The Komondor

Appearance

The Komondor is a massive dog with a proud gait. Its body is totally covered with an extraordinary felted and corded coat, which is 8 to 11 inches (20-27cm.) long, and always white. This corded white coat helps the dog blend in well with sheep and also helps protect them from beasts of prey that it 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 and 5 years to reach the desired length. The head and muzzle are massive and rather short. Its eyes are dark brown and the U-shaped ears hang down to blend with the rest of the coat. It has a large head and generally massive bone structure, a hanging tail, and a very strong scissors bite.

History

When the Huns came to Hungary, they brought with them the large, long-legged, Russian owtcharka, which became the progenitor of the komondor (plural: komondorok). These dogs bore a close resemblance to the Magyar sheep known as racka, which had a proud "doglike" carriage and masses of curly wool. Thus, the dogs easily intermingled with the sheep and at first glance appeared to be one of the flock. Greatly valued by the Magyar shepherds, the komondorok were not allowed to interbreed with other breeds. The earliest documentation of the breed dates back to 1555, although the breed is certain to have existed long before then. The komondor earned its keep by guarding the flocks against marauding animals. It was so effective that some claim it is responsible for wiping out the wolf in Hungary. The komondor was still used as a guard into the 20th century. The first komondor came to America in 1933, and the AKC recognized the breed in 1937. World War II almost decimated the breed in Europe, but through the concerted efforts of breeders, the komondor was saved. Although it is one of the most impressive dogs to ever grace the show ring, the difficulty of preparing its coat has usually dictated that none but the very finest be shown. As a result, the komondor remains an uncommon breed everywhere but in its native Hungary. Recent attempts to use the breed as a guardian of flocks in the western United States have yielded promising results, attracting the attention of a new generation of shepherds

Temperament

Bred as an independent protector of livestock, the komondor is true to its heritage. It is an independent thinker and can be stubborn or domineering. It is not for meek owners who can be dominated; socialization is essential. It is reserved with strangers and possibly aggressive toward strange dogs. It is good with other pets and especially livestock. In fact, it is happiest when it has something or someone to watch over. Although usually calm and quiet, it is utterly fearless when the need arises. As a natural guardian, it is protective of children in its own family, but it may at times misunderstand rough-and-tumble games of visiting children.

Care / Grooming

Their hair must never be brushed or combed. It is divided into cords and trimmed. Its coat needs a lot of bathing and takes a long time to dry. It sheds very little if any.

Health

They are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat and skin problems.

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