Komondor

A genuinely unusual dog breed, the Komondor is renowned for both its powerful protective instincts and striking appearance. The Komondor is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world thanks to its long, corded coat, which resembles dreadlocks.

This dog, which was first bred in Hungary to guard cattle, is incredibly devoted to and protective of its family. In the correct setting, the Komondor can be a calm and loving companion despite its intimidating size and strong guarding instincts.

Having a Komondor demands dedication, particularly in terms of socialization and grooming. That being said, the Komondor might be the ideal choice for individuals who value a devoted guardian with a unique appearance.

A distinctive large Hungarian dog breed, the Komondor is distinguished by its long, corded coat, which has a dreadlock-like appearance. This devoted and protective dog, who was originally bred to guard livestock, is strong and self-reliant, making it a great guardian for families and homes. Komondors are notable for their striking appearance, but because of their strong guarding instincts, they need to be properly groomed and socialized from an early age. Their ideal owners are those who have the time and space to properly care for a breed that is so intelligent and active.

General characteristics of the Komondor breed

Among the biggest dogs in the world is the Komondor. And it’s even more impressive with its long, thick fur. These shepherds were bred with flock protection in mind. Their large size and fearlessness enabled them to fight off a wolf in a duel, and their long white fur helped them blend in with the sheep. The dog’s thick coat of fur shielded its body from wolf teeth.

These shepherds were bred for several centuries in Hungary and were used to assist shepherds and watch over flocks. It is now considered a national treasure in the nation. This Hungarian shepherd was given the breed name "Komondor" during the Middle Ages. One translation translates it as "commander" or "king of dogs." According to some researchers, it originated from the combination of "Kuman Dor" and "Pecheneg dog."

Komondors are now devoted friends and capable protectors. Shepherding is no longer done with them. However, the breed representatives’ personalities have been influenced by their past employment. They have a strong inclination to defend their territory and are independent and self-sufficient.

Parameters	Characteristics
name of the breed	Komondor or Hungarian Shepherd (Hungarian. Komondor)
group of breeds	shepherd and cattle dogs
use	guard, shepherd, companion
life expectancy	10-12 years
height	males from 70 cm, females from 65 cm
weight	males 50-60 kg, females 40-50 kg
intelligence	high, easy to train

Pros

The Komondor is regarded by many as a dog for lazy owners because of its low maintenance needs and modest appearance. He is not hostile toward people and has a quiet, reserved demeanor. There are a few more benefits for these dogs:

• pronounced guard qualities;
• strength, endurance, efficiency;
• good nature, devotion;
• love for children;
• ability to make independent decisions in emergency situations;
• good health.

Cons

But not everyone should own a Komondor. You must have prior experience communicating with shepherd dogs in order to handle a pet that is so independent and stubborn. It’s important to learn about the drawbacks of the Hungarian Shepherd breed prior to obtaining one:

• it can be aggressive towards other dogs;
• needs regular exercise;
• can be stubborn, does not always follow commands the first time;
• prone to dominance;
• slowly matures, behaves like a puppy until 2-2.5 years;
• coat requires special care.

History of the breed"s origin

Though the Komondor breed was only given official recognition in the 20th century, it is a very old breed. The Magyar tribes, who formerly inhabited the region around the Northern Black Sea, are the breeders of these enormous dogs with thick fur. They shielded sheep from wolves and assisted shepherds in driving flocks of sheep. Their looks made this work easier for them. They blended in with the sheep well because they were white, but the shepherd could tell a dog from a wolf with ease. The dogs accompanied the Khazars when they drove the Magyars into Hungary.

Regarding the origins of such strange dogs among the Hungarians, nothing is known. Some researchers think they originated with Tibetan nomads, while others think they were crossed with wolves to create a new breed of shepherds.

The 16th century saw the first recorded references to the breed. The Komondor was dubbed "the king of dogs" or "the king among shepherds" by the Hungarians. It was known only in this country for a very long time. Breeders prohibited crossbreeding in order to preserve the breed’s purity. Komondors weren’t exported to other nations until the 1930s of the 20th century, when they started to gain popularity in the USA. The breed was in danger of going extinct after World War Two. American breeders played a role in the population recovery.

