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Komondor Facts
- Group
- Working
- Affiliations
- AKC, CKC, UKC
- Height
- Females 25.5"+
Males 27.5"+ - Weight
- Females 75-85 lbs.
Males 100+ lbs. - Lifespan
- 12 years | Add yours
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Grooming Requirement
- Colors
- Breed Characteristics
Alternate Names
komondorak (plural), Hungarian sheepdog.
Origin
The Komondor originated in Hungary.
Date Of Origin
This breed developed around 900 A.D.
History
The komondor is believed to be descended from Tibetan dogs that came from Asia to Hungary with the nomadic Magyars around A.D. 900. It was developed as a flock guardian and continues to do this work today. It is also kept as a companion.
The name "quman-dur" means "belonging to the Cumans" or "the dog of the Cumans", distinguishing it from a similar Hungarian sheepdog breed which later merged with the Komondor. The name Komondor is found for the first time written in 1544 in the History of King Astiagis by K?konyi P?ter, in Hungarian. Later in 1673 Amos Comenius mentions the Komondor in one of his works.
The unique dreadlock appearance gives a hint of common origin with the Puli and the Bergamasco. There might also be a link between the Komondor and the big, white Russian livestock dogs, the South Russian Ovcharka. The dreadlock coat must have developed under a dry and extreme temperature climate as it provides superb protection against cold and hot weather, but is not too comfortable in wet weather.
The Komondor is built for livestock guarding. It is big, strong, and armored with a thick coat. The coat provides protection against wild animals and the weather and vegetation, the coat of the dog looks similar to that of a sheep so it can easily blend into a flock and camouflage itself giving it an advantage when predators such as wolves attack. The coat is the trademark of the breed.
Today the Komondor is a fairly common breed in Hungary, its country of origin.
Description
This is a large, muscular, well-boned dog with a broad head and almond-shaped, dark brown eyes. The nose is usually black, although a dark brown or gray nose is acceptable. The drop ears are medium sized, the chest is deep, and the tail is long and curved. The double coat has a dense, wooly undercoat and heavily corded, white outer coat. The skin is gray.
Temperament
It is calm, alert and protective. It is devoted to family but wary with strangers. Although it is an independent breed, it rarely roams.
Uses
This breed is used as a typical sheepdog for large flocks (or herds) in isolated places. It is especially alert at night. It has also been used with outstanding results as a police dog in snowy regions. Recently, breeders have softened its personality and it has become appreciated as a companion dog.
Health Concerns
Bloat, hip dysplasia, skin allergies.
Additional Information
The komondor requires a firm, dog-experienced owner in a rural home.
Sources
The Howell Book Of Dogs
Publisher: Wiley Publishing Inc, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Author: Liz Palika
Dog Bible
Publisher: BowTie Press, 2005
Website: http://www.bowtiepress.com/bowtie/
Authors: Kristin Meuh-Roe, Jarelle S. Stein
Simon & Schusters Guide to Dogs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster inc, 1980
Website: http://www.simonandschuster.com
Author: Elizabeth Meriwether Schuler
The New Encyclopedia of the Dog
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 2000
Website: http://www.dk.com
Author: Bruce Fogle
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