Breed: Komondor (the Hungarian Sheepdog) is an ancient breed, that has about 1,000 years of history. The origin of this dog remains a mystery until now, although various sources agree that the first Komondor appeared in the Don and the Black Sea, but later some of the tribes have been evicted by the Golden Horde in the Hungarian Highlands. There the Hungarian Sheepdog began his career as a fearless guardian of the flocks. Hungarians used this animals for many years, and the original character of the dog did not require any changes. Therefore, in the course of many centuries the blood of Komondor was clean and free from impurities from the other herding breeds. The nature, health and appearance of this wonderful dogs did not change over the centuries.

At the beginning of the XX century the Komondor began his official life: the breed was recognized in all canine organizations of the world, the breed standard became unified, it was verified to the last detail. But by the middle of the century (during the World War II) the Hungarian Sheepdogs were on the verge of extinction. Since this dogs had the unique working qualities, their use at the front only increased and their population decreased greatly. The "parents" of this breed - the Hungarians - did not want to lose, "the King of Shepherds" and after the 50th they actively engaged in breeding. To the present day the breed is fully restored. And we must note the great contribution of American breeders who were breeding the Hungarian Sheepdog in the same time. Komondor came to the U.S. in the 1900s and received there a wide popularity.

In Russia, the first single Komondor appeared in the 1950s. In the 1970s a few dogs have been registered at the shows. The first litters of dogs appeared in the 1991 official history of the breed in Russia started from that moment. Returning to the history of the world Komondor, we can say that there are two types of dogs: the Hungarian and American. But over the last decade of the breed in Russia breeders have been able to achieve excellent progress and form their own type, which is recognized and approved worldwide.

Name of the breed is causing controversy, so there are many options for decoding the name. Some cynologists believe that "komondor" is derived from the French "commondeur" or Italian "cane commodore", which means "king dog".

A few years ago the Hungarian Sheepdog had another name - "Komondorok". But many breeders felt that this form of words is hard to perceive by ear and took the name of a single dog - "Komondor".

General Features: Komondor is ?? very large, muscular dog with a proud independent gait, the embodiment of heroic strength. The whole body of this dog is covered with the long cords of wool - to the touch it is like felt. Length of hair may reach 20 - 27 cm, coat is always white. Komondor can not be combed. His wool twists itself into cords, this procedure is very slow: a full length those cords will reach only after 2 years. Undercoat is soft and fluffy. Eyes are dark brown. Ears are hanging, in the shape of the letter U. Komondor has a large head, massive body, straight back, deep chest, strong well-developed skeleton. Also a very strong jaws with scissors bite.

Temperament: Komondor is often called "a multi-purpose" dog. This four-legged athletes do an excellent job with any "dog" work, they are suitable for a country house, but they can also live in a city apartment. However, please note that you should not put Komondor on the circuit - this is a burden to any dog, especially to this white giant with his pride, his unique intelligence, his mind and innate sense of dignity - Komondor will take it as an insult.

It is difficult to pass beside the Komondor in the street without paying attention to him - the power and strength are combined in this dog with the grace and nobility. Well, and his famous corded coat is just beautiful!

The Komondor living in the city apartment does not cause too much trouble. The owners of these dogs are saved from fur on clothing and carpets, as Komondor, if properly cared for, do not shed. In addition, they have one more unquestionable advantage for the apartment life - Komondor's has virtually no odor even after bathing or rain, and needs no pruning, no combing and no trimming! Joan Palmer in her book, "Your Dog" very well compared the corded Komondor coat with a huge rope mop. White, sometimes reaching the ground and decaying thin twisted cords, wool of this dog is amazing by the fact that it grows constantly throughout the life of the Komondor, reaching a length of 60-80 cm. An adult Komondor does not shed because his wool, even falling, remains inside the cord. Cords are formed by themselves, you just need to make sure that they are not dumped into thick bundles. Please be aware that an adult Komondor coat dries naturally for a very long time, so it is best to bathe the dog at night and for drying to use a powerful hairdryer.

