Komondor: one of the oldest Hungarian dog breeds

Anyone who has ever seen a Komondor will have noticed its unique, dignified appearance. His nature is just as remarkable. His loyal, courageous nature makes him an excellent guard dog.

The Komondor’s huge stature and white, braided coat are sure to attract attention. His imposing appearance and confident, assertive manner will deter any unauthorised intruder. Instinctively defending his territory and family from strangers, he is the perfect watchdog. Yet this fine breed is relatively rare in his country.

History

One of the oldest Hungarian dog breeds. It arrived during the migration (probably together with the Kuvasz) to the Carpathian Basin, where it guarded herds and flocks. Its coat is not so special for nothing. It protects against both hot summer days and harsh winter frosts. Moreover, the large pile of fur also served as a good protection against wolves, as it made them less likely to bite.

As it was mainly used at night to guard the flock, its white colour enabled the owner to keep the dog well separated from predators. And thanks to its fur, it blended in well with the livestock, making it harder for the wolf to spot.

At first the word komondor meant only the large Hungarian shepherd dogs. In 1544 (according to some sources 1574) Peter Kákonyi in the history of King Astiagis and this is the first surviving written record of it.

A shepherd watches, nursing a child
A fierce shepherd and turns him about
He protects him from beasts and birds
And feeds him with his warmth

Then the shepherd takes the child
Towards the town the shepherd begins to carry his crib,
The shepherd follows him barking
Until the shepherd eats him in his house.

The 1815 edition of Ferenc Pethe Natural History and Art History, published in 1815, contains a drawing of the ancient form of the komondor. The breed used to be called had different names, called for example the Hungarian Shepherd Dog with the tufted coat, the Silky-haired Wolfhound, the Pusztai Komondor and the Owl-eyed Komondor.

A 19. century was still a rare breed, and only one dog was shown at the national exhibition in Szeged in 1899. A Hungária Komondor Klub was founded in 1924 as the first breeders’ organisation for Hungarian dogs. During the Second World War, the number of Komondor dogs fell drastically. The dogs, which had faithfully guarded the farms, were shot by the soldiers so that they could be used to clear the land. Later, with the decline of agriculture and collectivisation, the remaining komondor herd became almost unemployed. In the 1990s, some people even planned to breed a black version, but this contradicted the breed’s ancestral traits and the attempt quickly failed.

The Hungária Komondor Klub still aims to promote the Komondor, as only about 200-250 purebreds are registered in the country every year. The total number of pedigree dogs in Hungary is estimated at 2,000. However, the breed is becoming increasingly popular abroad. In Russia, Israel, the Czech Republic, Germany and Romania, there are relatively large numbers of Komondors. Along with all Hungarian dog breeds, in 2004 became a national treasure, and in 2017 Hungarian Heritage It was declared a Hungarian dog.

Breed standard

The Komondor is an ancient Hungarian sheepdog. Its robust body is covered with a thick, long coat. It can be felted, banded or braided, in all cases bone white. Depending on sex, the dog weighs between 50 and 60 kg and is between 65 and 70 cm tall. It reaches its full size relatively slowly, in two years. The head is covered with a thick coat of fur and the nose is black. Eyes straight-set, dark brown. Ears point downwards in a V or U shape. The tail is drooping, with a thick coat. Despite its huge stature, it walks lightly and its stride is wide. Expected lifetime 10-12 years.

Character

Its appearance can even strike fear into the hearts of strangers, as its stature is huge and awe-inspiring. Despite this, he is friendly, calm, extremely loyal and very affectionate with his family. Proper socialisation should start as a puppy. He is an intelligent, considerate, independent breed who does not need to be taught to guard, as it is in his blood, he will do the job instinctively.

Komondor is reserved towards strangers, and treats them as his owner would. This dog is extremely brave and alert, always keeping an eye on his territory. He only barks when necessary to give a signal. Also doesn’t run unnecessarily, but when he does, he is surprisingly quick and agile in checking what has happened.

Ideal environment

The Komondor is most at home in a garden house. It is not ideal in an apartment. It needs a lot of space and exercise, and likes to be free and guard its territory. It often rests during the day, but is still alert. He often goes on patrol in the garden in the evening. He loves children and is an ideal playmate for them.

Care

The hair of the Komondor similar to a poodle’s. The coat is self-cleaning, and it is recommended to start pulling the hairs apart at the age of seven months, which should be repeated regularly. In the past, shepherds used to trim their sheep at the same time as they sheared their sheep, which was ideal for the summer months. In winter, they kept the long cords.

Common health problems

Hip dysplasia, which is typical of large dogs, is less common in the ferret. It may be a relatively common genetic disease entropion. This is a looseness of the eyelid, causing it to turn inwards, with the edge in contact with the eye. This can cause the hairs to irritate the cornea. In general, however, the Komondor is a healthy, hardy breed.