Origin: Hungary
Origin of Name: The Komondor also known as the Hungarian sheepdog, is a large dog breed.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Large | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
For many centuries Komondor has been the king of the Hungarian herd dogs. The Koms raise sheep on the pasture. They are convinced and strict to drive wolves and other ferocious animals of prey. Dreadlocks give the dog a cool, funky look, but they are not meant to show. They provide protection from predators with extreme weather and sharp teeth. The cords allowed the Koms to be mixed with the sheep, giving them an element of surprise..
A beautiful corded coat is the result of special care. An experienced breeder report. We never brush, but bathe dogs regularly. When the coat starts to 'plate up' in 9 or 10 months, we begin to divide the clamp or plate into areas that exit an area on the skin about the size of a quarter. They grow in cords. There is no reason for a corded coat to deteriorate or get dirty. Bathing with thin shampoo is useful. To end the bath, be sure to rinse each hint of shampoo, and then squeeze, using a towel, and then dry it in front of a strong fan overnight. If the coat is not dry or there is residual shampoo, it can smell badly.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are important for Komondor, as are obedience training and a clear understanding that the "person" is in charge. They are independent thinkers and can be highly protective if not trained. Because by this age one the dog should have learned to obey orders constantly. Working towards the title AKC CD obedience is the perfect way for Komondor to achieve this.
Komondors are agile and athletic for their size, and adequate exercise is important to keep them healthy and happy. Free-running time in a large, securely fitted yard, going for walks, and playing with their housemate dogs helps all the comondores stay in shape. Dog parks are often a bad idea for Komondors. Developed as a livestock guardian breed, their guard instincts may cause them to react badly to loose stranger dogs, or to the notion that a group of dogs may be a threatened pack.
Komondors do not eat a lot for their size and will do well on high quality dog food suitable for the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some owners note that too much protein content can lead to scratches, hotspots, or other skin reactions. "Breeders do not require too much volume and will sometimes skip food when they are not hungry," says a breeder. "In his traditional job he probably shared what the shepherd was eating." Give very little to table scraps, if not at all, especially avoid cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not.
There are no specific health problems for commonders. Responsible breeders have stock breeding certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) as being free of hip dysplasia. The parent club of the breed, the Komondor Club of America, also asks the breeder for an eye health certificate. As with many large dogs, the comondor can develop a stomach, a sudden, life-threatening increase in the abdomen and sometimes even twisting. Owners should be aware of the signs of bloat and take quick action if those symptoms appear.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: