Origin
The Hungarian Shepherd received this name after the founders of the breed ended up in Hungary. As for the origin of the animal, there are legends surrounding it.
According to some information, dogs vaguely similar to the Komondor existed in ancient Babylon. There they were used as shepherds.
According to another version, representatives of the breed had wolves and Tibetan dogs in their family.
And the third legend is the longest and most reliable. If you believe her, then the ancestors of the Komondor lived on the Black Sea coast. Subsequently, the animals and tribes that inhabited these territories were forcibly driven out of their territories. These tribes then became the people of Hungary.
Hungarian Greyhound (Magyar Agar)
The Hungarian Greyhound, also known as the Agar, looks like a more robust greyhound but is a breed in its own right. Agar in Hungarian means hound or greyhound.
They have an ancient history with the Magyar people who settled in Golodny in the late 9th century.
The Hungarian Greyhound's larger bone structure and thicker skin with a shorter muzzle were suitable for the hilly terrain of Hungary.
Early hunters on horseback used these hounds to hunt, primarily hares and deer.
Natural selection
The Hungarian Shepherd or Komondor has remained almost unchanged as a breed. How were these unusual dogs formed? In ancient times, the appearance of these shepherd dogs did not play any role. Preference was given to dogs with a strong psyche, capable of instantly fighting back in the event of a threat to the flock. The animals had to have excellent guard and guard qualities. Dogs that showed any aggression towards their owner were immediately destroyed.
Nature itself culled weakened animals, leaving only the strongest, capable of performing guard duty. The owners did not try to save the weak puppies and did not help the bitch during the birth of her offspring. No one paid enough attention to veterinary medicine; the dogs were not treated. Therefore, the fittest survived.
Health and life expectancy
Komondors often suffer from hip deformities . This disorder can cause severe suffering to the pet, since in severe form it significantly limits its mobility. When the disease occurs, as a result of the abnormal structure of the joint, its internal friction increases, which leads to the destruction of articular tissue.
The cause of the development of the disease is genetic predisposition and incorrectly calculated physical activity. Puppies should not be exposed to excessive stress , and for adult dogs, physical inactivity, which leads to muscle atrophy and the development of a defect, should be avoided.
Dysplasia can be detected at a young age. External signs are: lameness , changes in gait , low mobility . To confirm the diagnosis, an x-ray of the extremities is required. Treatment is carried out with drugs that slow down the degradation of joint tissue, or surgically, up to joint replacement.
Another common condition is entropy , a disorder in which the eyelashes rub against the eye cornea, leading to inflammation. It is determined genetically; dogs with an identified defect are not allowed to reproduce. Treatment is performed surgically. The average life expectancy of Komondors is 10-12 years.
Development of the breed
When breeders got to the Hungarian shepherd's shepherd dog, they were faced with physically strong, self-confident animals, whose breed line was formed under the influence of nature. All people have to do is give the animals a great start.
This dog received its recognition as a separate breed only in the 20th century. And despite this, it quickly gained popularity around the world. This was facilitated by a thorough description of the breed; the breeders did their best. Their efforts might have died during the war years. Then Komondors, like many other breeds, practically disappeared. People needed front-line dogs, so all efforts were devoted to strengthening the breeds needed in the war. The Hungarian Shepherd with its striking appearance was not included in this number.
The Hungarian breeders did not back down. Thanks to their dedication and the help of kennel clubs in the USA, the breed shone at the first exhibitions already in the early 50s of the 20th century. And by 1970, the first dogs were brought to the USSR.
Historical reference
This amazing dog has lived on Hungarian soil for thousands of years. Several interesting legends are associated with the origin of the breed. According to one of them, the Komondor breed is the result of crossing wolves and sheep.
A more realistic version, based on scientific facts, says that the Hungarian Shepherd Dog arose as a result of a mixture of wolves and herding dogs. The breed received its first name “Hungarian Shepherd” as a result of the fact that it accompanied the Hungarian tribes in their nomadic life. The name Komondor comes from the Italian “cane commodore”, which means “king dog”. The animal received such a majestic nickname due to its large size, aristocratic manners and unusual coat. Also related to the Hungarian Shepherds is the Puli dog breed.
