Komondor
The Komondor has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
Origin
The Komondor is believed to have descended from the Aftscharka that traveled to Hungary with the Magyars in 895. The Komondor was bred for thousands of years as a flock guardian for sheep and cattle and was not often regarded as a family companion. As a result, they often had to think and survive on their own.
Size
The Komondor weighs 80 to 100 pounds and measures 25.5 to 27.5 inches.
Grooming Needs
The Komondor has a distinct coat made up of thick white cords that resemble a mop. The Komondor’s cords start appearing between 8 and 12 months of age and fully develop around 12 to 16 months of age.
The Komondor’s coat does not need to be brushed, however the coat requires lots of upkeep. The cords must be separated on a regular basis to keep them from matting. If not cut, the Komondor’s cords can reach to the ground; therefore most owners keep the cords trimmed to a length of eight to 10 inches. In addition, the hair around the Komondor’s mouth and on the bottoms of their feet also needs to be trimmed regularly.
The Komondor’s white cords pick up dirt easily and as a result, they need to be rinsed off and bathed frequently. The drying process can take many hours, if not all day. Special attention must be given to ensure the Komondor’s cords are completely dried or they can develop mildew.
Like all dogs, the Komondor needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis.
Character
The Komondor is independent, protective and even tempered.
Temperament
The Komondor is a strong, steady dog that comes across as dignified and serious. Although affectionate with their family, the Komondor tends to be reserved and quiet around anyone new. This breed served as guardians for many years and takes the job of watchdog seriously. Komondors are calm, but vigilant and will act quickly to protect the family and home.
While the Komondor may not have been originally bred to be a companion, they are nonetheless extremely devoted to their family. Many Komondors love attention from their family and are quite gentle and playful with children.
Training Needs
The Komondor takes longer to mature than some other breeds and because of their puppy mentality they tend to bore easily. The Komondor is smart and likes to learn, but just needs consistency and lots of variety. They can pick up training easily as long as the sessions are positive, fun and short.
As part of their training, the Komondor also requires early socialization. The Komondor has strong protective instincts and tends to be aloof with new people. The Komondor needs lots of early exposure to different people as well as other dogs.
Activity Level
The Komondor is a playful puppy that matures into a quiet adult. The Komondor is athletic and agile, but does not need a great deal of exercise. A long daily walk and regular time outside in a secure area to run around and play is enough for this breed.
