Komondor dogs are a large and unusual breed of dog that can be found in Europe, especially in Hungary where they originate from. Often referred to as ‘mop dogs’ due to their unique corded coat, the Komondor is one of the most striking and impressive breeds of dog. They have been used for centuries as sheepdogs to guard livestock, and their unique physical appearance and temperament have made them a much-loved and respected breed. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Komondor dog and explore what makes them so special. We’ll look at their physical characteristics, their personality traits, and the variety of colors they come in. We’ll also discuss some of the health problems they may be prone to, and the amount of grooming they require. By the end, you should have a comprehensive understanding of what this rare and beautiful breed looks like.
Breed Characteristics:
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesnt necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are just simpler than others; they learn faster and are more laid back. Additionally, they are strong enough to recover from your errors or inconsistent behavior.
Highly sensitive, independent-thinking, or assertive dogs may be more challenging for a novice dog parent to handle. If you consider your prior dog ownership when choosing your new dog, you’ll find the best match.
If youre new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
While some dogs take even a dirty look to heart, others will let a firm reprimand roll off their backs. Low-sensitivity dogs, also referred to as “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can cope better with a noisy, chaotic home, a louder or more assertive owner, and an irregular or variable routine. Choose a low-sensitivity dog if you have young children, frequently host dinner parties, participate in a garage band, or lead a busy lifestyle.
Some breeds develop strong bonds with their families and are more likely to worry or even panic when their owner leaves them alone. Barking, whining, chewing, and other destructive behaviors are all signs of anxiety in dogs. When a family member is present during the day or if you can take the dog to work, these breeds thrive.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. Short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, are also affected because they cannot sweat as effectively. If you choose a breed that is sensitive to the heat, you must keep your dog inside with you on warm or muggy days, and you must exercise it with extreme care.
Even if they have been raised by the same person since they were puppies, some breeds are independent and distant, while others form a strong bond with just one person and are uninterested in anyone else, and still others show love to the entire family. Breed is not the only aspect that affects how affectionate a dog is; dogs that were raised in a home with people present are more accustomed to interacting with people and bonding more readily.
A kid-friendly dog has a blasé attitude toward running, screaming kids and is patient with children as well as strong enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out. You might be surprised to learn that list includes American Staffordshire Terriers, which are classified as Pit Bulls but have a fierce appearance, and Boxers. Chihuahuas, which are small, delicate, and capable of snapping, aren’t always the most family-friendly dogs.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, not promises of how any particular breed or dog will act. Based on their prior interactions, socialization, and personality, dogs of any breed can get along well with kids. All dogs, regardless of breed or breed type, have powerful jaws and sharp, pointy teeth that they can use to bite when under stress. Young children and dogs of any breed should never be left alone together and should always be watched over by an adult.
Being friendly to humans and friendly to dogs are two entirely different things. Even if they are people lovers, some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs; other dogs would rather play than fight; and still other dogs would turn around and flee. Breed isnt the only factor. Dogs who spent a lot of time playing with other dogs while they were puppies and who lived with their littermates and mother until they were at least six to eight weeks old are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Some dogs are outgoing and will nuzzle and wag their tails when visitors arrive, while others are timid, uninterested, or even hostile. No matter the breed, a dog will behave better toward strangers as an adult if they were socialized and exposed to a wide variety of people when they were young. Keep in mind that even friendly dogs should be restrained in public by a sturdy leash like this one!
If youre going to share your home with a dog, youll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If youre a neatnik, youll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
When visiting you, drool-prone dogs may leave large, wet stains on your clothes and drape ropes of slobber on your arm. If you don’t mind your dog drooling, that’s fine, but if you’re a neat freak, you might want to pick a dog that doesn’t drool much.
Some dog breeds can be brushed and left alone, while others need to be regularly bathed, clipped, and otherwise groomed in order to stay clean and healthy. If your dog requires a lot of grooming, decide if you have the time and patience to do it yourself or if you can afford to hire someone to do it.
Some breeds are predisposed to specific genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia, as a result of poor breeding practices. This only means that dogs of that breed are at a higher risk; it does not imply that all of them will develop those diseases.