Many people wonder how exactly such a huge dog can live in a small apartment? This may sound strange, but the necessary "living space" does not depend on the size of a a dog, but on the dog's nature and temperament. Komondor is calm, he is not annoying and does not have a habit to jump constantly beside your feet. Naturally, a large dog who lives in a small apartment, will need to walk more, and this should be taken seriously.

Would you be able to feed such a big pet in the future? This question is not the last. Argued - the bigger is the dog, the more he eats. It's not quite true - an adult Komondor eats about one and a half kilograms of dog food a day.

Komondor's character is very strict, but despite this, they are getting along very well with kids, treat them gently, letting virtually anything to the little masters. To this "shaggy nanny" parents can trust their child with a calm heart. You just need to explain to your children in advance that they do not have to pull the ears of Komondor, tease the dog and learn in practice how exactly the dog's tongue or teeth are growing. Komondor in most of the cases, can take this kind of a "research" without complaints, but have some pity on the dog!

With relatives and other animals the Komondor is getting along quite peacefully, however, growing up, this dogs will set their own rules and regulations of the strongest one.

Komondor's dedication to his owner is amazing. The company of the owner, this dog prefers to any, even the most merry, company of another dogs. Moreover, even at a young age Komondor is not particularly playful, it is more likely that he will "herd" dogs and people, supervise the procedure of their games and look out for the enemy not to approach to the "pack".

Do not forget that at home and at walk the Komondor is always "on duty". He knows: he has a job - to protect the owner, his "flock" and housing. This dog will not attack for no reason, but in an emergency he will always be on the top. And be sure - you can rely on a komondor - even if he is still young. This dog will protect his owner even by the cost of his own - Komondor's - life.

The corded coat of a Komnodor is not only a nice decoration, it protects the dog from wind, snow, and ... the teeth of the enemy. Primary profession of a Komondor - shepherd, and meeting with the wolves for the working dogs is not uncommon. Wolf, deceived by the "sheep" looking of a Komondor, in the attack would stuck with the teeth in a multilayer fringes, and the dog could have a severe blow to smash the predator's spine with his muzzle.

Strike with the muzzle is a unique feature of these dogs, but in the city such a habit is unsafe, because the Komondor - even muzzled - is able by one crushing strike cause a significant injuries for a dog or a man. Also, keep in mind that the smart Komondor - and he is considered one of the most intelligent representatives of the dog world - instinctively chooses the most vulnerable place to attack or bite, quickly rebounding to a safe distance after the attack. To keep furiously biting somebody's sleeve or skirt - also is not in his habits. The Komondor is sure that the attacker must not only be defeated, but completely neutralized. By the way, these dogs are used to work and make decisions by themselves, because they work at their homeland  without the help of a man. In Hungary they say: "If a stranger came to the territory of Komondor, then God help him, because no one else can help..." Komondor's guardian's instinct and his distrust of outsiders are virtually impossible to change.

For any intruders or aggressors it can end up very sad. It is very easy for the Komondor to knock down an adult man with just one push, and being muzzled, to kick and break his collarbone or nose. Therefore, the attackers - two- and four-legged - often find for themselves only two choices - surrender or softly move away, hoping that the Komondor will not catch them.

Komondor is surprisingly undemanding and hardy, he tolerates well both: heat, and cold - from 40 to 35 below zero - and would be happy to accompany his owner anywhere - into the woods, to the store, or in a family visit. For bathing and swimming Komondors have a different attitudes - some are very fond of water, while others prefer to stay ashore. But in any case do not drive the dog into the water by force - this will not have a good end.

Each Komondor probably thinks in his heart: he was born only to make the life of his master's quieter, lighter and happier, that he is trying to prove with all his dog forces ...

In general, the nature of the Komondor can be described quite briefly - distrustful, but not aggressive, independent, but not stubborn, friend, but not a servant. Be fair to him, remember - every Komondor is an outstanding and vibrant personality, demanding a fair treatment. No wonder that this white giant is called "a man in a fur coat".

Health problems: Like most of the large dogs Komondor is prone to the hip dysplasia.

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