| Akcgroup | Working |
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| Akcstd | http://www.akc.org/breeds/komondor/index.cfm |
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| Altname | Hungarian KomondorHungarian SheepdogMop Dog |
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| Ankcgroup | Group 5 (Working Dogs) |
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| Ankcstd | http://www.ankc.aust.com/komondor.html |
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| Ckcgroup | Group 3 - Working Dogs |
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| Ckcstd | http://www.ckc.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=137&Breed;_Code=KMN |
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| Country | Hungary |
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| Fcigroup | 1 |
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| Fcinum | 53 |
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| Fcisection | 1 |
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| Fcistd | http://www.fci.be/uploaded_files/053gb2000_en.doc |
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| Kcukgroup | Pastoral |
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| Kcukstd | http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/139 |
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| Name | Komondor |
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| Nzkcgroup | Working |
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| Nzkcstd | http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br533.html |
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| Ukcgroup | Guardian Dogs |
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| Ukcstd | http://mail.ukcdogs.com/UKCweb.nsf/80de88211ee3f2dc8525703f004ccb1e/6753f2429811707e85257044006004ae?OpenDocument |
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The Komondor (Hungarian plural komondorok) is a large white-colored Hungarian breed of livestock guardian dog with a long, corded coat. They are sometimes referred to as mop dogs. The Komondor is an old-established powerful dog breed which has a natural guardian instinct to guard livestock and other property. The Komondor was mentioned for the first time in 1544 in a Hungarian codex.
History
The origin of the Komondor is debated. Some believe the Komondor were a dog of the
Magyars. According to the most probable explanation, Komondors were brought to Hungary by
Cumans, the Turkish speaking, nomadic people who settled Hungary during the 12th and 13th century. The name Komondor is found for the first time written in 1544 in the History of King Astiagis by Kákonyi Péter, in Hungarian. Later in 1673 Amos Comenius mentions the Komondor in one of his works. with the tails carried low. The body, seen sideways, forms a prone rectangle.
The Komondor has a broad head with the muzzle slightly shorter than half of the length of the head, with an even and complete scissor bite. Nose and lips are always black. People unfamiliar with the breed are often surprised by how quick and agile the dogs are.
The minimum height of female Komondors is at the withers, with an average height of . The minimum height of male Komondors is with an average height of . No upper height limit is given. unlike the similar-looking Puli, which can be white, black, or sometimes grayish. However, a working Komondor's coat may be discolored by the elements, and may appear off-white if not washed regularly. Traditionally the coat protected the Komondor from wolves' bites, as the bites were not able to penetrate the thick coat. The coat of the Komondor takes about two and a half days to dry after a bath.
Temperament
The Komondor's temperament is like that of most livestock guarding dogs; it is calm and steady when things are normal, but in case of trouble, the dog will fearlessly defend its charges. It was bred to think and act independently and make decisions on his own. but is instinctively very protective of its family, home and possessions.
Uses
The breed has a natural guardian instinct and ability to guard
livestock.
An athletic dog, the Komondor is fast and powerful and will leap at a predator to drive it off or knock it down. It can be used successfully to guard sheep against wolves or bears. The Komondor is one breed of
livestock guardian dog which has seen a vast increase in use as a guardian of
sheep and
goats in the United States to protect against predators such as coyotes, cougars, bears, and other predators.
Training
Due to the Komondor's size, power, speed and temperament, a lack of obedience training, which should start from a young age (4 – 8 months), can result in danger to others. Komondors generally take well to training if started early. A Komondor can become obstinate when bored, so it is imperative that training sessions be upbeat and happy. Praise is a must, as are consistent and humane corrections. Once a Komondor gets away with unfriendly or hostile behavior, it will always think such behavior is appropriate. Therefore, consistent corrections even with a young puppy are necessary to ensure a well-adjusted adult. Socialization is also extremely important.
The Komondor should be exposed to new situations, people and other dogs as a puppy. Because it is a natural guard dog, a Komondor that is not properly socialized may react in an excessively aggressive manner when confronted with a new situation or person.
Given the proper environment and care, a Komondor is a responsible, loving dog. They are devoted and calm without being sluggish. As in any breed, there is quite a range of personalities, so your needs should be outlined clearly to your breeder. An experienced breeder can try to identify that personality which would be happier as an independent livestock dog, or that which wants more to please and would make a good obedience dog or family pet. Adolescence can be marked by changes in a Komondor's temperament, eating habits, trainability and general attitude. Many Komondors are "late bloomers," not fully mature until nearly three years of age.