Appearance of the Komondor

Komondors are enormous; the standard merely establishes the minimum allowable growth. At the withers, males can grow to a height of more than 80 cm. However, these dogs are unique in that their skeletons are light. They weigh, on average, 50 kg less than other dogs of the same height as a result.

Head

The superciliary arches are clearly defined, the skull is curved, and the head is proportionate to the body. The muzzle is not pointed and has a medium length. The nose bridge is even, the lobe is big and black, and the stop is clearly defined. The bite is scissor-shaped, and the jaws are enormous. The lips are black and fitted snugly.

The eyes are close-set and almond-shaped. Although the dog’s hair completely obscures them, it does not impair its vision. The eyes are shielded from the sun by the bangs. The eyelids are either gray or black, while the iris is a dark brown hue. The ears are big and raised. resting atop the head’s sides. They are nearly invisible beneath the long, thick dreadlocks.

Body

The body is rectangular in shape and harmoniously constructed. The neck is short, thick, and dewlap-free. The croup is wide and slopes downward, and the back is short. The chest is broad and has a barrel form. The tail is long, straight, and set low. The tip has a small upward curvature. The dog’s tail may lift to the level of its back when it is excited, but not higher.

Limbs

The limbs have distinct joints and are robust and muscular. The front ones are parallel, thick, and straight. Slanted and pressed against the body are the shoulder blades. The hind legs are positioned wide and somewhat vertically. The shins are muscular, the thighs are full. The paws are broad and curved. The motions are fluid and simple. The canine moves at a broad trot.

Coat and color

The Komondor has a long coat that is matted into thick cords that resemble dreadlocks. The guard hair is coarse, and the undercoat is present only in puppies. This breed’s wool is the longest among all dog breeds, reaching a length of 30 cm. It is up to 20 cm shorter on the chest and shoulders. In the head, limbs, and muzzle: 10–18 cm. The dog’s skin is well shielded from inclement weather and mechanical harm by its thick coat.

The soft, short fur of the puppies, which curls into rings, is a distinctive feature of the breed. It is similar to sheep’s wool. The puppy fluff turns into thick hair that progressively coils into cords only after two years. These dogs have growing fur all of their lives. The coat of an adult Komondor weighs roughly 7 kg.

The Komondor should only be white in color. Spots should be absent, but an ivory or grayish tint is acceptable. Although attempts to breed different-colored dogs have been made, they are not permitted for breeding because they are crossbreeds.

The description of the appearance is enhanced by photos:

Characteristics of the Komondor

The Komondor is a paradoxical being. They view strangers with suspicion and caution. The dog will defend its owner’s property and territory if it feels threatened. The breed’s guard and herding instincts are highly developed in its representatives. Even with unfamiliar dogs, they can be aggressive, but they never initiate the attack.

The Komondor is a peaceful, amiable, and loving pet when it is around its owner and family members. He will protect and herd children, loves them, and is patient with them. He gladly participates in any ongoing game. He feels responsible and could make a good bodyguard and nanny. However, since the dog is wary of strangers’ kids, you shouldn’t leave the kid’s friends alone with him.

Only if these dogs grew up together do they get along well with other pets. They tend to, guard, and herd them. Nonetheless, they continue to aim for dominance and superiority.

Komondors are characterized by the following character traits:

• kind;
• loyal;
• restrained;
• affectionate;
• vigilant;
• bold;
• fearless;
• suspicious;
• independent;
• wayward.

Education and training

The dog may become erratic and unmanageable if they are not properly trained and socialized. As a result, instruction ought to begin as soon as feasible. Komondors are quick-witted, intelligent, and have a good memory. They also pick up commands quickly. But because they are accustomed to making their own decisions, they don’t always abide by them. It is not feasible to turn a Komondor into a service dog. If it seems necessary, he will obey an order. However, he will initially consider and consider it for a long time.

It’s important to choose the best strategy because inexperienced dog breeders might not know how to handle a dog like that. You must speak to the dog in a composed and assured manner. The Komondor will only submit to the individual who attains power.

It is advised that you get in touch with a dog trainer and enroll your dog in an OKD or UGS class. However, socialization and training ought to begin at a young age. You must be steadfast and unyielding, and you cannot permit transgressions of the code of conduct. Experts recommend the following courses of study:

• You can"t put pressure on a Komondor and force it to do something, in response it will be even more stubborn;
• these dogs do not tolerate rudeness and physical punishment;
• classes should be conducted in the form of a game, they should be varied;
• you can"t repeat the same command many times – the dog will quickly get bored;
• for obedience, the Komondor must be praised, affection and treats will also help to reinforce the correct behavior.

