AKC Working Group
History
Brought to Hungary in the fourteenth century by the Cumans to guard flocks of sheep, the imposing Komondor is still used for that purpose today. The earliest written reference is from the sixteenth century. Some claim the Komondor is responsible for exterminating wolves from Hungary. The breed came to America in 1933 and was AKC recognized soon after. The working Komondor can live for many months of the year outdoors in all kinds of weather, protecting his master’s flocks without assistance. In the United States, the Komondor is primarily a home guard and companion, and livestock guard dog.
Description
The unique corded white coat of the Komondor helps the dog blend in well with sheep and also helps protect him from beasts of prey that he might be called upon to fight in his role as flock guardian. The outer coat fuses with the undercoat to form felt that hangs in long cords. It can take up to two years for the cords to form completely. Though the coat is white, the skin is ideally gray. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, with a level topline. The head and muzzle are large and wide. The eyes are dark brown, and the ears are shaped like an elongated triangle, hanging down to blend in with the rest of the coat. The nose is black, and the front plane of the nose is at right angles to the top of the muzzle. A scissors bite is preferred. The bite is quite strong. The tail is carried low and hangs to the hock, with a slight curve in the end. Feet are large.
Key Facts
- Height: More than 27-1/2 in. (male); more than 25-1/2 in. (female)
- Size: Large
- Weight: More than 100 lbs. (male); more than 80 lbs. (female)
- Availability: Difficult to find
- Talents: Watchdog and guarding
Notes
Can be fiercely protective and even aggressive, especially with strange dogs, but also with people. The unique corded coat needs a lot of bathing and takes a long time to dry. It should not be brushed or combed. This dog does best in a clean country environment where he can receive extensive daily exercise. Prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, and skin problems. Buy only from stock with OFA, PennHIP, or another national hip dysplasia clearance. Can be a good family dog if socialized as a young puppy, trained thoroughly, and raised with children from the start, but not recommended for most families.
Personality
Serious, confident, alert, and commanding. Can be reserved with strangers. Very territorial and highly protective of his family, house, car, and livestock. Must be thoroughly socialized with people and other dogs at an early age. Needs complete and firm obedience training by an experienced owner, as he can be very willful. Smart, but easily bored. Loyal to and respectful of his master, but fierce against threats to his charges.
Behavior
- Children: Not recommended for children
- Friendliness: Very wary of strangers; highly protective
- Trainability: Somewhat difficult to train
- Independence: Fairly independent
- Dominance: High
- Other Pets: Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood
- Combativeness: Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive
- Noise: Average barker
- Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors
- Owner: Not recommended for novice owners
Care
- Grooming: Extensive grooming needed
- Trimming and Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed
- Coat: Long coat
- Shedding: Very light
- Exercise: Moderate exercise needed
- Jogging: A fair jogging companion
- Apartments: Good for apartment living
- Outdoor Space: Best with a large yard
- Climate: Does well in most climates
- Longevity: Average (10 to 12 years)
Useful Links
AKC® Komondor Breed Standard
http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Komondor.pdf
Komondor Breed Club
Search for a Breeder
akc.org/classified/search/landing_breed.cfm
Rescue Organizations
akc.org/dog-breeds/rescue-network/contacts/
