KomondorCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Komondor is an old Hungarian herding breed of Asian origin. Its ancestors almost certainly came to the Carpathian Basin with the ancient Hungarians, who were nomadic herders.

Wikipedia says the breed may have been brought by the Cumans, a nomadic people who settled in Hungary in the 12th–13th centuries, and that the name may come from “Koman-dor”, meaning “dog of the Cumans”. The oldest known mention is in a Hungarian codex from 1544. Today, the Komondor is declared a national treasure of Hungary.

How the breed developed

• 12th–13th centuries – The Cumans settle in Hungary with their dogs, according to Wikipedia.
• 1544 – The oldest known mention appears in a Hungarian codex.
• 9 August 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 6 April 2010 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a large, powerful dog whose dignified bearing inspires respect and even fear. The body is covered in long, dense hair matted into cords. The AKC says that, although massive, it is agile and light on its feet.

General appearance

The head, covered in abundant hair, is held above the body. The tail hangs down, with the tip slightly raised. The coat has a coarser topcoat and a finer undercoat; together they form the characteristic cords, which are longest on the croup, loins and the back of the thighs.

The only accepted colour is ivory. The AKC says the white coat helps it blend in with the sheep it guards and protects it if a predator attacks.

The standard says it has unwavering courage in guarding the flocks, the house and its owner's property. It attacks silently and boldly, regards its territory as its own and does not tolerate other creatures in it. It is suspicious by nature.

The AKC says it is an independent thinker and can become overprotective if not trained. By the age of one, it should obey commands consistently.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it intensively as a puppy. It is suspicious by nature.
• Be calm and consistent. It is an independent thinker.
• Avoid dog parks. The AKC says they are usually not a good idea for it.
• Start training early. It must obey commands by the age of one.

The AKC says it is agile and athletic for its size and needs a fair amount of exercise: free running in a large, well-fenced yard, walks and play with the family's dogs.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be high and solid.
• It is not suited to beginners.
• In summer, its thick coat makes it suffer in the heat.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the corded coat needs special care. One breeder says they never brush their dogs but bathe them regularly. At around 9–10 months, when the coat starts to form mats, these are separated by hand into small sections, from which the cords grow.

Common health problems

The AKC says there are no known health problems specific to the breed. Responsible breeders nevertheless screen their dogs for:

Other care

• Check the skin under the cords for irritation.
• Dry the coat thoroughly after a bath.
• Check the ears regularly.

The AKC says it eats little for its size and sometimes skips a meal if it is not hungry. Some owners notice that too much protein can lead to itching or skin irritation.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• Puppies need food suited to large breeds.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• A Hungarian plural. The AKC says the plural of Komondor is “Komondorok”.
• Lost among the sheep. Its white coat helps it blend in with the flock.
• The dog of the Cumans. The name may come from “Koman-dor”, according to Wikipedia.
• A national treasure. It is declared a national treasure of Hungary.
• It eats little. The AKC says it eats little for its size.

Does the Komondor need brushing?

Not like other dogs: the cords are separated by hand and the coat is bathed regularly.

How big does it get?

Males measure at least 70 cm and weigh 50–60 kg; females measure at least 65 cm and weigh 40–50 kg.

Is it a family dog?

It is affectionate with the family, but it is a serious guard dog, for experienced owners.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–12 years.