It looks like a giant mop, it moves like a giant mop… but this is the Hungarian sheepdog, or Komondor. Famous for his long coat of corded fur, the Komondor’s most recognisable feature helps him to go indognito among his sheepish charges. The Komondor takes his role as sheep and livestock guardian very seriously – this is not a dog for beginners, especially if you don’t have time for grooming!
Komondor
History
The Komondor is descended from Russian livestock guardian dogs, but his role among Hungarian herds of livestock is an ancient one. The first written account of Komondorok (the breed plural) occurs in the 1500s, but it’s generally accepted that this large livestock guardian dog is more than 1000 years old.
His confident personality, fearless demeanour and long coat of furry chainmail makes the Komondor the ideal defender of sheep and other livestock against herd predators – a job he’s been doing for centuries, and for which his corded coat has become famous. The moppy dreadlocks serve two roles: he blends in pawfectly with the sheep he’s guarding; and if he gets attacked by dangerous predators, the cords protect the Komondor from teeth and claws.
During World War II, Hungarian sheepdogs were almost driven to extinction, but even though the breed was suitably revived, the Komondor is still very rare elsewhere in the world. He’s been introduced to households as a companion animal, but his herd-guarding instincts remain solidly intact – something that new owners need to accommodate and work with.
Temperament
The Komondor is not a cutesy house dog – despite what he may look like from the outside. He is very intelligent and can think for himself. This is a working dog with ten centuries of guarding instincts firmly in place, so he cannot be expected to change just because he’s not among livestock. His human family will become his livestock and he will defend them ruthlessly against strangers and even other dogs. He does best as an only dog, although he can tolerate cats and other non-threatening pets.
Warnings aside, this is a dog who is utterly devoted to his family. He will do best with home-bodies who can give him the love and attention he deserves in a large, enclosed yard. The Komondor is not a good candidate for dog parks – he is likely to see other dogs as a threat to his ‘herd’ and will instinctively defend what’s his. He is wilful and will need plenty of early socialisation and training.
Health
The rareness of the Komondor means that the breed’s health is protected by his lack of popularity. This is generally a healthy breed, but is susceptible to most of the health issues that large breeds are known for:
- Bloat – gastric torsion
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion
Exercise Requirements
The Komondor is not a herder, but a guardian, so he doesn’t have the exercise needs of the border collie or Australian cattle dog. Rather, he needs consistent daily exercise to keep his bones, joints and muscles healthy. This kind of exercise can include games and free play in a large, enclosed yard with a high fence; and/or daily walks on a calm route. Be sure to avoid areas with dogs that roam neighbourhoods. If free-roaming dogs approach you and your Komondor, it could trigger his defensive instincts.
The Komondor’s high intelligence needs to be harnessed at an early age with socialisation and obedience training. Puppies respond well to training, but after one year, their independence and cleverness may make the Komondor think twice before responding to owners’ commands. He doesn’t take repetitive training too seriously because it bores him – rather, training must be engaging and fun, and must stimulate his independent brain.
Grooming Requirements
The Komondor’s signature corded coat doesn’t occur spontaneously – it is trained into neat dreadlocks over time, which then have to be maintained for the rest of his life. Just before his first birthday, the once soft, curly puppy coat starts to mat and needs to be split into consistent sections that will eventually grow into long cords. Cording takes approximately a year, after which you can throw out your dog brush because it will be useless with a Komondor. This breed does need the occasional bath to keep his coat clean, which can be accomplished with diluted shampoo, large floor fans to dry him off, and an entire day for the task. It’s essential that the Komondor’s coat be dried thoroughly to prevent dampness and mould from forming.
As with all dogs, the Komondor’s teeth should be brushed daily and his nails trimmed regularly to keep his feet healthy.
Ratings
Statistics
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Type | Herding Group |
| Average adult weight | 55 kg |
| Average adult height | 75 cm |
| Average life span | 11 years |
| Breed family | |
| Area of origin | Hungary |
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R1 575.00 – R2 199.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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