Health
Komondors do not suffer many hereditary problems. Perhaps because the breed has descended from centuries of hardy working stock, Komondors have few genetically linked problems. In particular, there is no evidence of the retinal eye problems found in other breeds, nor is there dwarfism or hereditary blood disorders.
Hip dysplasia
As in all large breeds (and some small ones) there is some
hip dysplasia, though the incidence is about 12% of all radiographs submitted to the OFA.
Eyes
There are two eye disorders found in the breed. Entropion is indicated by the curling inwards of either the upper or lower eyelid. This lid deformity causes the lashes to rub against the cornea causing lacerations and infections. More recently, juvenile cataracts have been documented. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation, CERF, located at
Purdue University, evaluates eye exams and assigns a CERF number to it if the dog's eyes are free from genetic problems.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Rarely, Komondors may have an autosomal recessive gene which prevents absorption of Vitamin B12. Prompt diagnosis is key, as the condition is easily treated with semimonthly B12 injections.
Bloat
There is some indication of bloat, a life-threatening condition. The incidence of bloat is no greater than with any other large breeds. To possibly help to avoid bloat do not feed soon before or after any exercise.
Parasites
External parasites can be a problem due to the heavy coat. As with any long-haired dog, a skin check should be part of a regular grooming routine. If fleas or ticks are found, aggressive measures are in order. 'Spot-ons', shampoos and powders work well, but great care should be observed as it is easy to miss a spot where the fleas can hide. Owners should check anti-flea and tick preparations carefully with a veterinary surgeon as the Komondor can be extremely sensitive to some of these products. Be wary of over-the-counter treatments as these are often too weak to effectively treat infestation, others can cause severe reactions if dosed incorrectly. It is recommended to spot-test the coat before dipping as some flea dips have been known to discolor the white coat. Flea collars can also discolor the hair beneath them, so look for a white or transparent one.
Ears
Ear care should also be routine. As Komondors have ears which prevent air circulation, it is especially necessary to keep them clean and hair-free. Some ear canals are more hairy than others, but commercial powders, cleansing fluids and plucking of the hair can greatly reduce infections.
Feet
Thick hair grows between the pads of the feet which also requires maintenance. This hair can pick up burrs, or become a source of irritation and infection when wet. For the health and comfort of the dog, this hair should be cut out with an electric clipper or scissors to keep mats from forming between the foot pads.
Vaccinations
As in all breeds one should be careful that a Komondor have the proper
vaccines against
rabies,
distemper,
canine parvovirus, etc. Dogs should also be checked periodically for worms and other internal parasites. Like all stock guard dogs Komondors are usually extremely sensitive to anesthetics. These drugs should always be administered to effect, never by weight.
See also
Bergamasco Shepherd
Puli
National symbols of Hungary
References
External links
Breed Standard at the website of the American Kennel Club
Komondor Club of America
Middle Atlantic States Komondor Club
The Komondor Club
Komondor pictures
Category:Dog breeds originating in Hungary
Category:Livestock guardians
Category:Molossers
Category:Hungarian loanwords
Category:Rare dog breeds
![The Komondor (Hungarian plural komondorok[1]) is a large white colored Hungarian breed of livestock guardian dog with a long, corded coat. The Komondor is an old-established[2] powerful dog breed which has a natural guardian instinct to guard livestock and other property. The Komondor was mentioned for the first time in 1544 in a Hungarian codex.](http://web.archive.org./web/20110908065820im_/http://cdn0.wn.com/pd/0d/23/5fbb725fae32b041b7175daf8bfe_grande.jpg "The Komondor (Hungarian plural komondorok[1]) is a large white colored Hungarian breed of livestock guardian dog with a long, corded coat. The Komondor is an old-established[2] powerful dog breed which has a natural guardian instinct to guard livestock and other property. The Komondor was mentioned for the first time in 1544 in a Hungarian codex.")
![The Komondor (Hungarian plural komondorok[1]) is a large white colored Hungarian breed of livestock guardian dog with a long, corded coat. The Komondor is an old-established[2] powerful dog breed which has a natural guardian instinct to guard livestock and other property. The Komondor was mentioned for the first time in 1544 in a Hungarian codex.](http://web.archive.org./web/20110908065820im_/http://cdn9.wn.com/pd/0d/23/5fbb725fae32b041b7175daf8bfe_thumb.jpg "The Komondor (Hungarian plural komondorok[1]) is a large white colored Hungarian breed of livestock guardian dog with a long, corded coat. The Komondor is an old-established[2] powerful dog breed which has a natural guardian instinct to guard livestock and other property. The Komondor was mentioned for the first time in 1544 in a Hungarian codex.")
