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Komondor breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Komondor a powerfully large Hungarian flock guardian covered in thick white cords from head to tail, one of the world's most recognizable breeds.
The plural is Komondors.
Temperament
The independent, protective Komondor needs a firm, experienced hand at training. It needs early socialization, obedience training and a clear understanding that the person is in charge.
Komondors are independent thinkers and may be overly protective if not trained.
Lifespan
Komondors live 10 to 12 years. No health problems are specific to the breed and responsible breeders have stock certified free of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, with eye health certifications that the Komondor Club of America asks for.
As with many large dogs, the Komondor may get bloat, a sudden life-threatening enlargement of the stomach sometimes with twisting, so owners must know the signs.
Care
A coat of cords is the result of special care. One experienced breeder reports never brushing but washing regularly, then splitting the clumps or plates into sections as the coat starts to clump at 9 or 10 months.
Komondors are agile and athletic for their size and need sufficient exercise: free running in a large, securely fenced yard, walks and play with housemate dogs. Dog parks are often a bad idea for the breed.
History
For many centuries the Komondor has been the king of Hungarian flock dogs, guarding sheep at pasture and confident and tough enough to run off wolves and other beasts of prey.
The dreadlocks are not for show: they protect against extreme weather and sharp-toothed predators and let Komondors blend in with the sheep, giving them the element of surprise.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 3 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 4 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 1 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 3 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 2 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 5 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |