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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Komondor
The coat on the Komondor is very unique. They have a weather-resistant, double coat.
The outercoat fuses with the undercoat causing long cords to develop and hang from
their body. This cording allows them to easily blend with sheep allowing for greater
protection from predators. The coat is white and the skin is gray. However, the
skin could also be pink although this is undesirable when showing the breed. Puppies
are born white and downy. Their cords began to form around 3 to 4 months and take
about 2 years to form completely. The head and muzzle are large and short. The triangular
ears are elongated and lie close to the body. The eyes are dark brown and the nose
is black. The mouth is strong with teeth meeting in a scissor-like bite. The body
is broad and muscular with a deep chest and a level topline. The shoulders should
be laid back and the legs straight, well-boned and muscular. The rear dewclaws must
be removed. The large feet have well-arched toes and black, firm pads. The tail
should curve slightly upward.
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Temperament
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Komondors are confident, alert, imposing and very territorial. They are very loyal
and highly protective of their families, livestock and property. They may be reserved
towards strangers, but can become fierce fighters against intruders or anyone who
threatens his charges. This breed can become aggressive towards other dogs and people,
so they must be socialized thoroughly from an early age. They are great sheepdogs
and merciless if attacked by predators, even wolves and bears.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 27-32" ; Weight: 100-135 lbs.
Female Height: 26-30" ; Weight: 80-115 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Koms are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat and skin problems.
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Living Conditions
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This breed will do better with country living so that they can have extensive daily
exercise. It will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They
adapt well to all kinds of weather.
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Exercise
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This breed loves to exercise and will meet its own needs for exercise if kept outdoors.
This dog can sleep for hours and hours.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-12 years
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Grooming
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The long and shaggy coat of this breed should never be brushed or combed. Shampoo
often and divide into cords. It takes a long time for this breed's coat to dry.
They shed very little if at all.
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Origin
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There are several theories of the origin of this breed. Some have said that they
descended from Tibetan dogs and were brought to Hungary by nomadic Magyars a thousand
years ago. Others have said that the breed has been around since 1555 and is descended
from Russian herding dogs. Still others say that the breed was brought to Hungary
during the 14th Century by the Cumins. Despite their origins, the earliest written
reference found is from the 16th century. The Komondor would be able to protect
the flocks in all types of weather and after being shown in dog shows in the 1920s,
they became popular worldwide. They are recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Working, UKC Guardian Dog
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