The first Komondors served as shepherds. They were perfect for this role, being brave, resilient, decisive and capable of defending themselves from the enemy and preserving the owner’s property. Thanks to their appearance, they blended in with a herd of sheep and suddenly jumped out in front of the nose of an approaching wolf, which confused him.
The Komondor breed is quite common these days, especially in the United States of America.
Description of the standard
According to the current FCI (Canine Federation Internationale) standard, adopted on February 14, 1994, the Hungarian Shepherd Dog belongs to the group of herding and herding dogs.
The head width is average. The skull is longer than the muzzle, its length is 60% of the length of the head. Well-developed ocular arches, the part of the skull between the cheekbones seems very wide. A pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle.
Very wide muzzle. The eyes are round, the eyelids are tight-fitting, the eye color is dark brown. The nose is black, its back is straight. Lips are black. Teeth close to lips, scissor bite. The ears hang from the base and are approximately half the length of the entire head.
The Komondor has a long body. The withers are clearly defined in front and long. The back is short and straight, the chest is very well defined. Its anterior part is wide, the depth of the sternum is average.
The croup is sloping, of medium length and quite wide. The tail hangs down and the tail is set low.
The limbs of representatives of this breed are strong and massive. The hind legs are longer than the front legs.
The special pride of the breed is its wool. It is braided into strands and consists of a delicate soft undercoat and coarse, hard outer hair. The maximum length of hair on the lower back is from 22 to 27 cm. The shortest is in the area of the lips and lower limbs, from 9 to 11 cm.
The minimum height of a male dog is 70 cm, weight is from 50 to 60 kg. White Hungarian Shepherd females are shorter and lighter. the lower limit of height is 65 cm, weight - 35 kg.
Description of the appearance of the Hungarian Vizsla
Hungarian Vizslas are dogs of medium height. They have a graceful athletic build, long legs, a gracefully arched neck, and an intelligent look. They immediately attract attention with their graceful aristocratic appearance.
The standard height of a Vizsla at the withers is no more than 66 cm for males and up to 61 cm for females. The physique is harmonious. The dog's weight is 25-27 kg, females are a little more graceful.
Head
The head is medium in size, dry, with clear outlines. The skull is moderately wide and convex. The occipital protuberance and brow ridges are slightly pronounced. The muzzle is long, rectangular, not pointed. The forehead is wide, the stop is smooth.
The bridge of the nose is straight, the lobe is wide and mobile. Painted brown. The jaws are strong, well muscled and have a scissor bite. The lips are fleshy, tightly fitting, and do not droop.
The Hungarian Vizsla has medium-sized, oval eyes. Set wide, slightly slanting. Color – any shade of brown, preferably dark. The look is smart and lively. The ears are thin, soft, V-shaped with rounded tips, wide at the base. Set low, slightly behind. When at rest, they hang down and lie close to the cheeks.
Frame
The neck is of medium length, muscular, with a pronounced scruff. The physique is graceful and harmonious. The chest is wide, deep, and the underline is slightly tucked up. The back is straight, the lower back is convex.
The tail is set low and tapers towards the tip. The length reaches the hock joints. Can be straight or saber-shaped. When moving, the dog carries it parallel to the ground and does not throw it over its back. In those countries where this is not prohibited, it is docked at ¼ length.
Limbs
The limbs are long, graceful, but muscular, with strong bones. The front ones are straight, set parallel, close to each other under the body. The shoulders are long, the pasterns are sloping. The hind limbs are stronger. The thighs are long, the hock joints are low and well defined.
The paws are arched, the toes are tightly packed. The claws are brown and short. The Hungarian Vizsla moves gracefully. Trots or gallops, easily changes direction. When moving, maintain a proud posture and a straight back.