It’s a good idea to research which genetic diseases are prevalent in the breed you’re interested in before adopting a puppy. You might also want to find out if your shelter or rescue has information on the physical condition of the parents and other relatives of your prospective pups.
Some breeds have robust appetites and have a propensity to gain weight quickly. Similar to humans, dogs who are overweight may experience health issues. Limiting treats, ensuring they get enough exercise, and measuring out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time are all necessary if you choose a breed that is prone to putting on weight.
Consult your veterinarian to learn more about your dog’s diet and what you should feed your canine companion to maintain a healthy weight. Gaining weight can worsen conditions like arthritis or cause other health problems.
From the Chihuahua, the smallest dog in the world, to the enormous Great Dane, size is not the only consideration when determining whether a dog is right for you and your home. Find the ideal sized dog for you by browsing these large dog breeds, some of which are surprisingly affectionate despite their size.
Dogs that are simple to train are better at quickly making the connection between a cue, like the word “sit,” an action (sitting), and a result (getting a treat). Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent, but they approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” mentality, so you’ll need to use incentives and games to make them want to follow your instructions.
Just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies, dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision-making, intelligence, and concentration, like herding livestock, need to exercise their brains. If they don’t receive the necessary mental stimulation, they’ll create their own work, typically using activities you won’t enjoy, like digging and chewing. Dog sports and careers like agility and search and rescue are great ways to exercise a dog’s brain, as are obedience training and interactive dog toys.
Mouthiness refers to a propensity to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, generally painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin), which is prevalent in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages. Mouthy dogs are more likely to grab or “herd” their human family members, so they need to be trained to understand that chewing on chew toys is fine but not on people. Mouthy breeds typically enjoy a good chew on a toy that has been filled with kibble and treats as well as a game of fetch.
(Picture Credit: Haydn West – PA s/PA s via Getty s)
Terriers and other hunting-bred dogs have an innate desire to pursue and occasionally kill other animals. That instinct can be triggered by anything speeding by, including cats, squirrels, and possibly even moving vehicles. When dogs are outdoors, they should be leashed or kept in a fenced area. Your yard also needs a high, secure fence. These breeds typically don’t do well in homes with smaller animals that could pass for prey, like cats, hamsters, or small dogs. When there are birds flying by, you may find it difficult to get the attention of breeds that were originally used for bird hunting because they generally won’t chase.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. Consider how frequently the dog vocalizes with barks or howls when selecting a breed. If you’re considering a hound, consider whether you find their distinctive howls amusing or irritating. If you’re considering a watchdog, consider whether a city full of suspicious “strangers” will put your pup on constant alert. If the local wildlife literally drives your dog crazy, consider whether you should choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Siberian Huskies and other Nordic breeds of dogs were developed for long-distance travel, and given the chance, they’ll pursue anything that piques their curiosity. Even if it means leaving you behind, many hounds simply have to follow their noses or that bunny that just ran across the path.
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. They were originally bred to do a specific canine job, like herding livestock or retrieving game for hunters, and they have the stamina to work all day. They need a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation, and they are more likely to jump around, play, and explore any new sounds and smells.
Dogs with low energy levels are the canine equivalent of couch potatoes, happy to doze off all day. Consider your own level of activity and lifestyle when choosing a breed, as well as whether you’d find a boisterous, active dog energizing or annoying.
A dog that is energetic may or may not be vigorous, but whatever they do, they do with vigor: they pull on the leash until you teach them not to, try to push through barriers, and even take big gulps of food and liquid. These dynamos require extensive training to develop good manners, so they might not be the best choice for a household with young children or an elderly or frail person. On the other hand, a low-vigor dog takes a more passive approach to life.
Some breeds can manage a leisurely evening walk around the block. Others, particularly those who were bred to perform physically demanding jobs like herding or hunting, require daily, vigorous exercise.
These breeds could gain weight and release their pent-up energy in undesirable ways, like barking, chewing, and digging, if they don’t get enough exercise. Breeds that require a lot of exercise are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or those who want to train their dog to participate in a high-intensity dog sport, like agility.
