Komondor dog. Description, features, care and price of the Komondor breed

Classification Origin: Hungary

Class: according to the IFF, group – 1, section – 1, number – 53.

Color: only white, black dogs are also bred, but this color does not meet the breed standard

Dimensions: height for males is at least 70 cm, for females - at least 65 cm, males weigh from 50 to 60 kg, females - from 40 to 50 kg

Lifespan: 10-12 years

The Komondor is a dog adapted to work as a shepherd and guard. Luxurious wool allows it to camouflage perfectly in a sheep flock.

Looking at the photo, we can assume that this animal is quite large and has a lot of weight. But in fact, it is about half the weight of many other breeds of its size, such as the Hovawart, German Boxer and Tosa Inu .

Under the long rope dreadlocks you will not see any eyes, no paws, no tail - only the black button of the nose stands out against the background of the white fur.

This dog, in the absence of a potential threat, is calm and balanced, but when danger approaches, it becomes aggressive and will not hesitate to attack the enemy.

The Komondor does not attack like a fighting dog , he delivers powerful blows with his head, which completely demoralizes the enemy - this is how he breaks the back of a wolf who attacked the flock of sheep entrusted to him.

The fury and swiftness with which the Komondor attacks can only be slightly mitigated by the complete absence of resistance.

• 2 Psychology
• 3 Application
• 4 How to choose a dog
• 5 Features of care
• 6 Combing
• 7 Walking
• 8 Food
• 9 Health
• 10 Characteristic diseases
• 11 Vaccinations
• 12 Mating

History of the breed

The first memories of this breed are found among the Magyar tribal people. These tribes inhabited the lands adjacent to the Black Sea. Large dogs served as shepherds for sheep, and also protected herds from attacks by wild animals. From the middle of the 9th century, the Magyars were ousted by the Khazar Khaganate. As a result, the tribes migrated to the lands of modern Hungary.

Since then, the breed has received another name - the Hungarian watchdog. Some researchers claim that this breed first appeared in ancient Tibet, and they came to the western territories along with nomadic peoples. But there is no official confirmation of this theory.

According to the official version, the Hungarian watchdog was the result of crossing wolves and ancient shepherd breeds. But there is another legend that says that the Komondor is the son of a sheep and a wolf.

Since the beginning of the 16th century, memories of this breed can be found in the book “The History of King Astyagis”. In this work, the commander is described as a dog that guards the herds. Michael Klein's book, published in the 18th century, describes how local residents hunt wild predators together with Komondors.

During World War II, the breed's population declined significantly. Fascist soldiers killed these pets during farm robberies, as the dogs defended their territory to the death.

Health

For a large sized dog this is a very healthy breed. Most often they die as a result of accidents, attacks by predators, or getting hit by cars. Average life expectancy is 8-10 years.

For at least a thousand years, Komondors were bred as working dogs and genetic diseases were ruled out. In addition, they lived in a harsh and dangerous environment, so nature itself took care of the selection.

This does not mean that they are immune to genetic diseases, they just suffer from them much less than other purebred dogs.

Features of the Komondor

A distinctive characteristic of the Komondor is its white coat color, as well as its interesting “hairstyle”. For many centuries, these dogs were shepherds and guardians for sheep. According to external data, such a dog looked like a lamb, but was radically different from a wolf.

The herding lifestyle also affected the character of modern dogs. The Komondor, like many guard breeds, has an innate distrust of strangers, and aggressive behavior can be observed. But after a few minutes the dog will become quite friendly if the new acquaintance does not pose a threat.

When describing the characteristics of representatives of this breed, it is necessary to note their mental abilities. This dog easily recognizes people with whom he may have come into contact several years ago. Komondors behave like puppies for a long time; they are always happy to play and frolic. This is due to the long period of growing up. Adult dogs are distinguished by their willful and independent disposition. They are quite independent and do an excellent job without constant supervision and instructions from a person.

Komondor sizes

Komondors are a large breed. Visually, the dog appears larger due to its thick and long coat. According to the size, the height of the dog varies between 65–80 centimeters. Males are slightly taller - from 70 to 75 centimeters at the withers. The average height of a Komondor female is 65–70 centimeters.

Representatives of this breed weigh little. An adult dog weighs between 30 and 50 kilograms. It is important for the Komondor to maintain the correct weight, because in order to fulfill its purpose, the animal must be mobile. A significant portion of the pet's weight is made up of fur.

