Komondor
Other names : Hungarian Sheepdog, Mop Dog, Hungarian Commonmop
Right, this is the one. The dog you’ve been seeing around town. The one that causes small children to stop and drop their lollipops. But while yes, this dog is a big mop on legs, and at least twice as adorable in person as seen from afar, she is also a serious working dog in her own right: a shepherd and a fierce guard, whose flowing cords disguise her strength and vigour. Thus, she may be a mop but she’s nobody’s broom to push around, and without adequate training this large and determined dog can become quite a handful. Properly raised, however, she will become an affectionate and striking member of the family and a great help around small domestic spillages.
|
Life expectancy |
The Komondor has a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years |
|
Size |
Large
|
|
Adult size |
Female
Between 26 and 28 in
Male
Between 28 and 31 in
|
|
Adult weight |
Female
Between 88 and 110 lb
Male
Between 110 and 132 lb
|
|
Coat colour
Ivory. |
Sand
White
|
|
Type of coat
Coarse upper coat, tending towards corded; fine undercoat. |
Long
|
|
Eye colour
Dark brown. |
Brown
|
There are only a few dozen of these dogs in the UK so tracking down a pup can take a while.
More details about the Komondor
Komondor: Origins and history
Known as a Hungarian Sheepdog, her ancestors were brought to Hungary in the middle-ages by the Cumans, from whom she takes her name and at whose graves her ancestors’ remains have been found. Before that, her heritage seems to have been Tibetan. She has been a popular worker in Hungary for many centuries, guarding rather than herding sheep. It is said that many of her kind perished at the hands of the invading Nazis because no Komondor house could be taken with this fierce protector still alive.
FCI classification of the Komondor
-
Group 1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
-
Section 1 : Sheepdogs
Komondor: Characteristics
The Komondor is very attached to her family, but less demonstrative with others.
Before adulthood, she likes to play, but once she matures, she becomes much quieter. She prefers to watch the surroundings rather than being distracted by games.
As a shepherd, it is her professional duty – and her nature – to remain calm when times are calm, but to respond fearlessly to counter threats to her charge.
She is moderately intelligent, and can quickly tell the difference between a visiting guest and a malicious intrusion.
This creature is not known for her hunting prowess.
She is at best reserved with strangers, and needs to be well-socialized from an early age with people and dogs.
The Komondor has been bred to guard sheep independently and may transfer that independent streak to other facets of her life.
Komondor: Behaviour
She can easily remain alone at home or in the garden where she proudly and courageously fulfills her mission of guardian.
The Komondor requires firm training as she is a powerful dog who can be obstinate and independent-minded.
She has a loud bark and may use it with little provocation in the pursuit of her guarding duties.
The Komondor rarely tries to scarper because her business is to stick to her observation post.
As a solitary dog, she is not usually destructive, but can cause a fuss when bored.
She is not particularly greedy, although treats can be useful in training.
Although a sheep ‘herder,’ the Komondor is more of a sheep ‘guard’ in practice. She is territorial and will watch your property and people with a vigilance that needs to be kept in check with the proper training.
Training a Komondor
The Komondor requires firm training as she is a powerful dog who can be obstinate and independent-minded.
Komondor: Lifestyle
No. This dog needs space, and will not gladly tolerate sharing a building with unfamiliar inhabitants.
The Komondor is surprisingly active and agile for her size and needs plenty of exercise; outdoor time will suit her temperament well.
She’s a bit of a whopper to drive around but it’s not out of the question if she gets used to it from a young age.
Breed compatibility Komondor
If she is raised alongside cats she should be okay, but beware a Komondor can quickly damage a pesky cat if they step out of line.
She is not especially sociable with other dogs, although she will fiercely protect those alongside whom she is raised.
She is gentle and protective with children of her own family, but don’t expect her to spend hours playing or being cuddled by them. Her living space must be respected.
With her significant training and exercise needs and her size, this dog may not be the ideal choice for older people.
The size, power, and obstinacy of this dog make her a problematic choice for a first dog.
Komondor: Purchase price
You can expect to pay upwards of £1,000 for a well-bred KC registered puppy. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £90 to £160 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Komondor: Grooming
While this uniquely-carpeted dog may not require as frequent grooming as you may imagine (and absolutely no brushing) she needs to bathed now and then and have her cords divided and cared for a few times a year.
Komondor: Health
This dog keeps generally good health. Her average life expectancy is 11 years.
She is a sturdy dog, but suffers from several health conditions.
As you can imagine, she soon becomes uncomfortable in hot weather.
She is perfectly designed to work hard in very cold weather.
She is not a greedy dog, and not predisposed to put on weight.
- CHD
- Gastric torsion
- Cataracts
- Skin problems (sebaceous cysts, dermatitis)
- Trichoepithelioma (skin tumor)
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion
Do you want a Komondor dog ?
Is the Komondor right for you?
take the test