Coat and color
The coat is thick and short, shiny, close to the body, there is no undercoat. On the body the fur is coarser, on the head it is soft and fine. The wire-haired Hungarian Pointer has an undercoat, the coat looks tousled, and the length of the guard hair is up to 5 cm.
Vizslas can be any shade of red. It is reddish-golden, wheat, sand. Light shades are undesirable. The shade is uniform, without spots. The ears may be slightly darker. A small (up to 5 cm) white mark on the throat is allowed.
Photos complement the description of the appearance:
Disqualifying Faults
Any deviations from the Hungarian Pointer standard will result in the dog being disqualified. The most common disadvantages include:
- yellow or chestnut coat color;
- presence of spots on the body;
- black or partially pigmented lobe;
- malocclusion;
- dewclaws;
- drooping eyelids, jowls or dewlap on the neck.
Similar breeds
The Hungarian pointer is not very popular in our country. It is often confused with other hunting breeds. Most of all, she is similar in appearance to the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Weimaraner. The Ridgeback is a hound; it is a larger and more muscular dog than the Vizsla. A characteristic feature is a ridge along the spine. The Weimaraner is also a pointing dog. Outwardly, they are very similar to the Vizsla, but the Weimaraner has a gray coat.
Weimaraner and Vizsla photo:
Character
The Hungarian Shepherd Shepherd is a very independent and cunning animal. There are legends about the “Hungarian’s” devotion, but before he shows it to his owner, the latter will have to work hard. The Komondor is one of those dogs that needs a strong and balanced owner. The dog must understand that the person is a leader for it. Otherwise, this animal will not respect the owner and refuse to obey him. And this will lead to sad consequences.
The breed has the ability to make decisions independently. Therefore, if the pet thinks that his family is in danger, he will immediately rush into battle. Moreover, he will do this without warning the enemy, attacking decisively and with lightning speed. Given this feature, the Komondor owner needs to ensure that the pet unconditionally follows commands.
For a child - a member of their family - representatives of this breed can become excellent nannies. As for strangers in the territory of the Komondor, a stranger will be able to enter. There will be significant problems with the exit. “Hungarians” recognize only members of their own family; they are very distrustful of others. Over time, they can get used to family friends, recognize them and do not create obstacles when leaving the house. They behave politely but with dignity. They can stop an attempt to stroke themselves very sharply and peremptorily. Therefore, even the closest friends of the family in which such a colorful shepherd lives, should not reach out to her.
History of origin
For a long time, the shepherd helped shepherds from the Magyars tribe (the original name of the Hungarian people). The unusual appearance of the dog made it possible to blend in with the sheep herd, so when a predator approached, the factor of surprise was used.
IMPORTANT! The first mention of the breed was found in the royal code of laws found by archaeologists on the territory of Ancient Babylon. Dog handlers believe that the breed originated from matings between wild wolves and other shepherd breeds.
In the 44th year of the 16th century, the shepherd dog from Hungary received the official name - commander, and the first international standard was established in the 20th year of the 20th century.
Interesting Facts
- The Hungarian Shepherd is a dog for experienced people. A novice dog breeder should not acquire this beautiful, but difficult to train breed.
- One of the oldest nurseries specializing in breeding Komondors is located in Hungary. KARCAGPUSZTAI - that's what it's called. The founder and first owner of the kennel gave the world many healthy, strong and balanced representatives of the breed. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1995, and now his daughter runs the nursery.
- Komondor fur grows throughout its life. By the age of the dog, the weight of the hair is about 7 kg, and the number of cords is 2000 pieces.
- Due to its unique hair and excellent guard qualities, the Komondor is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
- The lifespan of this dog is 12-13 years.
- The Komondor is a king among shepherds. This characteristic is given to the breed by the famous Czech teacher Jan Amos Komensky.
- The Hungarian dog also appeared in the famous cartoon “Little Fox Vuk”. The “cartoon” dog has no harnesses, but even cunning foxes speak interestingly about his devotion.