Despite their size, Komondor dogs are modest and fit in well with a home or apartment. They can be kept outside as well; they are good at withstanding the cold. Simply put, don’t wear them on a chain. They require independence and room. Walking the pet twice a day is advised for any method of care.

The coat of the Komondor needs special attention. Even on puppies, it should never be combed. Hard wool will eventually replace the puppy fluff and curl into cords. They must be untangled, and debris must be manually removed. To stop tangles from forming, it is crucial to perform this procedure on a regular basis.

Representatives of this breed should only be bathed two or three times a year. The process is intricate because the coat stays dry throughout. After that, it dries for at least two days, during which time using a hair dryer is advised. Bathing won’t be necessary if you keep an eye on the coat’s cleanliness and condition on a regular basis. These dogs’ coats are water-repellent and don’t smell like those of dogs.

You must wash your paws after a walk and your beard after eating. You can take a walk in a waterproof jumpsuit to make cleaning up easier. Using rubber bands, some owners gather cords from the muzzle, around the tail, and on the belly of their pets. Trimming the hair on the paws is acceptable.

You must keep a close eye on the pet’s ears. Their long hair covers them as they hang. They require routine cleaning and inspection, as well as ventilation. It is preferable to use a specific veterinary lotion for cleaning. A fresh napkin is used to wipe secretions from the eyes. The other dental care practices are the same as for other dogs: brush teeth frequently and trim claws as they grow.

Nutrition

You can give dry food or natural products to the Komondor. What matters most is that it gets all the microelements it needs. An imbalanced diet can cause the coat’s condition to worsen and even cause it to fall out. Selecting dry food should only come from premium class options. It ought to be meant for dogs of large breeds. A mature dog receives two meals per day. It consumes one kg of food on average.

When fed naturally, the dog should consume 600 g or more of meat or offal each day. It is served with vegetables and cereals. Sea fish, eggs, and fermented milk products are beneficial. Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin as well as vitamin and mineral complexes are required when using this feeding technique.

Health

This breed is very old and has never been crossed. These dogs’ health is therefore fairly good. The following illnesses can occasionally be encountered:

• joint dysplasia;
• skin diseases;
• inversion of the eyelid;
• digestive disorders.

How to buy a Komondor puppy

In the latter part of the 20th century, Russians became aware of individuals belonging to this breed. However, it is scarce and not particularly well-liked. Get in touch with a nursery if you want to purchase a purebred puppy. Because the breed is rare, its members can be purchased for a relatively high price. Komondors cost between 50,000 and 80,000 rubles in Moscow.

You should consider the fact that a puppy’s fur should be soft and curly when purchasing one. You must be aware of the bite, fatness, and limb positions. The tail shouldn’t kink, and the eyes are clear and discharge-free. You must consider the fact that men are more likely to be aggressive and dominant when selecting a gender. Because they are docile and affectionate, females are better suited for families with children.

The picture depicts the puppies’ appearance:

The breed description is enhanced by the video:

Video: Komondor, my pet

Komondor, the Hungarian Shepherd, in video

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Feature	Description
Origin	Hungary
Size	Large, up to 27.5 inches tall
Coat	Long, corded, and white
Temperament	Loyal, protective, independent
Exercise Needs	Moderate, enjoys regular walks
Lifespan	10-12 years
Grooming	Requires regular care for corded coat
Best for	Experienced dog owners, large spaces

The Komondor is a distinctive breed distinguished by its eye-catching corded coat and guardian demeanor. It has a long history of keeping an eye on livestock as a fearless and devoted protector, and that instinct is still very strong today.

Komondors make wonderful companions for the right owners because, despite their independence and self-assurance, they have a strong bond with their families. They do, however, need knowledgeable handlers who recognize the importance of early socialization and appropriate training.

The Komondor can be an interesting and devoted addition to the home with consistent grooming and coat maintenance; to those who gain their trust, they will provide protection and affection.

Video on the topic

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Macaroni monster, King of dogs, or simply Hungarian shepherd – KOMONDOR!