Characteristics
Description
The Komondor (pronounced Kom_un_dor) or Komondorok which is the plural for the breed, are very strong and agile for their size. The Komondor is a large dog, strong and fearless breed that is always ready to protect his family, his home or his livestock.
It has a slightly large head, which appears to be wider than it is long, with a broad, course muzzle. It has dark eye that are almond shaped, a big black nose with wide nostrils and black gums. Is has a powerful jaw, with a strong scissor bite. Its ears hang beside its cheeks forming a U shape; the body is strong and well muscled with legs appearing to be vertical columns when it is viewed from the side. The tail is full length and carried down, never rising above the back line.
Puppies are white and fluffy and tend to form cords at about 3 – 4 months of age. It can take up to 2 years for the cords to form completely and 5 years to reach desired length. The coat is always white, and skin should ideally be grey, although pink is acceptable.
This corded white coat helps the dog to blend in with sheep, it also offers protection to the dog from prey animal to whom it might be called upon to fight. The outer coat fuses with the undercoat to form felt like long cords.
For shows
The coat must be corded; the only colour accepted is white, although pale greys do appear among working dogs.
Temperament
Komondors can be very reserved with strangers and is a very territorial breed. In a few minutes it can get the better of even the strongest enemy. Komondors are always alert and ready to boldly confront any strange ‘thing' to ensure the safety of his owners or property. He makes a decision as to what constitutes a threat independently, and then acts with confidence and authority. This breed must be thoroughly socialised with people and other dogs at an early age. They are generally fine with children from their own family, but will need to be properly introduced to strange children.
As a puppy he is very playful, humorous, loving and devoted to his new family. He accepts the house training routine with incredible ease. A Komondor wants to be with his family, not only in the same house but in the same room! If a family member is away, the dog will become restless and wants to lie by the door, awaiting their return. He makes a poor kennel dog as he thoroughly enjoys the warmth and loving of a caring home.
Komondors mouth the things they love, as well as the things they hate. Inevitably leading to bruises by teeth and paws, this can not be easily avoided.
You can not let a Komondor get away with things you disapprove of, whether it is getting on the furniture, barking excessively, or jumping up people. A firm hand on their collar and a strong back are required if you are to live comfortably with this breed. But they are not stupid dogs, and will learn what pleases and displeases you quickly. (Although like any independent thinker, when they think your back is turned they will see what they can get away with!)
However experienced you are with dogs, incorrect handing of a Komondor can come simply from not understanding things from his perspective. For example, if you have a fenced garden; and a friend hops over it and walks through your yard, to a Komondor that looks like a burglar, and your friend might find themselves on the sharp end of your Komondors bark. The postman extending a package towards his family; looks like a treat, and an Alaskan Malamute gazing in to your dogs eyes will surely look like a wolf. These are not traits that can be removed from your Komondor. Instead you pleased with the benefits this will give you, as you will always feels safe and secure around him, knowing he will protect you from any danger.
Vital Statistics
Height: 23 – 32 inches. Male average – 31 inches (80 cm)
Female average – 23 inches (60 cm)
Weight: 80 – 135 lbs. Male average – 110 to 135 lbs (50 to 61 kg)
Female average – 80 to 110 lbs (36 – 50 kg)
Colour: White
Health Problems: They are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat and skin problems.
Exercise:
Komondors can be extremely lazy and will sleep and rest for hour upon hour. But they do need exercise and will surely benefit from a good long walk in the country side or fields near your home. Though, again, care must be taken if your Komondor is not keen on other dogs, he should not be allowed off his lead until you are sure the coast is clear.
If other dog owners have their dogs off a lead, and it start to run towards you, your Komondor will protect you vigilantly against what he sees as a threat. A gentle but sturdy reminder to any other dog walker should be enough to get them to call their dog back and put him on a lead.
Life Expectancy: About 10 – 12 years
Grooming
Keeping the coat of a Komondor is a challenge and should not be taken lightly. Their hair must never be brushed or combed, as this will cause damage to their coat, and cords will not form. Cords continue to grow and must be maintained by dividing new hair growth every 2 – 3 months, from the skin out to the existing cords. If not trimmed regularly, the coat will reach the ground by the time they are 6 years old. If you can, being shown how to divide the hair by an experienced owner is better then trying it for yourself the first time you own one. Especially if you would like to show your Komondor.
Another consideration for the Komondor is that its coat is always picking up debris from outside like dirt, leaves, twigs and small living creatures; these will need to be removed. Its coat needs a lot of bathing to keep it looking clean, mouths and paws tend to be the main dirty culprits. If your Komondor has a full coat can take days to dry, but 24 hours should be plenty for a growing Komondor.
(For more details on coat care and other grooming routines please see the Grooming section of this website)
Recognition
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, ANKC, APRI, ACR
CNC – Continental Kennel Club
FCI – Federation Cynologique Internationale
AKC – American Kennel Club
UKC – United Kennel Club
KCGB – Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC - Canadian Kennel Club
NKC – National Kennel Club
NZKC – New Zealand Kennel Club
ANKC – Australian National Kennel Club
APRI – American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR – American Canine Registry
Is any dog worth this effort?
You bet the Komondor is!
You ask any Komondor owner what they think, and they will tell you. Not only are you and family protected, but they will let you know if people are approaching the house, if there is a fire, if children have woken up or even if there is a gas leak. You will always feel safe, not only in your home but outside too. And Komondor are very affectionate, loving and funny dogs, with real character and personality. It might at times be like owning a giant 3 year old, but they will give you so much satisfaction, that owning one will way outweigh the bad bits.