Komondor

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Komondor

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Also known as the Hungarian sheepdog, the Komondor is a large, white-coloured Hungarian breed of livestock guardian dog with a long, corded coat, and sometimes they are called as “mop dogs”. They still retain a strong protective instinct and will defend their family and property with their life.

Other Names Hungarian Komondor, Hungarian Sheepdog
Color White
Height Males: 25-32 inches. Females: 23-30 inches.
Weight Males: 100-135 pounds. Females: 80-110 pounds.
Life Span 10-12 years
Personality Loyal, Dignified, Brave
Exercise Regular Exercise
Origin
Popularity #181
Groom Needs Specialty/Professional
Kids Friendly No
Dog Friendly No
Watch Dog
Family Dog Yes
Litter Size 3-10

Komondor Pictures

Komondor Video

Introduction

The Komondor (plural, Komondorok), is a stocky and well-muscled large dog, with a heavily corded coat which looks more like a mop. They have strong, long legs supporting a trunk (or back) which is rather short. The double coat comprises a soft undercoat and a coarser and harsher topcoat. The coat requires care and maintenance to keep it attractive. They are normally white in color. A typical Komondor maintains a torpid, rest state in the day and turns a patrolling police truck at night. They are wary of strangers but friendly and sociable with their family. They were originally bred to guard farmsteads and livestock at night.

Komondorok are large-sized dogs; the males grow more than 27 inches from shoulder to paw and weigh above 100 pounds. Females run smaller than the males, normally above 25 inches tall (measured from shoulder to paw) and weighing above 80 pounds. They are members of the Working Group according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) studbook. Komondorok have a life span of 10-13 years.

Living with Komondor

A beautiful corded coat of Komondor is the result of special care. The coat doesn’t need brushing, but it is certainly not maintenance-free. When the cords begin forming at eight to twelve months of age, it is very important to keep the hair dry and clean. And the cords must be separated regularly to prevent matting and to remove debris or dirt, and it is suggested to trim around the mouth to avoid staining from food. The coat tends to shed dirt easily and the dog doesn’t shed typically have an odor. The rest is basic care. Brush the dog’s teeth several times a week to keep fresh breath and d prevent gums disease. Check and clean your dog’s ears every week to prevent infections. Last, trim the nails on a weekly basis, or as needed.

The Komondor was not developed for hunting, so it has only moderate needs for exercise. Moderate exercise needs and are satisfied with two or three short walks daily or playtime in the yard. A securely fenced yard is helpful to define their territory to prevent other people and animals from entering that territory, because they are so protective. Without proper exercise, your dog may become anxious and destructive. And it is a bad idea to take your dog to dog parks, because as a livestock guardian breed, the guarding instincts would cause them to react badly to loose stranger dogs.

The Komondor can be a picky eater, therefore, high-quality food is required to maintain the dog’s weight due to the high activity level of the breed. Free feeding is possible as the Komondor is typically not an overeater.

Some dogs are easy to get overweight, so you need to watch their calorie consumption and weight level all the time. Treats may be an important aid in training, but excessive intake can lead to obesity. Also, owners need to distinguish which human food is safe for dogs and which are not. If you have any problems with your dog’s weight or diet, just consult from your veterinarian.

The Komondors are prone to the following health conditions: hip dysplasia, entropion, gastric torsion (bloat), patellar luxation, etc. 

Major concerns: gastric torsion, CHD

Minor concerns: hot spots, otitis externa

Occasionally seen: entropion

Suggested tests:

Hip Evaluation

Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Total Annual Cost: $3235

Cost is estimated for the first year and may vary depending on many factors, such as dog food, health care, leash, collar, licensing, possible fencing, crates, training and obedience classes, dog-walking, grooming, treats, toys, flea, tick, and heart-worm meds, microchips, etc.

The Komondor is a fairly intelligent breed, and they tend to respond well to training. The key to training a Komondor is not force or repetition, but making training fun for both owner and dog. They are independent and they can make their own decisions, this leads them to decide that some commands are worth learning, some aren’t worth repeating, and some are okay only once in a while. And early socialization and puppy training classes are essential for the Komondor, this breed can be a little hesitant around children and strangers but early socialization will help to prevent any problems. 

History

The Komondor is one of the three native breeds of herding dogs of Hungarian descent. They were primarily involved with guarding the sheepfolds at night, rather than leading them to pasture. The origin of the breed is somewhat twisted since there are two separate theories that attempt to explain the development of the Komondor breed. One theory agrees that the Komondor had descended from Tibetan dogs brought into Hungary by the Magyars during their migration from Central Asia. Another theory tries to refute the former one, claiming that the Komondor had been brought into Europe (and Hungary) in the 12th and 13th centuries by the Cumans (a tribe of Turkic-speaking nomads from Asia). According to the latter theory, the Komondor derived its name from “Koman-dor”, meaning dogs of the Cuman peoples. What is clear is that the Komondor had descended from Tibetan dogs, whether of the Magyars or the Cumans is yet to be ascertained.

The Komondor has gene strains that link it to several other breeds that were probably bred into its gene pool, including the Puli, Pumi, South Russian Ovcharka, Mudi, Pyrenean Shepherd, Bergamasco Sheepdog, etc. The breed became quite popular in the 1920s when breeders and fanciers engaged them in the dog show circuitry. The population of Komondorok in their Hungarian homeland was depleted after the Second World War, locals explained that the Germans had to kill these dogs before they could access and take over farm holds. The Komondor is fairly more famous in Hungary than it attained after it arrived in the United States. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1937.

Helpful Information

Breed Club: KOMONDOR CLUB OF AMERICA, INC.

Breed Club Link: http://komondorclubofamerica.org/

Breed Club Rescue: Komondor Rescue of KCA

Breed Club Rescue Link: http://komondorclubofamerica.org/rescue/