Komondor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Komondor | ||
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| Alternative names | ||
| Hungarian Komondor Hungarian Sheepdog |
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| Country of origin | ||
| Hungary | ||
| Classification and breed standards | ||
| FCI: | Group 1 Section 1 #53 | Stds |
| AKC: | Working | Stds |
| ANKC: | Group 5 (Working Dogs) | Stds |
| CKC: | Group 3 - Working Dogs | Stds |
| KC (UK): | Pastoral | Stds |
| NZKC: | Working | Stds |
| UKC: | Guardian Dogs | Stds |
The Komondor is a livestock guardian dog breed originally from Hungary. The plural is Komondorok
Contents |
[edit] Appearance
Females are 27 in/69 cm at the withers. Male Komondorok are a minimum of 27 inches at the withers, but many are over 30 inches tall, making this one of the larger common breeds of dog. The body is not overly coarse or heavy, however, and people unfamiliar with the breed are often surprised by how quick and agile the dogs are.
[edit] Coat
Its long, thick, uniquely and strikingly corded white coat (the heaviest amount of fur in the canine world) resembles dreadlocks or a mop. The puppy coat is soft and fluffy. However, the coat is wavy and tends to curl as the puppy matures. A fully mature coat is formed naturally from the soft undercoat and the coarser outer coat combining to form tassels, or cords. These cords are formed naturally as a result of the soft, wavy undercoat intertwining with the coarser outer coat. The length of the cords increases with time, as the coat grows. Shedding is very minimal with this breed, contrary to what one might think. The only substantial shedding occurs as a puppy before the dreadlocks form. The Komondor is born only with a white coat, unlike the Puli, which is usually white or black, or sometimes grayish. However, a working Komondor's coat may be discolored by the elements, and may appear less than white if not washed regularly.
[edit] History
The origin of the Komondor is debated. Some believe the Komondors were a dog of the Magyars (originally migrating from Siberia) and while others believe it to be a dog of the Sumerians (originally migrating from Mesopotamia). According to the most probable explanation, komondors were brought to Hungary by Cumans the turkic speaking nomad people moved settled in Hungary during the 12-13th century. The name "quman-dur" means "belonging to the Cumans" or "the dog of the Cumans," thus distinguishing it from a similar Hungarian sheepdog which breed later merged with the Komondor.
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 Ovtcharka. The dreadlock coat must have developed under a dry and extreme temperature climate as provides superb protection against cold but also hot weather while it 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 is the trademark of the breed.
The Komondor is a rare breed even inside its country of origin, Hungary. Many Komondorok were killed during World War II, and local stories say that this is due to the fact that when the Nazis (and then the Russians) invaded, before they could take over a farm or house with a resident Komondor they had to kill the dog.
[edit] Temperament
Komondor temperament is like that of all livestock guarding dogs: calm and steady when things are normal. In cases of trouble, the dog will leap to defend its charges. It was bred to think for itself and is usually intelligent. It is extremely affectionate with its family and friends and gentle with the children of the family. Although wary of strangers, it will nonetheless accept them when it is clear that no harm is meant. It is very protective of its family, home and possessions. It will instinctively guard them without any training. Once you are a "member of the pack," you are always a "member of the pack." An athletic dog, the Komondor has great speed and power and will leap toward a predator to drive it away or to knock it down.
Because of the Komondor's size, power, and speed, its owner must have it under control. Obedience training is a must, preferably starting at an early age (4 - 8 months). Komondors are usually intelligent and take well to training if started early. Komondors 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. Socialization is also 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. Again, puppy training is strongly recommended for all Komondors.
Given the proper environment and care, a Komondor is a responsible, loving dog. They are devoted and calm without being sluggish. As in any breed, there is quite a range of personalities, so your needs should be outlined clearly to your breeder. An experienced breeder can try to identify that personality which would be happier as an independent livestock dog, or that which wants more to please and would make a good obedience dog or family pet. Adolescence can be marked by changes in a Komondor's temperament, eating habits, trainability and general attitude. Many Komondors are "late bloomers", not fully mature until nearly three years of age.
[edit] Health
Komondorok do not suffer many heredity problems. Perhaps because the breed has descended from centuries of hardy working stock, Komondorok have few genetically linked problems. In particular, there is no evidence of the retinal eye problems found in other breeds, nor is there dwarfism or hereditary blood disorders.
[edit] Hip dysplasia
As in all large breeds (and some small ones) there is some hip dysplasia, though the incidence is about 10% of all radiographs submitted, according to statistical studies of the OFA. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), an organization affiliated with the University of Missouri, reads hip x-rays and rates them against other x-rays of the same breed at the same age. Actual certification that a dog is free of hip dysplasia cannot take place until the dog is over the age of two years. All breeders in the United States who are affiliated with the Komondor Club of America should be in compliance with the Code of Ethics which requires that their breeding stock be x-rayed and certified free of hip dysplasia by the OFA. However, even two parents certified clear of hip dysplasia can produce dysplastic offspring. Often it will be years before this condition is noticed.
[edit] Eyes
One eye disorder which is found in the breed is entropion, which is indicated by the curling inwards of either the upper or lower eyelid. This lid deformity causes the lashes to rub against the cornea causing lacerations and infections of the eye. It can be corrected by surgery, but after such surgery, the dog cannot be shown and any dog with this problem should not be bred since it is genetic in nature. Another genetic eye problem that has recently been documented in the breed is juvenile cataracts. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation, CERF, located at Purdue University, evaluates eye exams and assigns a CERF number if the dog's eyes are free of genetic problems.
[edit] Bloat
There is some indication of "bloat", (gastric diliation-torsion syndrome), a life threatening condition is genetic, but the incidence of bloat is no greater than with any other large breeds. This condition is marked by acute distress, and emergency measures should be taken immediately. If not treated immediately complications, both neurological and circulatory, can result in death. Surgical correction of the problem is available and has been successful in many cases.
[edit] Parasites
External parasites can be a problem due to the heavy coat. As with any long-haired dog, a skin check should be part of a regular grooming routine. If fleas or ticks are found, aggressive measures are in order. Shampoos and powders work well, but great care should be observed as it is easy to miss a spot where the fleas can hide. Owners should check anti-flea and tick preparations carefully as Komondorok can be extremely sensitive to some of these products. It is recommended to spot-test the coat before dipping as some flea dips have been known to discolor the white coat. Flea collars too can discolor the hair beneath them, so look for a white or transparent one.
[edit] Ears
Ear care should be routine also. Since Komondorok have ears which hang down preventing air circulation, it is especially necessary to keep them clean and hair-free. Some ear canals are motr hairy than others, but commercial powders, cleansing fluids, and plucking can greatly reduce the infections.
[edit] Feet
Thick hair grows between the pads of the feet which also requires maintenance. This hair can pick up burrs, or, when wet, becomes a source of irritation and infection. For the health and comfort of the dog, this hair should be cut out with an electric clipper or scissors to keep mats from forming between the foot pads.
[edit] Vaccinations
As in all breeds one should be careful that Komondorok have the proper vaccines against rabies, distemper, canine parvovirus, etc. Dogs should also be checked periodically for worms and other internal parasites. Like all stock guard dogs Komondorok are usually extremely sensitive to anesthetics. These drugs should always be administered to effect, never by weight.
[edit] Miscellaneous
[edit] External links
[edit] Breed clubs
| Hungarian dog breeds | |
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| Hungarian Vizsla | Komondor | Kuvasz | Magyar Agar | Mudi | Puli | Pumi | Transylvanian Hound | |
