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Komondor
Looking for a Komondor?
Introduction
The Komondor is a large dog with a lovely dense corded coat. It is believed to have descended from Russian Owtcharki, a dog that the Magyars brought to Hungary. It is a powerfully built dog weighting 80 to 130 pounds and standing between 60 and 70 centimetres. It is intelligent but tends to mature late and be stubborn. It is best for experienced owners and families with older children.
Are you interested to own a Komondor breed? Here is a brief background of this Hungarian mop dog.
History
Breed experts believe that the Komondor descended from the Russian Owtcharki that the Magyars brought to Hungary. The earliest record of the breed dates back to the 16th century but others argue that it has been around before this time as a livestock guard dog. It is also said that it is related with the Puli and the Kuvasz. The Komondor became highly prized because it was able to guard large flocks against terrifying predators.
After the Second World War, the number of Komondors significantly dwindled that it almost became extinct. Breed enthusiasts were able to revive the breed but today, its numbers remain low worldwide, even in Hungary. It remains a valued guard dog for livestock and a loving companion to people in rural areas leading active and outdoor lives. It is registered with The Kennel Club under the Pastoral group.
Appearance and Grooming
The Komondor is described as a large, powerfully built dog covered in a dense corded coat. Weighting 80 to 130 pounds and standing between 60 and 70 centimetres, it exudes an intimidating presence. It has a significantly big head compared to the rest of its body, which is shorter than wide, with a moderate stop. It has a black (sometimes dark brown or dark grey) nose that boasts of wide nostrils, medium dark eyes and U-shaped medium ears that hang down by its head. Its jaws are powerful with a perfect scissor bite, although pincer bite can be tolerated.
Its interesting mop-like appearance can be credited to its long and harsh topcoat that is either wavy or curly, paired with a soft undercoat. Long cords form as the hair grows, becoming much longer on its rump, loin and tail. Puppies have soft curls that gradually become cords as they mature. According to KC standards, the only accepted coat colour is white and underneath it is a grey or pink skin.
Looking at the long cords of the Komondor, one can easily conclude that it is high maintenance. However, you will be happy to know that it does not shed so there won’t be any hair on the floor, furniture or clothing. First off, the coat does not need brushing but owners need to allot some time to gently tease apart the cords, paying attention to its back end, belly and feet to remove debris and twigs after going outdoors. The hair around the mouth needs to be trimmed and the hair on its ears must be gently plucked. Bathing can be done as needed, when it is clearly very dirty. Giving the Komondor a bath is not an easy feat especially that it takes time to dry. Other grooming needs include tooth brushing twice a week, regular nail trimming and ear cleaning when there is too much wax build-up.
Temperament and Intelligence
The Komondor is a challenging dog to own as it is independent and strong willed. It is late to mature, around 3 years or longer, so it is not suitable for first-time owners. This breed needs to be socialised and trained early, and handled by an experienced owner that can take on the alpha role. As it grows older, it forms a strong bond with its owners and tends to develop a strong urge to protect them. It is wary of strangers and when not gently curbed, this protective nature could potentially be a problem. It is a great guard dog and watchdog but it is important to expose the Komondor to different environments, people and surroundings so it understands that doesn’t always have to keep its guard up.
Komondors are not suitable for apartment living. It will thrive in rural areas with active and outdoorsy families. They aren’t really fond of children, although this is not to say that they despise them. They are better off in households with older kids, mature enough to interact with dogs. Parents need to teach kids that regardless of breed, dogs and other pets should be treated with love and respect. Owners also need to be cautious when their children’s friends are around as the Komondor usually does not know how to react around kids it does not already know. This breed is also not good around other dogs and small animals. It is better to avoid getting new pets inside the house.
The Komondor is intelligent but tends to be stubborn so training can be more challenging. It usually gets bored easily to training sessions must be interesting and quick. Positive reinforcements are highly effective and harsh correction or forceful training methods should not be considered.
Nutrition and Feeding
A typical serving for an adult Komondor is 3 to 4 cups of excellent quality dry dog food per day. The amount of food and frequency of feeding tend to depend on several factors like age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism. If you unsure, you can always ask your trusted vet.
Typical calorie needs of adult Komondors weighing an average of 105 pounds, per day:
- Senior and less active: up to 2,030 calories daily
- Typical adults: up to 2,290 calories daily
- Physically active/working dogs: up to 2,540 calories daily
With different nutritional demands compared to small breeds, the Komondor needs to be fed dog food formulated for large dogs with animal protein as its number ingredient. Since it is prone to bone and joint problems, Glucosamine and Chondroitin will help decrease joint inflammation and repair and strengthen tissues. Omega 3 and 6 are also important for coat care.
Health and Exercise
The Komondor is a generally healthy dog that has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. The hereditary health conditions affecting the breed are worth knowing so you can better prepare for them. The breed tends to suffer from skin issues, bloat, Hip Dysplasia, and Entropion.
The large, high-energy and intelligent Komondor would need at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily to be truly happy. Unmet exercise needs would result to destructive and noisy behaviour, which could affect your home and people around you. Long walks, free time at a fenced yard and interactive games will allow it to relieve stress and let off steam.
Cost of Ownership
Since the Komondor is a rare breed in the UK, you will have to go on a waiting list to be able to obtain one. The cost of a well-bred pedigree puppy is anything from £1,000 upwards. To ensure it stays healthy at whatever age, be ready to spend £60-£70 a month on high-quality dog food. You also need to factor in the initial cost for dog accessories and equipment such as food bowls, leads, collars, and beds, which will likely be about £200 depending on the brand.
When it comes to healthcare, you need to be prepared in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. You can offset some medical bills if you get a pet insurance, which can range from £25 for a time-limited cover up to £85 for a lifetime one. These prices vary depending on your dog’s health and age, size and weight, the type of cover you choose, and whether it has pre-existing conditions.
Other outgoings to consider are veterinary expenses that may not be included in a pet insurance coverage such as vaccinations, routine checks, neutering or spaying, and annual boosters, which can have a combined cost of £1200 annually. Roughly, you will be setting aside £90-£160 a month for recurring expenses, depending on the type of insurance cover you choose. This estimate is also exclusive of walking or grooming services that you might want to use at times.
Komondor Breed Highlights
- The Komondor is a challenging breed to raise, better off to owners with experience in raising stubborn dogs.
- It builds a strong bond with its owners and tends to be very protective of them.
- It has an adorable coat that is high maintenance.
- The breed suits people who lead active lifestyles.
- The Komondor is a high-energy dog that requires at least 60 minutes of exercise a day.
Are you sure the Komondor is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
Dog Breed Selector QuizLooking for other breeds gentler and easier to handle than the Komondor? Try taking our Pet Finder to help you narrow down the choices.
Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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