Dog Breeds > Komondor

The Komondor

The Komondor is a huge dog breed that looks like wearing dreadlocks. This ferocious and protective dog can become great pet and companion once you get to know it much better.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

Also known as the Hungarian Sheepdog or Hungarian Komondor, the Komondor was believed to be brought to Hungary to guard a huge flock of cattle and sheep by the Magyar nomads. However, recent studies concluded that this breed came from the tribe of Cuman, giving this dog its name Koman-dor meaning dog of the Koman.

This breed is very efficient in guarding flocks without asking for human assistance. This dog can survive living outdoors with almost any kind of weather.

Physical Appearance

The Komondor’s fully-grown height and weight is about 25 inches and 125 pounds. This stocky and large dog has massive bone structure. Its head is large and proportional to the size of its body. The muzzle is dark and short. The medium-sized eyes are almond shaped and brown in color. The elongated ears are rounded on the tip and triangular in shape. The Komondor’s tail reaches the hocks.

This breed’s coat is double layered; the outer and inner coat merges together to make long threads of hair all over its body. The cords usually take 2 years to form and 5 years to grow to the desired length.

Grooming

The Komondor’s long hair should not be brushed or combed to prevent damage on its naturally curly coat. To maintain the coat’s top condition, group the threads accordingly and trim it on the desired length. Unlike other dogs, this breed needs regular bathing. Take note that its coat takes long time to dry.

Mood

To start with, the Komondor is not a dog recommended for every family. This breed was originally developed for the sole purpose of guarding properties of the Hungarian farmers such as flocks so its natural ferocity is still present. This dog is very dominant especially to other animals. It only trusts its master and his family; other than its own pack is considered a threat that is why proper introduction and socialization to the dog should always be exercised.

Because of this character issue, this breed is prone to behavioral concerns such as being demanding to its master.  It can even become very territorial and independent without proper discipline or mental training. Owners/trainers/handlers should always affirm their position as the alpha or leader of the pack in a gentle or calm manner to prevent the Komondor from having such dominant and stubborn character.

With Children

The Komondor is very playful and energetic as long it recognizes the children. This huge dog would please the children by showing its affection. It could play for long hours without showing signs of getting tired. Parents should be warned not to leave the small kids unsupervised to avoid them from being accidentally knocked over by the Komondor.

Training & Exercise

The Komondor needs plenty of exercise to properly ration its stamina. Daily long walking or jogging is the recommended exercise for this breed. The Komondor is not suitable for apartment life; this huge dog needs plenty of space to exercise.

Training may become a little tricky because this dog gets bored easily by repetitive and long hours of training sessions. What it need is quick and catchy training methods to ensure that it is totally focused. If it is showing signs of boredom or distraction, food reward would help owners/trainers/handlers regain its focus.  

Health & Life Expectancy

The Komondor’s normal lifespan is about 10 – 12 years. This breed is very prone to bloat that’s why it must be given three small meals per day instead of one big meal that might encourage bloat more. Skin problems and hip dysplasia are also few of the health related issues for this breed.

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