Hungarian Sheepdog, Hungarian Komondor, Mop Dog
Overview
The komondor is a large, muscular dog, with plenty of bone and substance; it is slightly longer than tall. Its gait is light and leisurely, with long strides. Its hallmark coat is double, consisting of a dense wooly undercoat and a coarser outer coat that is wavy or curly. The undercoat is trapped in the outer coat so that it forms strong, felty, tassel-like cords. This coat helped protect the dog from the elements as well as the teeth of tough adversaries. It also helped the dog to blend in with its flock.
The Komondor, being naturally wary of strangers, makes an excellent house guard dog. They are devoted to their master and will defend him against attack by any stranger. This trait makes it advisable that the dog only be used as a herd/flock guardian/protector, not for driving. When mature, the breed is an earnest, courageous, very faithful herd/flock guardian. While a puppy, the Komondor is playful.
| Size | Large |
| Height | 25.5 inches (65 cm) |
| Weight | 125 pounds (59 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Colors | White |
| Origin | Hungary |
| Classification | Purebred |
| Good Lapcat |
| Good In Apartments |
This dog does best in a clean country environment where he can receive extensive daily exercise, but it will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. It does well in most climates, for the Komondor lives for many months outdoors in all kinds of weather. |
| Good With Children |
Not Good with Kids: In isolation, this dog breed might not be the best option for kids. However, to mitigate the risks, have the puppy grow up with kids and provide it with plenty of pleasant and relaxed experiences with them. This breed is also very friendly toward other pets and shy toward strangers. |
| Good With Dogs |
|
| Good With Cats |
|
| Exercise Needs |
It is possible to keep this breed in an urban environment although the country is more to its liking. If they are not actively working as a flock guardian, they need to be taken on a daily, long brisk walk. This dog can be extremely lazy and will sleep and rest for hours upon hours. |
| Trainability |
Moderately Easy Training: The Komondor requires firm, consistent training at an early age because it will be very large, strong, and fast when fully grown. Obedience training is strongly recommended. A praise-based approach with plenty of variety will likely yield the best results. |
| Affectionate |
|
| Playfulness |
|
| Grooming Requirements |
Moderate Maintenance: The coat doesn’t shed much, but the cords must be separated regularly to maintain their look, and the coat does attract dirt. Once a Komondor is past young puppyhood his coat will probably never have its earlier pristine whiteness. The coat should never be dirty, matted, or bad smelling. |
| Shedding |
Minimal Shedding: This dog will shed a negligible amount. Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with dog hair in their cars and homes. |
| Vocalization/Barking |
Frequent |