komondor are intelligent , affectionate hound with a unequaled twilled hairstyle . breed to ward stock , these work dog are rarified in the U.S.
With their distinguishable twilled hairstyle , komondor are one of the most recognizable dog breeds on the major planet . These large , highly healthy dogs — also sometimes referred to as Magyar komondor or komondor mop frank because of their snowy cords — were developed in Hungary to protect sheep , cattle , and drover .
These loyal , instinctual overseers are independent and still tax themselves with look after their home plate and family , but they ’re also affectionate and loving to anyone in their inner band . Though you may from time to time spot a komondor dog on a farm or a ranch , thisdog breed is rareas a family favourite . But they do rest popular in rural part of Hungary .
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" Komondors are alarge , muscular breedthat ’s know for being unclouded on their foot , despite their unique dual - pelage appearance , " says Annette Louviere , DVM , veterinary forWisdom Panel . " They tend to be brave and affectionate , puddle them splendid safeguard dogs . "
Appearance
komondor are patent dogs , thanks to their unique coats . Instead of traditional fur , komondor are covered in long , bloodless , tassel - same cord . These cord are made of hair and signifier naturally as komondor puppies begin to age — untested dogs have shorter cord , while older heel have longer corduroy .
The cords form when a komondor ’s coarse kayoed coat begin to pin the click ’s softer flat coat , standardised to some dreadlock hairstyles jade by world . These cords treat a komondor ’s total body , including his head and tail .
Komondors only haveone coat color : white . Other corded Hungarian dog breeds , such as the puli , come in other colour , but there ’s no such thing as a black komondor dog-iron .
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Underneath that dense , mop - alike coat , komondors have muscular eubstance . The komondor ’s sizing is impressive — they typically press between 80–100 pounds and stand 25–27 in tall . Although their faces can look like a stack of cord , these weenie have orotund heads , Prunus amygdalus - shaped center , and triangular pinna that hang down on either side of their typeface .
Temperament
earlier prepare to hold livestock in Hungary , the komondor temperament is independent and watchful when it come up to look after their animal ( and human ! ) muckle . But when they ’re with their multitude , they ’re passing loving and lovesome .
Because of their fosterage account , komondors may take a while to warm up up to stranger . If a raw person arrives at your business firm for the first prison term , stick in them to your komondor slowly and calmly . But once a komondor adopts a new person or animal into his flock — whether that’sa family line cator anew human sib — he ’s a devoted friend for life . Some the great unwashed say that komondors never bury someone they comprehend to be part of their family and will acknowledge them immediately , even if a fate of time has pass .
Komondors are independent thinker and do best when they can make their own decision duringtraining , guided by plenty ofpositive reinforcement(think congratulations andtreats as rewards ) . Earlykomondor puppy preparation classesandsocializationcan also help them acquire up to be well - behaved wiener .
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And though you may be smitten with their mop - similar locks , these firedog are really the best fit formore experienced dog owners .
" These extremely sound , athletic , and unafraid dogs are wonderful and showy dogs for experienced and committed dog owner , but they can be difficult for the novice hound owner , " says Jen Jones , a professional dog trainer and demeanor specialist who runsYour Dog Advisor .
Komondors incline to accommodate their vigor levels to whatever situation they ’re in . Some enjoyswimmingand run , but each bounder is different . Though they can address a fair amount of alone time , these devoted dog need steady attention , affectionateness , playtime , and exercisewith their humans to be happiest .
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" They are societal dogs who enjoy spending metre with their owners and often ask labor to keep their mind busy , " Louviere says . Interactive toysandfood puzzlesare helpful for keep their nous engaged , too .
Living Needs
Komondors thrive on large properties with mass of open space , such as farm and ranches — they do n’t make thebest apartment dogs . They ’re happiest when they can do what they were bred to do , which they study to be " their job"—that is , overseeing herds or troop of brute including sheep , Capricorn , Lama pacos , and cows .
