Komondor

Group: Working
Size: Large
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Exercise: Medium
Grooming: Medium
Trainability: Medium
Area of Origin: Hungary
Date of Origin: Ancient times
Other Names: Hungarian Sheepdog
Original Function: Sheep guardian

History
The Komondor, sometimes referred to as the Hungarian Sheepdog, originated during the 800s to guard sheep, having been brought to Hungary by the Magyar tribe when they came from the East to settle there. Its coat helps it blend in with the sheep until it pounces on an unsuspecting wolf. The thickness of the coat also protects it from attacks from predators and from the elements. The Komondor is similar in appearance to its Hungarian cousin, the Puli, but much larger and more heavy-boned, and a very impressive dog due to its height and the bulk of its coat.

Temperament
Bred as an independent protector of livestock, the Komondor is true to its heritage. It is an independent thinker and can be stubborn or domineering. It is not for meek owners who can be dominated; socialisation is essential. It is reserved with strangers and possibly aggressive toward strange dogs. It is good with other pets and especially livestock. In fact, it is happiest when it has something or someone to watch over. Although usually calm and quiet, it is utterly fearless when the need arises. As a natural guardian, it is protective of children in its own family, but it may at times misunderstand rough-and-tumble games of visiting children.

Upkeep
The Komondor needs daily exercise in the form of long walks or short romps. Swimming is not a good idea because of the time it takes the coat to dry. It may also be difficult to keep the coat clean in some areas. This breed does not like warm weather. It can live outdoors in temperate to cool weather. The Komondor is non-shedding but not carefree. Its cords must be regularly separated or they will look like flat mats, and its coat tends to hold dirt; bathing is time-consuming and drying takes as much as a day. Care of the coat in non-show dogs is far less extensive. Pets can be clipped but then lose part of the breed’s unique appeal. Note that it may take a dog up to two years of age before cords form. 

Breeders

Unfortunately there are no known breeders of the Komondor at this time. Please take a look at some alternative suggestions below or if you know of a registered breeder please contact us.

You may also be interested in:

• Hungarian Puli

• Spanish Water Dog

• Poodle

Breed information sourced from: https://www.dogsnz.org.nz
Images sourced from Google Images.
No copyright infringement intended.