Komondor
Working

Group:

Working

Size:

large

Lifespan:

10-12 years

Exercise:

medium

Grooming:

medium

Trainability:

medium

Watchdog ability:

very high

Protection ability:

very high

Area of Origin:

Hungary

Date of Origin:

ancient times

Other Names:

Hungarian Sheepdog

Original Function:

sheep guardian

History

The Komondor, sometimes referred to as the Hungarian Sheepdog, originated during the 800's to guard sheep, having been brought to Hungary by the Magyar tribe when they came from the East to settle there. Its coat helps it blend in with the sheep until it pounces on an unsuspecting wolf. The thickness of the coat also protects it from attacks from predators and from the elements. The Komondor is similar in appearance to its Hungarian cousin, the Puli, but much larger and more heavy-boned, and a very impressive dog due to its height and the bulk of its coat.

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; socialisation 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.

Upkeep

The Komondor needs daily exercise in the form of long walks or short romps. Swimming is not a good idea because of the time it takes the coat to dry. It may also be difficult to keep the coat clean in some areas. This breed does not like warm weather. It can live outdoors in temperate to cool weather. The Komondor is nonshedding but not carefree. Its cords must be regularly separated or they will look like flat mats, and its coat tends to hold dirt; bathing is time-consuming and drying takes as much as a day. Care of the coat in non-show dogs is far less extensive. Pets can be clipped but then lose part of the breed’s unique appeal. Note that it may take a dog up to 2 years of age before cords form.

Official Breed Standard

CHARACTERISTICS:
The Komondor is a shepherd's dog of Asiatic origin, an excellent guard, wary of strangers, courageous, faithful and devoted to its master, whom he will defend against any attack. Because of this trait, it was not used for driving the herds, but only for guarding. The Komondor's special task was to protect the herds against wolves, bears, strange dogs and other animals. The Komondor is noted for his imposing strength and courageous manner.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
A large muscular dog, with plenty of bone and substance. Powerful in conformation.

Head and Skull:
The head should look somewhat short in comparison to the wide forehead. The skull should be slightly arched when viewed from the side. Stop moderate, muzzle slightly shorter than the length of skull. Broad rather coarse muzzle, not pointed. Nostrils wide. Nose black, though a dark grey or dark brown nose is acceptable but not desirable.

Eyes:
Medium sized, not too deeply set, the darker the eye the better; eye rims dark grey or black and close fitting.

Ears:
Medium sized and hanging U-shaped. Erect or partially erect ears are incorrect.

Mouth:
Powerful jaws, strong teeth. Scissor bite ideal (pincer bite acceptable but not desirable). Lips tight fitting and black. Ideally gums and roof of mouth should be black or dark grey.

Neck:
Strong, medium length, moderately arched, no dewlap.

Forequarters:
Straight, well boned and muscular, viewed from any side the forelegs should be like vertical columns; well laid tight shoulders.

Body:
Broad, deep, muscular chest, back level. Rump broad, slightly sloping towards root of tail. The body should be slightly longer than height at withers. Belly tucked up.

Hindquarters:
Strong in bone structure and very muscular. Viewed from rear, legs fairly wide apart, parallel, well angulated. Dewclaws should be removed.

Feet:
Strong, large and compact, well arched toes. Claws strong, grey or black, toes slightly longer on hindfeet. Pads hard, elastic and dark.

Gait:
Light and easy, should move with very long strides.

Tail:
Continuation of rump line, should reach down to hocks, slightly curved at tip; when excited, raised in line with body.

Coat:
The coat texture should consist of a longer coarse outer coat, which may be wavy or curly, and a softer undercoat. The hair should tend to cling together like tassels, giving a corded appearance, even when combed. When corded, the cords of an adult coat should be strong and heavy and felty to the touch, if neglected will form into large matted "plates". Coat should be longest on rump, loins and tail, of medium length on back, shoulders and chest, and shorter on cheeks around eyes, mouth and lower parts of legs. Coat is fairly slow in cording and may not be fully formed before two years of age. Puppy coat should be soft and fluffy, adult coat usually starts appearing 6 - 9 months of age. Should be presented corded.

Colour:
Always white. Ideally the skin should be grey; pink skin is acceptable, if no evidence of albinism.

Size and Weight:
Size: Dogs:
Average 80 cm (31.5 in) - Minimum 65 cm (26 in). Bitches: Average 70 cm (27.5 in) - Minimum 55 cm (23.5 in).
Weight: Dogs:
About 49.8 - 61.2 kg (110 - 135 lb). Bitches: About 36.2 - 49.8 (80 - 110 lb).
Whilst the average height is given, of the Komondor it can be said that there is no maximum height, but height should always be taken into consideration with the overall picture of the dog, which should be strong, well balanced and give the impression of vast strength.

Faults:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness of the fault should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.