While some dogs are perpetual puppies who constantly beg to play, others are more somber and sedate. Even though a playful puppy sounds adorable, think about how many fetch or tag games you want to play each day and whether you have children or other dogs that the dog can play with instead.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Komondorok, the plural of Komondor, are best suited for big homes and knowledgeable pet owners. They can get along well with older children and even cats with the right socialization and supervision, but be careful around other dogs and strangers as mayhem may result.
In general, Komondor dogs are calm and quiet, but they occasionally react by barking loudly and in a deep voice when they notice something strange is going on. They were bred in Hungary as flock guardians and are fiercely protective of their family and extremely leery of strangers.
If the dog has not received the proper training and socialization, all of these characteristics, when combined, may lead to undesirable behaviors. It’s crucial to keep in mind that when herding sheep in the fields, these dogs were largely left to their own devices. The Komondor breed evolved a strong sense of independence over time.
Komondorok can get along with kids and other animals when it is socialized properly. However, they can be hostile to unfamiliar dogs, so visits to dog parks might not be a good idea. (Learn more about training and socialization below in the Training. ).
Komondorok always needs something productive to do, like most working dogs. These large dogs can be very destructive when bored, so if they don’t get daily exercise or mental stimulation, you might not be happy with the results.
How to Care for a Komondor
Komondorok require the most maintenance during their first two years. After that, their cords form and require only regular baths and haircuts for maintenance. And that means more time must be dedicated to training these stubborn dogs. They will live to their full life expectancy with moderate exercise and a healthy diet.
While generally healthy, Komondorok do have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years and do have some health conditions in common with the breed. Even though none of these problems are guaranteed, it’s crucial for prospective pet parents to have all the knowledge they require to comprehend any potential health issues that might develop.
Although there are many competing theories as to the precise origin of the Komondor, the first records of the breed date back to the 16th century, when it is thought that these dogs were first brought to Hungary by the Magyars.
These dogs were bred to work as livestock guardians and have a variety of interesting traits that aid them in their work. Their distinctive white cords made them stand out among their flock of sheep, and the thick cords acted as protective armor against the wolves’ piercing teeth.
The American Kennel Club first recognized Komondorok in 1937 after they were imported to the country in 1933. The breed, which served as a military installation guard throughout World War II, was all but extinct by the time the conflict was over. Today the Komondor is still considered a very rare breed. Although their native Hungary and the United States have the highest populations of Komondorok, there are still fewer than 10,000 of them worldwide.
Today, life for these livestock guides has changed a bit. Komondorok typically use their exceptional abilities and talents to protect the people they care about the most when there isn’t a flock around.
Looking to add a Komondor to your home? The average price of a Komondor puppy is about $800 to $1,200. Of course, when you take bloodlines and lineage into consideration, the cost could be much higher. Check out the AKC’s website to find a reputable breeder. You can also reach out to Komondor rescue organizations to adopt a Komondor or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter.
Komondorok don’t shed much at all, despite appearances with all that hair. In their first two years of life, their coats may need more attention to get the cords started, but once the cords have plated, things should go more or less as planned.
These puppies’ distinctive dreadlocks are simply the result of the hair in their undercoats and overcoats twisting together. Pet owners do not need to brush or comb their Komondor’s hair after the cords have formed. All that is required is periodic washing and thorough drying.
FAQ
Do Komondors hair naturally dread?
Komondor puppies are not born with dreadlocks; instead, they have a short, white coat that gradually develops into fluffy curls. As the dog grows, the curls get longer. When the curls become matted patches at around one year of age, human intervention is required to separate them into individual cords.
How much is a Komondor dog?
To cover the costs of caring for the dog prior to adoption, a Komondor adoption costs about $300. In contrast, buying Komondorok from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. Depending on their breeding, they usually cost anywhere from $800-$2,000.
Why did Komondor dog go extinct?
The breed suffered and nearly went extinct due to the end of importing it from Hungary during World War II and the Cold War; however, in 1962, breeders from the United States made contact with Hungary again and were able to revive the breed.
Why do Komondors look like mops?
The Komondor is a historic breed of dog developed in Hungary to protect sheep from wolves and poachers. They are shielded by their adorable mop-like cords from both the brutal Hungarian winter and the predators’ incisors.