Features of the Komondor's coat

A distinctive feature of the Komondor's appearance is its thick coat, which forms long curls. Dogs even have long hair covering their eyes. There may be an opinion that through such “veils” the animal does not see anything, but this is not so. Long bangs protect the pet's eyes from excess sun rays, and long thick curls of fur protect the body from rain, cold and bites of wild predatory animals.

Until the age of two, dogs' fur does not curl into tight cords. Puppies have a soft and wavy coat that gradually becomes curly and forms curls as the animal matures.

The coat of an adult Komondor weighs at least seven kilograms, and approximately two thousand cords can be counted on its body. Owners of Hungarian Shepherds need to be prepared for special care for their pet's coat.

Personality of the Hungarian Shepherd

The Komondor is a guard breed whose character fully corresponds to its purpose. Dogs are courageous and vigilant, loyal to their owner, but do not get along well with other pets in the house.

Hungarian Shepherds have a calm, reserved character and a sharp mind. They are quite cunning, so from the first days they try to establish their own rules in the house. The owner needs to curb the complex nature of the pet. The dog owner's task is to earn authority and constantly maintain it.

Komondors are kind, active, and enjoy playing outdoor games. They need love and attention. But they can be aggressive towards a stranger, considering him a potential ill-wisher. This breed tends to bark loudly and for a long time to scare away strangers from its possessions.

Walk

This guard shepherd dog needs constant physical activity and daily walks in the fresh air. If the pet lives in a city apartment, then the owner must spend at least 2 hours a day walking.

At the same time, it is advisable to keep it on a leash to prevent trouble, since the Komondor can attack passers-by who seem to be intruders.

How to raise a pet

Representatives of the Komondor breed are highly trainable. It is worth starting classes at approximately two months. Training a puppy requires logical and consistent actions from the owner. It is better to conduct classes in the form of a game. You need to be careful with punishments; use of brute force is allowed only when absolutely necessary. The best effect comes from rewarding your pet for completing a command.

It is worth remembering that Komondors clearly follow commands in normal circumstances, but under extreme circumstances they will act independently. By suppressing the desire to make decisions independently, you can make the dog useless and bullied.

How much is a friend Commander worth?

Prices for Commander puppies start from 50 thousand rubles. This amount can be asked for an ordinary purebred puppy. But for the descendant of the champions you will have to pay over 100 thousand.

When choosing a baby, pay attention to the availability of vaccinations in the veterinary passport. The puppy must meet the standards if you want a purebred friend.

Pay attention to the eyes, nose and ears. They must be clean, without discharge. A healthy puppy moves actively and eats willingly.

How to choose a puppy

Hungarian Shepherds are a very rare breed. Therefore, prices for purebred Komondor puppies start at $1,000. Dogs with a famous pedigree will cost more. To purchase a puppy, it is recommended to contact specialized nurseries. Small Komondors are very similar to South Russian Shepherds and Royal Poodles. Therefore, when buying a pet secondhand, you risk getting a different breed.

You need to buy a Hungarian Shepherd puppy between one and two months of age. The animal must have all the necessary vaccinations. Little Komondors adapt better to new conditions and quickly remember family members.

Owner reviews

Ruslan E.: “The Hungarian Shepherd is my dog, we understand each other, as they say, perfectly. Of course, it didn’t come right away, we had to seriously work with the dog, but he is very smart.”

Anton G.: “This is a dog with character. Give me some slack - it will sit on your neck, and this is, after all, 50 kg! A Komondor needs a strong owner.”

Julia T.: “I love my Komondor and that’s the only reason I can endure his molt. True, the family where we got him from as a puppy reassures him that the problem will disappear when the baby grows up. I am waiting!".

Getting ready for a puppy

Early separation from its mother will be stressful for your pet, so surround it with attention and care and do not leave it alone during the first five days. The puppy needs a personal space. Be sure to buy special toys, because with a Komondor puppy, the furniture in the house will suffer.

From the age of one year, the Komondor can be moved into its own kennel. These dogs are strictly prohibited from being kept on a chain or in a cramped enclosure. Without freedom, they will grow up aggressive and uncontrollable.

The coat of small Komondors does not require special care. You can bathe them when they get dirty and comb them periodically. You can feed your puppy with special high-quality food. When feeding naturally, bones, fatty and smoked foods, and sweets are prohibited. Until the age of two months, the dog requires feeding five times a day, from 2 to 4 months four times, and from six months to a year - three times.