- And another representative of the breed can be seen in a cartoon version. “Horns and Hooves,” released in 2006, is a cartoon about how animals live on a farm. And there is shown an absolutely charming white dog, whose fur is intertwined in many cords. The white dog is not only beautiful, she also knows how to play the double bass, especially for cow discos.
- Hungarian Shepherd puppies are born with completely white, short hair. Tourniquets appear at the age of 1.5-2 years.
Key points in training
Komondors are an easy to train breed, but a beginner may find their willful nature difficult to cope with. Shepherd dogs tend to make independent decisions; complete obedience is possible only if the dog recognizes the absolute authority of the owner. The main work of education is aimed at this. You can resort to the help of experienced dog handlers.
The puppy is accustomed to a place to sleep, a name, a collar and leash, time for walking and feeding . Small Komondors are very playful, but become more serious as they age. Therefore, only early training can interest these dogs.
Read about how to properly train a dog in the article: “Training a puppy: effective methods from dog handlers, learning commands at home.”
It is important to socialize the shepherd so that it can get used to the people and pets around it and does not show spontaneous aggression.
Pet socialization
The Hungarian Commander Shepherd is one of those breeds that require socialization. And the sooner this is done, the better. A socialized pet will not react harshly to other animals. In addition, early socialization is a guarantee that the family pet will be more loyal to strangers and will not perceive them as negatively as a poorly socialized dog does.
Vizsla
The most popular of the nine Hungarian dog breeds, you may recognize the Vizsla without even realizing that it comes from Hungary.
Originally bred to be a capable hunting companion, the Vizsla has an athletic build and an instinctive penchant for pointing and searching.
These dogs have been around for centuries; The early Magyar clans of Hungary are credited with developing the breed. These dogs are very energetic and do best in an active home.
Animal training
Throughout the life of a Hungarian Shepherd, its owner is forbidden to relax and allow the pet to “sit on his neck” even in small things. The Komondor requires constant proof that the owner is the “leader of the pack.” Experienced breeders and breed lovers testify that their pets are wonderful creatures and wonderful companions. But not for everyone. A dog, due to its willfulness, requires certain training skills. Training must be carried out in a playful way. By their mentality, Komondors are real “child prodigies.” They quickly grasp everything that is taught to them. But if training follows the same pattern day after day, a smart dog will quickly get tired of it. And he will refuse to obey. Ideally, the training course should be handled by a professional. This breed is very complex.
Pros and cons of the breed
The main advantages of the Komondor:
- Reliable security guard.
- Fearless watchman.
- Extremely devoted to the owner if full contact is established.
- Loves children.
- Smart and intellectual.
- The dog's main activity occurs in the evening.
- Independent, able to analyze the environment and make decisions.
Disadvantages of the breed:
- Excessive aggressiveness towards strangers makes the Hungarian Shepherd unsuitable for living in urban environments.
- Extremely mobile, the dog is able to control the situation 24 hours a day.
- The pet needs long walks.
- The dog is stubborn, its location must be won.
- Representatives of the breed love to defend their right to leadership. If the Komondor manages to do this, the authority of the owner is forever lost.
- Requires constant grooming.
Important! For protection, it is better to get a male; a female will fit perfectly into a family with children.
Disadvantages of the breed
The Hungarian Shepherd dog breed has a number of disadvantages. More precisely, these are advantages turned into dangerous character defects by incompetent owners.
- Aggression. If you do not socialize your pet in time, it will regularly behave aggressively towards strangers.
- The pet must not be let off the leash. At least in the city limits, where people and animals walk. And given the size of the representatives of this breed, it is not so easy to keep a poorly trained dog on a leash.
- Pronounced security qualities. On the one hand, this is a significant plus. You don't have to worry about your property. But on the other hand... If the Hungarian Komondor Shepherd sees that another dog or feline has wandered into his area, the latter is unlucky; the owner of the territory will attack with lightning speed. And they kill quickly, clearly, without warning.
