted and corded coat which is 8-11" long and always white. The coat helps them blend in with the sheep. They are serious, confident, commanding and highly protective of their family, house, car and livestock. Because they guard against wolves and bears, they must be socialized early. These dogs need complete and firm obedience training by an experienced owner. They are good with children when raised with them from puppyhood. They need lots of exercise. Never brush or comb the coat. It is divided into cords and trimmed. These dogs need lots of bathing and take a long time to dry. Komondors weigh up to 125 lbs. and stand 25 1/2" and up at the shoulders.

History

Although we don’t know the exact date this livestock guardian appeared, it is mentioned in a Hungarian codex dated 1544. In short, Komondors have been around for more than half a century – and perhaps much, much longer. Current research suggests that the dog was brought to Hungary by Turkish nomads who settled there in 1200s. Today, the dog is one of Hungary’s designated National Treasures.

General Description

The corded coat is a product of evolution and breeding; it provides protection in cold and hot weather, although it is worth noting that it is a drawback in the rain or in other wet conditions. It is extremely good protection against all sorts of predators – it is nearly impossible for a wolf to actually bite this dog and cause it any harm. A mouthful of fur is about all it can grab. The coat also serves as camouflage, effectively disguising the dog: from a distance, it looks just like the sheep it is guarding.

Puppies are born without that coat; they are soft and fluffy. As the double coat of a mature adult develops, the two coats curl around each other and form tassels (or dreadlocks) in a process that takes about two years from start to finish. From then on, the length of the cords will increase as the dog ages.

Completely covering the dog, the dreadlocks obscure much of its bone structure. The head is actually quite large; eyes are medium-sized and almond shaped. While irises are dark brown, eyelid edges can be grey (black is preferred). The ears are medium-set elongated triangles that reach to the inner corner of the eye (measured from the opposite side of the head). The broad skull has arches over the eyes while the muzzle is wide and parallel to the skull’s top. Tight lips are black, as is the nose most commonly.

Strong neck merges into level back. The chest is both deep and wide, as is the rump. The tail continues that line, and reaches the hock. It is carried low. The legs of the Komondor are so straight that they are often compared to columns. The feet are those of a livestock guardian: somewhat large, with hard elastic pads and arched toes. Dark coloration preferred for nails.

Temperament

A textbook livestock guardian, the Komondor is calm and sedate when all is well, yet it immediately springs into action when danger threatens the herd. They will defend against any and all predators fearlessly and tenaciously. They can lead a herd on their own, using their independent intelligence to solve any problems that arise.

As a family pet, they are loving and protective without being aggressive. Many owners report that their Komondor ceaselessly patrols their property all night long. Should they have to defend that property from an intruder, they will usually use their wits and size to take down the threatening human and then hold them until help arrives.

Health and Care

The unique coat of the Komondor is never brushed or combed; it is simply cut to the appropriate length when necessary. They do not shed, but do have dander and skin oils that get trapped against their skin, making it necessary to bathe them frequently. Owners also must 'separate' the cords regularly so the dog doesn't become hopelessly matted.

Colors

white, pure white, cream

Living Area

The Komondor is a hearty breed and will do best if it lives in an area or circumstance that allows it to be out of doors. This breed loves to run and exercise itself and having space to do so will add to animal's quality of life. However, the breed can do well in apartment dwellings too as long as it is given enough time and opportunity to exercise outside. The Komondor is very well suited to different climates. It will do fine in high heat climates and it will do equally well in cooler climates. Unlike many breeds that are better suited to living indoors, the Komondor can live out of the home if needed. This should only be done if the outside portion that it will live in is securely fenced and gated. Remember, this is an instinctive guard dog and it will go after what it feels is a threat to the owner or to the owner's property.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Pets4You offers listings of Komondor breeders with puppies for sale.