Training

Independence leads to stubborn behavior, so parenting is difficult for beginners. During training it is important:

1. Take into account the age factor. Basic commands are put into the puppy's head from the 1st day of his appearance in the house. If the pet is taken at a more conscious age, then the basics must be fixed by the breeder.
2. Add variety. The dog does not like the same type, so it begins to get bored with a monotonous program. Use game forms of classes.
3. Avoid punishment. The use of physical force is not permitted. To express dissatisfaction, it is enough to change your intonation.
4. Praise for any achievements. Even tiny successes should be rewarded.
5. Prove your leadership. The Komondor must understand that he is not the boss in the house. Dogs are not that difficult to handle, and dogs tend to be dominant.
6. Don't miss classes. Training lasts a lifetime, as any relaxation leads to destructive behavior. The pet is desperately trying to break the prohibitions, and all efforts come to naught.

Rules of care

The Komondor's coat needs to be washed at least three times a year. Since a dog's fur can repel water, such procedures require a lot of effort and time. An experienced groomer will need about eight hours. It is not recommended to bathe a dog in winter, because its fur takes at least two days to dry.

There is no need to comb an adult dog; cleansing and separating the strands is done by hand. Komondors shed in the spring and autumn. They do not scatter the wool, it remains on the strands. These dogs are clean and do not have a strong odor.

Feeding

These animals are unpretentious when it comes to food. And the breed requires small portions. This is because historically they were accustomed to eating infrequently while working with the shepherd. Modern Komondors will benefit from both special dry food and natural food. In both cases, 1-1.5 kilograms of food will be consumed per day, which must be given once a day, but at the same time.

Among the food prohibitions for Hungarians are fatty meat, bones, milk, and chocolate, which they like. Additionally, you should take care of special supplements and vitamins, which are often necessary for Komondors. Also, clean, fresh water should always be freely available.

Pros and cons of the breed

Among the advantages of this breed are:

• Good security qualities.
• Strength, endurance.
• Kindness, calmness.
• Ease of training.
• Devotion.
• Positive attitude towards children.

But representatives of the Komondor breed also have some disadvantages. The disadvantages include the following features:

• Possible aggression towards strangers and other dogs.
• Stubbornness, desire for dominance.
• Difficulties in caring for the coat.

Socialization

The breed's high intelligence allows it to quickly absorb information and respond to environmental factors. At the same time, the pet loves everything new, so when choosing the same type of training, the commander quickly begins to get bored. The consequence of this may be a refusal to carry out the owner’s commands. Therefore, during training sessions, it is necessary to captivate the pet with new information.

During training, it is recommended to use only the “carrot” method. Praise and affection develop positive qualities in the breed, but an aggressive parenting style can lead to the development of bitterness and aggression in the pet.

Gender differences also affect dog training. Bitches are more obedient and pliable, while cables are stubborn. From an early age, it is recommended to socialize the Komondor: introducing him to new people and dogs. Lack of communication with the “environment” can lead to the development of aggressiveness in the breed. The Komondor is a children's best friend. The pet bravely tolerates any games with children and will selflessly protect them in any situation.

Pets get along well with other animals in the family. The commander takes everyone under his protection. Reacts indifferently to other people's children and animals.

Interesting Facts

• Despite the fact that the dogs are called Hungarian Shepherds, this country is not their homeland. The nomadic tribes who were the first owners called them “Cumans”. The Europeans changed this name to “kuman dor”, which literally translates as “Polovtsian dog”.

Wikipedia – the word “komondor” comes from the Italian “cane commodore”, and is translated as “king of dogs”.

• The ancient Komondor breed has only been officially recognized since 1920. This year the dogs took part in the European exhibition for the first time as a separate breed. After which a standard for the Hungarian Shepherd was created.
• Komondors are one of the rarest breeds in the world. This fact is explained by the difficulty of keeping such a pet in an apartment. About three thousand of these dogs are registered in their native Hungary, and less than 1 thousand Komondors live in our country.
• The Komondor is very similar in appearance to the Hungarian Puli Shepherd, which is smaller in size and has a different origin story.

Possible diseases

The Commander or Hungarian Shepherd can boast of excellent and good health. But several diseases still affect them:

• hip dysplasia. Occurs already in adulthood;
• drooping eyelid defect. The problem can only be solved surgically, but in the future such a dog should not participate in the continuation of the family, so that the heirs have healthy parents, and the family continues strong and healthy.

Unlike other breeds, Komondors do not have genetic or hereditary diseases. They are hardened by their formation and historical origin.