Komondor Dog Breed Temperament, Health Issues, Grooming and Living Conditions

Temperament: The Komondor dog can become a family pet, providing you have a good, firm, and naturally authoritative owner. This breed needs to be socialised well and trained thoroughly, and it requires to be raised with any children from the start. This breed is exceptionally protective, with a lot of confidence, as they watch over their flock, or family.

The Komondors instinct is to protect, and they will attack wolves and bears, if they pose a threat to their flock. This dog has been bred to work and have an exceptionally high dominance level. They have a high territorial instinct that can affect people and other dogs and need exceptionally good leadership. This will require exceptionally good obedience training, as they are strong minded.

Any owner will have to have that leadership status, and be experienced in dog ownership. The Komondor is easily bored, and need excellent physical and mental stimulation, daily. Setting clear rules is an absolute must, and this will help the dog become the best it can be.

Health issues: They can have hip dysplasia, bloat and skin problems.

Grooming: The Komondor must never be brushed or combed. The hair is divided into cords and trimmed as needed. This breed requires bathing infrequently, and the coat takes a long time to dry, from a few hours to a whole day, depending on the weather.

Living conditions: This dog is best suited to country environments, where long walks are available, as Komondors require extensive walking. This breed can live in an apartment, providing all the requirements of walking and mental stimulation are met.

»»  READMORE...

You May Not Have Heard of a Komondor - But You Have Laughed at One

This is that dog that everyone laughs at the first time -- or every time -- they see one. The Komondor looks like a very active dust mop or a white haired Bob Marley.

Seriously, the dog has dreads.

Unfortunately, the Komondor is a stubborn, independent dog which the ASPCA does not recommend for inexperienced dog owners, city dwellers or those with other small pets or children. They are powerful dogs who do not do well without early socialization and obedience classes.

However, the Komondorok (that's the plural, believe it or not) can be a loyal companion to the right family and a playful, devoted pet.

Owners need to be firm and assertive and prove their dominance early or these pooches will become disobedient and possibly aggressive.

Appearance of the Komondor

The unique and distinctive tassel-like cords that make this dog look like a reggae singer are produced when the dense, soft and wooley undercoat intertwines with the coarser hairs of the outercoat. This actually doesn't occur until the dog is 1 to 2 years old.

The coat is always solid white.

The Komondor goes to a powerful 25 to 30 inches tall and 80 to 120 pounds and can live for 10 to 12 years.

Grooming and Exercise Needs

Can you say "Nightmare?"

The Komondor needs be washed and shampooed every couple of weeks or the coat will get quite rank. Since the coat absorbs and holds moisture, drying can take several days.

On the other hand, brushing and combing are not necessary -- or possible for that matter -- but the cords need to be separated weekly, a task that can take as much as 2 to 3 hours.

Trimming the Komondor 1 to 2 times a year is helpful.

They need plenty of space to run and/or several long brisk walk several times a day.

origins of the Komondor

The Komondor has protected domestic herds in Hungary since at least the 16th century. It is believed to have arrive there with the Magyars over 1,000 years ago. Probably quite smelly from the long trip.

»»  READMORE...

Komondor - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting A Komondor

Breed Description

Largest among the Hungarian breeds, the Komondor is a white-colored breed of livestock guard dog with corded and long coat. This breed is a powerful breed known to be a Molosser, or largest of the common breeds of dog. This muscular breed weighs an average between 88-110 pounds for females, and 110-132 pounds for males. With no upper height limit, the female Komondor stands 25.5 inches minimum at the withers, averaging 27.5 inches, while the female stands 27.5 inches minimum, with an average of 31.5 inches.

Coat

The long-coated Komondor has a corded soft white coat. The corded coat of this breed has been of help in blending with the sheep while herding. Frequently seen coat colors are pure white, white, and cream.

Activity

The Komondor requires medium-level of activity since they can exercise themselves. But if owners are highly active, they can give them intensive exercises including a long-distanced run or pulling. As working dogs, they would do well with a purpose and a job to do.

Temperament

The serious, confident, and commanding Komondor has a natural guardian instinct. They are reserved around strangers, and are known to be very protective and territorial. Highly intelligent, yet easily bored, this breed is known to be very loyal and respectful to their masters. This breed makes a great family dog if socialized and trained thoroughly through puppyhood.

Overview

The Komondor is known to be the descendant of Tibetan dogs. Some believe that they were brought to Hungary a thousand years ago by the nomadic Magyars to tend their sheep. But, newer studies have shown that they originally came from the Cumans.

Care

Grooming should be meticulously done for the Komondor. Their coats should never be combed or brushed. It would be best if they are taken to a professional groomer as their coat needs to be separated and formed into cords while growing. Breeders usually take 2 hours weekly in separating the cords to prevent mat from forming. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary, then they should be toroughly dried. Drying their coats may take around 24 hours if air-dried, and 4-8 hours if blow dried.

Training

Training the Komondor is known to be challenging. This intelligent breed can be easily bored, so training sessions will be more effective if intermixed with play. This breed generally loves to learn new tricks, and will commonly try to please its owner. The Komondor will make a great family dog if socialized during puppyhood, raised with children, and trained thoroughly. However, they are not recommended for all families, particularly those with small kids.

Character

With their natural guardian instinct, the Komondor tend to be highly protective, yet calm if not provoked. They excel in obedience and are very eager to please their owners.

»»  READMORE...

