El Komondor is an animal that belongs to the so-called giant breeds. This type of dog is known as the mop dog, due to its particular type of fur, which forms into dreadlocks when it is adult, creating knots that are similar to mops. It is not a really well-known and popular breed, but it is very peculiar and striking.
Let's get to know a little more about type of dogs that are the Komondor, with his physical characteristics and with his character. In addition, we can learn a little more about this interesting breed and how to take care of it to enjoy its company.
Komondor history
This dog is originally from Hungary, although the time when he arrived in this country is not known for sure. The dogs became really popular as livestock and guard dogs on Hungarian farms. It is said that they could arrive around the year 900 with the Magyar tribes of Prince Arpad, or that they could arrive with the Mongols around the XNUMXth century. Apparently during World War II the German soldiers came to kill some of these dogs so that the Hungarian shepherds would surrender, since the dogs protected them and guarded their houses. Today it is together with the puli and the mudi one of the most popular breeds in Hungary.
Dog characteristics
El Komondor can reach 65 cm in height in females to 90 cm in males. Its weight can reach 80 kilos and that is why it is considered a giant breed. It is a very heavy animal, that has strength and muscles, so it is a dog that cannot be had anywhere, especially on floors.
One of the most striking characteristics that this dog has is its coat, since it has a hair normally in a really peculiar white color. When it is a puppy, the dog has curly-looking hair, which changes over time. As it becomes an adult, these curls grow into dreadlocks that grow much longer, and can reach a length of 25 cm. This coat takes a long time to grow, as it reaches its maximum splendor at six years of age. It is made up of two layers, a thin acting layer that helps as a thermal insulator and an external one. When both are put together, these striking dreadlocks are achieved.
Komondor character
El Komondor is a calm and patient dog, who usually has a good mood. That is why many people choose it as the perfect family dog. However, it is a herding dog that has been used for work since the beginning. This makes it an intelligent dog with its own criteria and that tends to protect its family and its loved ones above all else. That is why with this dog you have to be careful when introducing him to other dogs. You can also become fierce with strangers if you really think your family or territory is in danger. These characteristics make it perfect to be a guard dog, as it has been used since its inception.
If the situation is normal, these dogs are characterized by being calm and good. We will see that they are excellent dogs to take care of children and be with the elderly. They have a great character but you always have to educate them to be delicate with children and adults, since due to their great strength they can unintentionally do harm. When it comes to learning, they can be somewhat stubborn, so we must be patient with them.
The Komondor dogs need to be free and have room to run and enjoy. It is a breed that has been raised in open spaces, on farms, and grazing. This has made the dogs very active and need to do sports on a daily basis, as they are used to it. They are strong dogs that like to run and live much better if we have a large garden in which they can be. In addition, thanks to their fur they tend to have resistance to cold, hence they can be outside even during winter.
Dog health
This dog is a strong breed, which has been bred as a working dog on farms. However, it can have problems that are typical of giant breeds. The hip dysplasia is commonHence, we have to attend to any problem of the dog when walking. On the other hand, gastric torsion is also common, so we must feed the dog in small amounts throughout the day.
In this dog some skin problems like dermatitis and irritations. That is why we must untangle its fur and be careful with it, so that this type of thing does not occur.
Animal care
This dog you need to do physical exercise to be in better condition. They are dogs that have to walk or have free space, since in small spaces such as floors they may end up being unbalanced dogs, having to spend their energy breaking things. It is an animal that really needs care in this regard. Ideally, we have a large farm for them.
As for its fur, it is somewhat surprising, but it really does not have to be combed. It is a hair that stays and does not fall, so we do not have to comb it. What to do is try to fix the hair with your fingers, so that it does not get tangled anymore. Be careful with parasites and spikes, as they can get tangled in the fur. This hair does not stop growing and therefore you have to take it to the dog groomer from time to time. Bathing it is difficult due to the fact that it will take a long time to dry the hair, so it is always better to use the dog groomer.
Why have a Komondor
These dogs have good characteristics when it comes to become animals for a whole family. However, they are not suitable dogs for everyone. We must take into account the exercise they must do daily to stay in shape. It is also important to know how to take care of that peculiar fur in the form of dreadlocks. This dog is affectionate with his family, but very defensive with strangers, being perfect to keep a home, but we must give him discipline and education so that he is not a fierce dog with strange people. So taking into account all this we must assess if it really is a suitable dog for us based on these characteristics.