Komondor
Appearance
| Komondor Quick Summary | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | |
| Origin | Hungary |
| Lineage | Pedigree |
| Size | Large |
| Height (at withers) | 25-29in (63-74cm) |
| Weight | 80-120lbs (36-55kg) |
| Hair Colour(s) | White |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Energy Level | Low-medium |
| Litter size | 3-10 |
| Shedding | Low |
| Grooming | High |
| Barking Tendency | High |
| Exercise requirements | Medium |
| Ease of training | Medium |
| Suitability for kids | Medium |
| Animal compatability | Medium |
| Aggression levels | Medium |
| Distress if left | Medium |
The Komondor is a large and powerful dog. The body is well-muscled and boned with a short back, long legs and a long hanging tail. The broad head has a slightly short muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, triangular shaped ears and a wide nose. By far the most distincive feature of this dog is the unusal double-coat. This is felted and corded and closely resembles the strands in a mop, and the length of the cords are relative to the dog's age. The colouring tends to be white.
Temperament
Komondors are a sensible and dignified breed that make devoted and loyal pets. These attentive dogs are very protective too, and will extend this not only to their owners but also to the rest of the household, including children and even pets. These dogs can often bore easily of familiar routines, and so they need a variety of mental and physical stimulation to prevent them from becoming lazy and wanting to sleep too much. And as they can be independant, territorial and determined, training can be difficult and will need to be ongoing. Therefore they are suited more to those with experience of dog ownership and training rather than novices, as owners will need to be confident and assertive. Komondors get on well with older, more considerate children and other pets they have been raised with, but can be over-protective and aggressive around strangers. Early socialisation and supervision are required around unfamiliar children, adults and animals. These dogs have a deep bark, and combined with their protective natures, this makes them effective watchdogs.
History & Skills
Komondors originate from Hungary, where they were bred to guard flocks of sheep. Their name is thought to come from the Cuman (Komon) people, who lived near the Yellow River, and translates as the dog of the Komon people. Another school of thought is that they were brought to Hungary by the nomadic Magyars, and are descendants of Tibetan dogs. These days they make fine pets and are still used to guard livestock, with their corded coats allowing them to blend in almost perfectly with the flocks they guard.
Breed Specific Ailments
Komondors tend to live between 10-12 years and are relaively healthy dogs. Some of the health concerns noted in the breed include bloat, hip dysplasia, entropion, cataracts, sensitivity to drugs and chemicals, and low metabolism.
Grooming
Komondors are low shedders and so are suitable for those with allergies. However, their grooming requiements are pretty high thanks to their corded coats. The cords will need separating every few weeks with regular trimming too. The coat will also need regular cleaning as it can be something of a debris and muck magnet. Unfortunately bathing can be labour intensive and time consuming, with washing and rinsing taking several hours and drying taking bewtween 1-2 days.
Exercise & Environment
Komondors are pretty flexible regarding their living conditions, but are not suitable for small homes such as apartments. Due to their thick coats they are not suitable for warm and humid environments either, and they will need access to a secure outside area for play plus a daily, half-hour walk.
Recognition
 | FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale | |
 | The Kennel Club (UK) | |
 | AKC - American Kennel Club |
Breed Clubs
Coming soon!
Owners Gallery
Pretty empy right now. If you would like to see you dog here please email a photo to BFD Photos along with your name, your dog's name & age, breed and rough location (please keep image file sizes reasonable!).