" running dogs are bred to have a line of work , often working out in field for hours and hour , " saysNicole Ellis , CPDT - KAand favourite modus vivendi expert with Rover . " Those traits do n’t go aside just by bringing a dog into a domicile — they are genetic — and you must ensure you meet your frank ’s genial and strong-arm everyday needs or it can lead to issues and defeat . "
They ’re more often than not friendly to other dog , particularly those they share a home base with , but may not do as well in a dog parking area - comparable set with lots of unfamiliar pups around . To be happy and level-headed , these gymnastic bounder needregular exercise including manner of walking , running around in the yard , and playing with their four - legged comrade and sister or human companion .
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komondor aregood with nipper , especially kids in their family , though parents should always oversee interactions between blackguard and kids and make a point of teaching their tiddler how to be genial , gentle , and respectful of all heel , including komondors . Komondors are also typically blue with cats they live on with .
Because of their working history , komondor enjoy spend long periods of time outdoors and do n’t mind a little inclement weather . They ’re also just as happy to come indoors , where they ’re known forfollowing their owners from room to elbow room .
Care
This breed ’s alone twilled hair style requires some special care and care , but the komondor’sgrooming needsaren’t overly complicated or difficult .
" The corduroys of a komondor ’s coat acquire naturally but require care to maintain its beauty , " Louviere says . " Mature cord can not be brushed , but the occasional bath still supply benefits . "
Though komondor haircut are n’t frequent — their cords are meant to grow long — steady bathingwill keep them from getting smelly and dirty . It ’s important to fully rinse all of the wienerwurst shampoo out of their cords , which can require a little redundant precaution and time .
When dry out a corded komondor after a bathing tub , it ’s best to stuff the cord with a towel to remove excess water , rather than itch the towel up and down their body . To keep the komondor ’s cord clean and fresh , it ’s also important to set up a devotee to help them dry off more quickly ( many komondor have sex nothing more than laying on their backs in front of a lover ! ) .
With proper upkeep , a komondor ’s cords are clean-living , beautiful , and bright white ; as he gets sordid again , his locks may begin to look off - white . Though it ’s uncommon to see a komondor shave , some owners fleece off their corduroy every fountain and let them regrow through the evenfall and wintertime .
If you ’re caring for a komondor pup , Louviere say you may desire to gently help mastermind their burgeoning cords so they produce into long , beautiful , mature tassel over clip .
" Puppies initially have soft , curly coats that develop into a dumb , woolly undercoat and tassel - like cord kayoed coat , giving them a distinct mop - like coming into court , " Louviere say . " As puppies maturate , their coats will start to clump . And split up those clumps into quarter - sized section helps ensure the corduroys will farm more evenly in show . "
Komondors do n’t throw away the same style other dogs do , as the their hair does n’t flow freely . Occasionally , a komondor may spill an total cord , but this is n’t very usual .
These bounder also do good fromregular nail trimsand nightlytooth brushing , plusdental exams and cleaningsat the veterinarian ’s place when necessary . It ’s also a good idea to regularlyclean the komondor ’s earsand check their cords for burr , weeds , twigs , or other debris .
Health
Though they ’re hearty dogs withno major genetic wellness issues , responsible for komondor breeder will still test forhip dysplasiaandeye issues . They typically have lifespans of 10–12 year .
Like other gravid domestic dog , komondors may put up from a serious and life - threatening condition calledbloat , or stomachal dilatation - volvulus . Veterinarians still do n’t sleep together exactly what causes bloat , but owners can take some steps to let down their wiener ’s peril . These let in encouraging your dog-iron to eat more slowly with aspecial slow - feed bowl , frown cause of focus and anxiousness , and feed in them smaller meal more frequently throughout the day . Talk to your veterinarian about how you could come down your whelp ’s danger .
History
One of the most well - known Magyar dog breeds , komondors have a foresighted account dating back to at least the 16th century , if not earlier , fit in to theKomondor Club of America ( KCA ) .
This ancient stock is likely a descendent of the Russian ovcharka strain , ship to Hungary by the Magyar the great unwashed . For hundred , komondors protect herds of cattle and flocks of sheep in Hungary , where they are consider to be the chief or B. B. King of the herdsman ’s dogs .
The American Kennel Club recognize the komondor in 1937 , but the dogs almost went extinct after World War II . harmonize to the KCA , only a few dozen were left before the breed was easy rebuilt in Hungary and exported worldwide .