The Komondor is a large white colored Hungarian breed of livestock guardian dog with a long, corded coat. The Komondor is an old-established powerful dog breed which has a natural guardian instinct to guard livestock and any kinds of proprieties. The Komondor was mentioned for the first time in 1544 in a Hungarian codex. The Komondor breed has been declared one of Hungary’s national treasures, to be preserved and protected from modification

History

The origin of the Komondor is debated. Some believe the Komondor were a dog of the Magyars, while others believe it to be a dog of the Sumerians. According to the most probable explanation, Komondors were brought to Hungary by Cumans, the Turkish speaking, nomadic people who settled Hungary during the 12th and 13th century. The name "quman-dur" means "belonging to the Cumans" or "the dog of the Cumans," distinguishing it from a similar Hungarian sheepdog breed which later merged with the Komondor. The name Komondor is found for the first time written in 1544 in the History of King Astiagis by Kákonyi Péter, in Hungarian. Later in 1673 Amos Comenius mentions the Komondor in one of his works. The unique dreadlock appearance gives a hint of common origin with the Puli and the Bergamasco. There might also be a link between the Komondor and the big, white Russian livestock dogs, the South Russian Ovcharka. The dreadlock coat must have developed under a dry and extreme temperature climate as it provides superb protection against cold and hot weather, but is not too comfortable in wet weather. The Komondor is built for livestock guarding. It is big, strong, and armored with a thick coat. The coat provides protection against wild animals and the weather and vegetation, the coat of the dog looks similar to that of a sheep so it can easily blend into a flock and camouflage itself giving it an advantage when predators such as wolves attack. The coat is the trademark of the breed. Today the Komondor is a fairly common breed in Hungary, its country of origin. Many Komondors were killed during World War II and local stories say that this is because when the Germans (and then the Russians) invaded, they had to kill the dog before they could capture a farm or house that it guarded. Finally, in the 1930s, the Komondor stepped onto U.S. soil. Some farmers in the United States still use Komondorok to guard herds, but most are companion animals.

Appearance and Size

The white, corded hair coat of the Komondor is unique, often described as having dreadlocks. The cords feel like felt and resemble a mop head. As puppies, they have fluffy, curly hair. The skin underneath is pigmented gray. Komondorok have stout, strong body structures. Their muscular jaws and white teeth make quick prey of any trespasser. Komondorok range in weight from 80 to 135 pounds. At the shoulder, they can measure from 26.5 to 35.5 inches.

Personality

These dogs have an intensely strong guarding ability. They are intelligent, independent, and strong willed. They tend to be reserved with strangers, viewing their family as a flock that needs protecting. Komondorok are instinctively territorial and should be watched carefully around guests. Komondorok are loyal and loving to their family, and require very little exercise. They can be noisy, and are always on the alert for prowlers.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Komondor" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.