Komondor

The largest and most unique of the Hungarian guarding breeds, the ancestors of the Komondor probably accompanied the Magyar tribe from the East when they settled in Europe over 1,000 years ago. The breed’s name was first used almost 500 years ago, although it was not until 1910 that the Komondor was firmly established as a modern breed. While its coat is now admired for its unusual appearance, it evolved for practical reasons, for protection from the elements and from the teeth and claws of wolves and bears as it protected its flock. The Komondor’s guarding abilities led to its establishment in North America to protect sheep from Coyote predation. Pups are raised with sheep, move pasture with the flock, and, as adults, are even shorn when the flock is shorn. So effective is the breed at thwarting Coyote attacks on sheep, some ranches in British Columbia have eliminated livestock loss. The coat of the working Komondor is thick and protective, but it does not develop into a show-quality coat as illustrated here. This protective breed needs careful obedience training, but with early socializing, it makes a reasonable, if sometimes musty-odoured, companion.

While this magnificently corded coat is wonderful to behold, it can create problems for the owner and also for the dog. Outdoors it acts like a magnet, picking up twigs, leaves, debris, and even insects. A wet coat can take almost a day to completely dry out. Komondors should only be bathed when medically necessary, and then thoroughly dried using a hand-held drier.