The komondor originated in Hungary a thousand years ago. The breed was developed to guard and protect flocks of sheep from wolves and other predators. The komondor’s white coat enabled the dog to blend in with the sheep in the pasture. The komondor first came to the United States in 1933. In 1937, the American Kennel Club recognized the komondor as a member of the working group. The komondor remains popular in Hungary, but it is still relatively uncommon throughout the rest of the world.
The Komondor is large dog breed and has a long / dense undercoat that forms natural dreadlocks. The coat of the Komondor needs much attention. Although it does not shed, dirt can get caught in its coat. Hair strands should be separated regularly otherwise they form mats. Bathing and drying the Komondor is time consuming and takes some effort. The breed does not well in heat.
Personality
The Komondor was bred as a guardian of livestock and is most happiest when it has something or someone to guard and protect. The Komondor needs daily exercise in the form of walks or vigorous play. It is very affectionate towards its family but can sometimes be stubborn and domineering. It is a good companion of children although it can be overprotective. It’s reserved towards other dogs and strangers.
Breed Characteristics
Type: | Pure |
Family: | Herders |
Function: | Working |
Origin: | Europe |
Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
Group: | Working |
Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
Nicknames: | Hungarian sheepdog, Hungarian komondor |
Hypoallergenic: | No |
Komondor Build Information
The komondor is a large dog that stands at an average height of 25.5 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs 80 to 100 pounds. The trademark characteristic of the komondor is its coat. It is a double-layered coat that protects the dog from harsh weather elements and attacks from predators of the sheep that the komondor is employed to guard. The undercoat is wooly and thick, and the outer coat is course and wavy. The two layers entwine together to form long, thick cords that cover the entire dog, making it resemble a janitorial mop head. The coat color is always white. The ears and the long tail hang downward. The Komondor is large dog breed and has a long, dense undercoat that forms natural dreadlocks. The coat of the Komondor needs much attention. Although it does not shed, dirt can get caught in its coat. Hair strands should be separated regularly otherwise they form mats. Bathing and drying the Komondor is time consuming and takes some effort. The breed does not well in heat.
Size: | Giant |
Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
Weight: | > 65 lbs |
Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The komondor is a devoted guardian and vigilant watchdog. It has a strong instinct to protect its turf and family members. The komondor gets along with children, but it can misinterpret playful screams as a call to duty to protect. The dog gets along with livestock and most other household pets. The komondor can be wary of strangers. The breed has a fairly low energy level, and its exercise needs may be met with a daily walk around the neighborhood or a few running laps around the backyard. Komondors are intelligent and quiet. They are also independent and can display stubborn streaks. If you are looking for a calm companion and dedicated watchdog for your family, consider the dreadlocked komondor. The Komondor was bred as a guardian of livestock and is most happiest when it has something or someone to guard and protect. The Komondor needs daily exercise in the form of walks or vigorous play. It is very affectionate towards its family but can sometimes be stubborn and domineering. It is a good companion of children although it can be overprotective. It’s reserved towards other dogs and strangers.
Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
Affection Level: | Moderate Affectionate |
Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
Barking: | Moderate |
Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
Guardian Skills: | Yes |
Independant: | Yes |
Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
The coat of a komondor begins to cord when the dog reaches approximately two years of age. Once this occurs, the cords must be separated on a regular basis to prevent them from matting together and trapping dirt. A komondor breeder will be a valuable resource for tips to maintain a komondor’s healthy skin and coat. Keep the ears clean and dry to minimize the incidence of ear infections. Brushing the dog’s teeth every other day will go a long way toward maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health.
Colors: | White |
Shedding: | None |
Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Komondor Common Health Conditions
Komondors live average lifespans of 10 to 12 years. They have only a few genetic health conditions of note, including hip dysplasia, entropion and gastric torsion, or bloat.
Komondor Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The komondor originated in Hungary. The komondor is also called a Hungarian sheepdog or a Hungarian komondor. The komondor is a dedicated watchdog and loyal family member. The komondor stands 25,5 to 27,5 inches tall and weighs 80 to 100 pounds. Komondors have low energy levels. Komondors require extensive grooming. The average lifespan for komondor is 10 to 12 years.
Training: | Moderately easy to train |
Hunting Companion: | No |
Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
Sighting Capabilities: | No |
Ideal for Tracking: | No |
Retrieving Skills: | No |
Pointing Breed: | No |
Herding Skills: | No |
Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
Police Performer: | Yes |
Wet Water rescues: | No |
Assist Disable Owners: | No |
Dog Sledding: | No |
Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
Agile/Zippy: | No |
Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
Obedient: | No |
Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
Trainable for Tricks: | No |