Other meanings of this word:
Random riddle:
Only she always knows exactly where her husband is. Who is she?
Random joke:
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Did you know?
Strokes and heart attacks occur more often in men due to the greater density of their blood. Each drop of a man's blood contains one million more blood cells than a woman's.
Maintenance and care
Thick coat is not only the advantage of the breed, but also the main problem. The fact is that caring for her is very labor-intensive. The coat should not be combed, otherwise the strands risk turning into a thick cloud, and the Komondor will lose all its charm. However, your dog's hair needs to be monitored regularly. Experienced owners of representatives of this breed advise separating the strands with their hands. How often should I do this? At least once a month.
Cords (or harnesses) are an excellent breeding ground for fleas and dirt. Therefore, the animal requires periodic bathing. Washing the Hungarian Shaggy Shepherd is not easy. It takes about two hours to wet your pet. And it will take much longer to wash off all the dirt. And the pet takes a long time to dry, about three days.
Many owners prefer to trim the wool, especially in the spring. Because caring for her is too difficult. And this deprives the dog of natural protection from bad weather and a beautiful exterior.
It is necessary to regularly check the Hungarian's ears and clean them if necessary. Under thick and dense hair, it is not noticeable how dirt begins to accumulate in the ears. This can lead to ear infections and other infections.
The Komondor is not very suitable for apartment living. Firstly, this is a very large dog, and it needs constant physical activity. Few people can afford to walk their beloved pet for four hours a day. Secondly, due to its watchdog qualities, the dog will not put up with regular guests in the house. Thirdly, such a dog needs a lot of space in the apartment. Other owners who keep Komondors in a private home allocate an entire room to their smaller brothers.
Komondor coat care
The thick coat of Hungarian Shepherds forms so-called cords - strips of guard hair and soft undercoat. Sometimes it is necessary to separate the fur by hand (it is not possible to use a comb). For teenage dogs, the procedure may be performed more often than for adults.
The problem associated with having such a chic “fur coat” is that in spring and summer dogs can easily pick up ticks in the thick grass, so they need regular inspection after every walk, and it is also advisable to purchase special anti-tick collars for them.
Komondors shed twice a year . They shed a little hair and do not cause much trouble in this regard.
After bathing, wet wool has virtually no odor , which is another “plus” in favor of these animals. However, it will take a long time to dry, perhaps several days, so you should once again not walk with your pet in heavy rain and carry out water procedures on warm summer days, when the likelihood of catching a cold is reduced.
It should be noted that most often Hungarian Shepherds look as if they need more careful grooming. But this is completely normal, and a slightly matted coat should look like this.
Komondor food
Hungarian Shepherd puppies eat up to 5 times a day. Teenagers should be fed 3 times a day. An adult dog is taught to eat two meals a day.
It is important not to mix dry food and natural food. You should give preference to one thing. When it comes to dry food, it is advisable to offer your dog holistic or super-premium food. As for “natural” food, the emphasis is on meat and cereals. In addition, the dog must be given eggs, boiled vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. Dry food will become a more balanced food.
Komondors eat little. About 1.5-2 kg of food per day.
Puppies
Depending on a number of factors, the price of a Komondor puppy starts from a thousand dollars. What complicates the situation is that trusted breeders can be counted on the fingers of one hand. At an early age, a Hungarian Komondor puppy is virtually indistinguishable from a South Russian Shepherd Dog and a Royal Poodle. This frees up the hands of all sorts of swindlers.
You should not buy a Commander puppy from resellers who have posted an ad on Avito or a similar resource. Pets should be purchased from a trusted nursery or from a breeder with a good reputation.
Diseases
The Hungarian Shepherd dog has almost excellent health. But it also has its weaknesses:
- Beard. It can become a breeding ground for pathogens. The tourniquets do not dry out after meals or after the dog has drunk water. And moisture and food debris are an ideal place for germs to live. In addition, during the hot season, the fur on the chin is moistened by the animal’s breathing. Therefore, the beard must be thoroughly dried after meals and water.
