Komondor

The Komondor is a very large Hungarian livestock guardian covered in long white cords of felted hair. It was bred to live with a flock and defend it without human direction, and it remains an independent and formidable guard.

Origin

The breed has guarded sheep and cattle on the Hungarian plain for many centuries and is thought to have arrived with nomadic peoples from the east. Its white coat let shepherds tell it from wolves at night and blended with the flock, and the dense cords protected it against weather and bites. It is one of Hungary's national breeds.

Appearance

Dogs average about 80 cm at the shoulder and bitches about 70 cm, with weights of 40 to 60 kg. The body is big-boned and muscular under the coat. Puppies have a soft, fluffy coat. From about nine months the coarse outer hair and woolly undercoat begin to mat together, and the mats are separated by hand into cords, which lengthen throughout the dog's life and may reach the ground.

Temperament and exercise

The Komondor is calm, watchful and devoted to its own household, which it treats as its flock. It is deeply suspicious of strangers, makes its own decisions and will act to defend its territory. It needs extensive socialising from puppyhood, secure fencing and an experienced owner with space; it is not a dog for a town house or a novice. Exercise needs are moderate, around an hour a day.

Care and health

The cords are never brushed. They are kept separated, checked for debris and washed when necessary, after which the coat can take more than a day to dry. The breed is generally robust; hip dysplasia, bloat and eyelid defects are the main concerns. The typical lifespan is ten to twelve years.

In Britain

The Komondor is in the Kennel Club's Pastoral group and is very rare, with only a handful of puppies registered in most years.