Komondor Puppy And Dog Information

The Komondor is a gorgeous sheep dog from Hungary where she was bred to fight off bears and wolves. This is a no nonsense dog that makes a serious watch dog and guard dog. She is not a barker and her ears do not move much so she may not communicate that she is disturbed and about to defend. She is generally good with farm animals but can be very aggressive with people not in her immediate family and other dogs, including your kids friends. She can tend to be a one person dog and needs early extensive socialization. She may be too aggressive for suburban life. Farmers have taken notice of her due to the population explosion of coyotes.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Komondor is 26 to 32 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 80 to 135 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Komondor is no exception. Be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), skin problems and bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help guard against bloat. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Komondor should never be brushed or combed. It can be washed but may take almost a day to dry. She needs to be set up on a grooming schedule with a professional but she may be very aggressive to someone that she does not know. A better solution is for her owner to learn how to groom her from a professional and do it themselves.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Komondor can live between 8 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Komondor comes from Hungary where they were used to protect sheep from wolves, bears and dogs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1937.

Some Registries

• Komondor Club of America
• UKC United Kennel Club
• NKC National Kennel Club
• CKC Continental Kennel Club
• APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
• AKC American Kennel Club
• FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
• NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
• KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
• ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
• ACR American Canine Registry

Litter Size

3 to 10 Komondor puppies

Category

Working

Terms To Describe

Strength, dignity, agile, light feet, dignified, suspicious

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

• Makes a very good watch dog.
• Makes a very good guard dog.
• Little to no shedding.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

• Requires professional grooming.
• She can be very lazy.
• They need firm obedience training.
• Can be a one person dog.
• Not a barker.

»»  READMORE...

The Komondor - A Hardy Outdoor Dog

The Komondor is a great outdoor dog because he loves being outside no matter what the weather is. This breed originated in Tibet and was brought to Hungary over a thousand years ago. Originally used to guard flocks of sheep, it is still put to use for guarding livestock as well as homes today.

Part of the American Kennel Club working group, this dog has been shown since the 1920s and is a large breed weighing up to 125 pounds and being around 25 inches tall.

The Komondor has a unique look as his massive body is covered in a corded coat which is about 8 to 10 inches long. This coat actually allows the dog to blend in with the sheep herds that it protects. It can take up to two years for these cords of hair to form completely and they can be five years before the dogs coat reaches its length. It has short dark eyes and U-shaped years that hang down. This dog is typically only white in color.

Although the Komondor is a large dog, he still needs to be treated sensitively during training. He is very devoted to his family but can be reserved with strangers. This is a faithful courageous dog that makes a good pet as well as guard dog.

The Komondor is a pretty healthy breed and the only typical concerns are hip dysplasia and skin problems.

This breed needs a lot of daily exercise and prefers a country environment with lots of land, but he can live in an apartment if he's provided with enough outdoor exercise. They can do well in any type of climate and are well-suited to spend a lot of time outdoors, however this breed can be a bit lazy and will sleep the day away if there is nothing else to do.

Although this dog has a long and substantial coat, it must never be brushed or combed but should be trimmed regularly. The Komondor does need to be bathed frequently and it can take a really long time for the hair to dry. Despite the large amounts of hair, this breed sheds very little.

»»  READMORE...

The Komondor of Hungary: The "Mop Dog"

When one first sees a Komondor, it is an unforgettable experience. This dog quite literally resembles a very large white floor mop. The heavy mass of hair is completely "corded" over the whole body, including the face, to the extent that one wonders how the dog can see at all. About the only recognizable part of the body that can be seen besides the coat is the nose and maybe the tongue is the dog's mouth is open. The Komondor is a Hungarian breed of ancient origin, as long as there have been sheep in Hungary, there has existed this large white flock guarding dog. The corded coat serves a dual purpose, for it not only protects the dog from the elements and makes it appear to be a sheep, which is a camouflage for the dog, but it also creates an impenetrable barrier against the teeth and claws of predators.

The Komondor is the largest of the Hungarian herding dogs. It can weigh as much as 150 pounds although 110 is about average, with a height of 25-27 inches. the standard requires a height of no more than 25 inches but the working dogs do not necessarily follow the standard. The Komondor is a popular working dog in many countries, it is very well suited to the work it does. Wherever there are sheep men and cattlemen whose flocks require protection from predators, the Komondor is often the solution. This dog is sometimes a pet and often is a show dog, but it has a natural propensity and desire to work and will be happier if allowed to have something to do. Furthermore, any person who should wish to keep the dog as a pet alone often has no choice except to keep the coat quite short, for the care of the coat if the dog is expected to be in a household is way more than the average pet owner can contend with.

This coat can not be brushed if it is kept as a corded coat, the only way to get it clean is to soak the entire dog in a tub of water with some sort of shampoo and then carefully squeeze out the shampoo and soak the dog again in several "rinses" and then towel dry the dog by squeezing each cord and putting the dog in front of a fan or dryer on low for air drying. The time to wash a fully corded adult Komondor is at least a full 6 hours. Breeders and exhibitors who show the Komondor also take time as the coat is growing to "train" the cords by wrapping the hairs around a central point as the dog grows. If left to itself the coat still "cords" but with less order to the whole picture.

This is a a dog that requires early training and exposure as a youngster since it possesses a great deal of independence and a strong desire to be protective. This can become aggression towards strangers if the dog is not trained from the beginning to follow the commands of its master. This is not a fault of the breed but rather a part of its natural makeup. The Komondor when trained and brought up within a family is a loyal and protective pet who should not attack without provocation. It has also done well as a police dog and general guard dog.

»»  READMORE...