Komondor

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Description

The Komondor is a massive dog with a proud gait. It is serious, confident, alert and commanding. It is very strong and agile for its size. This is a hardy, healthy dog; it can tolerate changing temperatures. Its body is totally covered with an extraordinary felted and corded coat, which is 8 to 11 inches (20-27cm.) long, and always white. The Komondor (plural is Komondorok) is a big, muscular dog with plenty of bone and substance, covered with an unusually, heavy, white corded coat. Puppies are white and fluffy and tend to form cords at about 3 to 4 months of age. It makes an excellent guard dog.

History

The Komondor is an ancient breed of herding dog from Hungary. While its homeland has been Hungary for many centuries, it is generally thought to be a descendent of the Russian Owtcharka brought to what is now Hungary by the invading Magyars. During World War II contact between the United States and Hungary was cut off and there was virtually no importing and no breeding done in the USA. In Europe the breed was almost wiped out because of the war. Only a few dozen specimens were left afterward, and the breed was slowly re-established in Hungary, but was rare even there. During the entire period between World War II and 1960, only about 1000 Komondors had been registered in Hungary. Contact between the American Kennel Club and the Hungarian Kennel Club was re-established in 1962, and importation of Komondors resumed. The Komondor was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1937.

Temperament

Komondors are livestock guardians that were bred to work with out supervision from their masters, protecting the sheep flock. As a result, the Komondor is a very "no nonsense" dog that has a very calm and laid back personality. They are very loyal family pets and live to protect them, if they feel that their territory or charges are in jeopardy, they will fearlessly defend them. They are a very atheletic and agile dog that needs a lot of exercise. These dogs are very intelligent and learn new tasks quickly, but the can become obstinate when bored, so a varied training regimen is a must. A Komondor is a dog that is not suited for a novice dog owner, they need a confident skilled handler that can effectively train this breed and quash any hostile or aggressive behaviors quickly. As with all livestock guardian dogs, they make effective watchdogs AND guard dogs, but are usually wary and suspicious of strangers. Komondors need a well fenced in yard, otherwise they will try to establish and patrol a territory. They are not to be left outside for long periods of time, since they are known to be nocturnal barkers and might annoy your neighbours.

Grooming

Dense, protective coat. The puppy coat is relatively soft, but it shows a tendency to fall into cord-like curls. Never brush or comb the coat! It is divided into cords and trimmed. Its coat needs a lot of bathing and takes a long time to dry. It sheds very little if any.

Health

Hip dysplasia, skin allergies, ear problems and bloat. Bloat is a health issue to most dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs second to cancer, but Komondors can be particularly susceptible to it because of their deep chests. It is also referred to as "twisted stomach" or gastric torsion.

Height, Weight

Height:  25.5 inches (65cm.) and upward.
Weight:  Dogs up to 125 pounds (59kg.) Bitches 10% less.