- Ears. Due to the dense coat, the owner may not notice that the pet has an ear infection or has caught a tick. The ears need daily inspection and cleansing as needed.
- During the period of rapid maturation, the puppy’s paws are subject to deformation. To avoid this, a young dog should be walked at a brisk pace and trotted. In addition, it is strongly recommended not to go down stairs with your pet unless necessary. But regular uphill climbs are welcome.
Vaccinations and susceptibility to disease
Monovalent and polyvalent vaccines are suitable for the Komondor breed.
Breeders recommend following this scheme:
The Komondor's health is good and its immunity is quite strong. There are genetic predispositions to dysplasia, entropy, bloating and volvulus, and joint deformation.
The source of infection can be a dog's thick beard, in which bacteria and parasites can multiply, so it is recommended to wipe the face dry after each feeding.
Is Puli a Komondor?
Often these two breeds are confused, considered exactly the same. This is a common misconception. The Puli and the Hungarian Shepherd are very similar. But these are two different breeds, although they belong to the same class. In addition, only white Komondor colors are allowed. Bullets are white, gray and black. The weight categories also differ. If one of the “Hungarians” is a giant among dogs, then the second barely reaches 40 cm at the withers with a maximum weight of 15 kg.
The price also varies: the Komondor or Hungarian Shepherd is an order of magnitude more expensive than its miniature “brother.”
Basic pros and cons
Pros:
- excellent security guard;
- strength and endurance;
- excellent herding qualities;
- calm temperament, good nature;
- treat children well;
- easy to train;
- devotion to the owner and family.
Minuses:
- difficult coat care;
- desire to dominate;
- suspicious attitude towards strangers (this can also be considered a plus).
The Komondor is an original breed with its own peculiarity in the form of an unusual coat. It has its merits, and if the future owner is willing to devote a lot of time to raising, training the dog and caring for its unique coat, he may think about purchasing a puppy.
Where to buy a Komondor?
How much does a Hungarian Shepherd cost? Can it be purchased in Russia? Are there nurseries in Moscow? Those who decide to buy a representative of this ancient and beautiful breed begin to think about these questions.
Yes, there are nurseries in Russia. And in Moscow too.
- "Krishta." The most famous nursery in Moscow. It started in 1996. All the dogs in the kennel have a stunning exterior and a strong, balanced psyche. Most of them are the best representatives of the breed, multiple winners of specialty shows and holders of numerous titles.
- "Leyu." The nursery specializes in breeding Komondors, Alaskan Malamutes and Schipperkes. The owner of the kennel is a student of the great Mazower and has been working in the field of cynology since 1970.
And the answer to the most important question: what is the price of a Hungarian Shepherd? An elite puppy can cost up to 200 thousand rubles. If you purchase a pet-level puppy (for the home), its price starts from 35 thousand rubles.
How to buy a Hungarian Vizsla puppy
To purchase a purebred Hungarian pointer, you need to contact a professional breeder. It is best to buy a puppy from a kennel. This is a guarantee of the dogs' health and balanced character. It is recommended to check the pedigrees of the parents, there should be metrics of the puppies, results of genetic tests. In Moscow, purebred dogs of this breed cost 10-40 thousand rubles.
When choosing a Vizsla puppy, you need to pay attention to the breed characteristics and health. The baby should be well-fed, active, and curious. He has smooth, shiny red fur, no ulcers on the skin or bald spots, discharge from the eyes, or an unpleasant odor.
The photo shows what the puppies should look like:
The video complements the description of dogs of this breed:
Video: This breed is the Hungarian Vizsla
Video: Hungarian Vizsla. Pros and cons, price, how to choose, facts, care, history
Video: Hungarian Pointer (Vizsla) - a film about the breed
The Vizsla is an intelligent, loyal and calm dog. She is friendly and cheerful. This is an excellent companion for an active person. If you pay enough attention to her, she will become your best friend and will not let you get bored.
