KOMONDOR
APPEARANCE
The Komondor is a mature and imposing dog, easily recognizable for its unusual white cord coat. The head is large, with elongated triangle ears. Eyes are almond shaped, medium sized and dark brown in color. He has a high maintenance, double coat, and this covers his whole body and his head. The coloring of the Komondor is white. The Komondor weighs in at 80-130 pounds, and the height of these dogs reaches around 25-30 inches.
PERSONALITY
The Komondor’s temperament is like that of most livestock guarding dogs;it is calm and steady when things are normal. In cases of trouble, the dog will fearlessly defend its charges. It was bred to think and act independently and make decisions on his own. It is affectionate with its family, and gentle with the children and friends of the family. Although wary of strangers, can accept them when it is clear that no harm is meant,[8] but is instinctively very protective of its family, home and possessions.
TRAINING
Komondors generally take well to training if started early. A Komondor can become obstinate when bored, so it is imperative that training sessions be upbeat and happy. Praise is a must, as are consistent and humane corrections. Once a Komondor gets away with unfriendly or hostile behavior, it will always think such behavior is appropriate. Therefore, consistent corrections even with a young puppy are necessary to ensure a well-adjusted adult.
EXERCISE
The Komondor is not recommended for apartment life or city life. He does best in a country type environment. However, will do well in a home if given regular opportunities to run in a fenced yard. Komondors can also be very lazy, making exercise mainly his responsibility.
SOCIALIZATION
Socialization is extremely important. The Komondor should be exposed to new situations, people and other dogs as a puppy. Because it is a natural guard dog, a Komondor that is not properly socialized may react in an excessively aggressive manner when confronted with a new situation or person.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Apartment life is not the best condition for the Komondor . It is an active dog and a large yard will make it happy. Keeping it leashed can also make it destructive. Warm and humid weather conditions are also not ideal for this thickly coated dog. Plenty of water and shade are vital provisions.
GROOMING
When it comes to grooming the Komondor demands a great deal of time and attention to detail, and maintenance of his corded coat can take a lot of dedication. The cords need to be separated at several week intervals, and without regular clipping or trimming can reach the ground by the time he is six years of age. On the positive side, this breed is a low shedder and may be well suited to those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
The Komondor has a life expectancy of around 12 years. Like other large breeds, the Komondor is vulnerable to includes bloat, HD, entropion, cataracts, sensitivity to drugs and chemicals, and low metabolism.
HISTORY
The Komondor
, which also goes by the name Komondor Sheepdog and Hungarian Sheepdog, is one sheepdog indeed. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1937.
