Komondor

Temperament:
The Komondor is serious, confident, alert and commanding. It can be very reserved with strangers and is very territorial and highly protective of his family, house, car, and livestock. Implacable against wolves and bears that would attack the flock with which it is entrusted. In a few minutes the Komondor can get the better of even the strongest enemy. It can be fiercely protective and even aggressive, especially with strange dogs, but also with people. This breed must be thoroughly socialized with people and other dogs at an early age. They need complete and firm obedience training by an experienced owner, as he can be very willful. Smart, but easily bored, loyal to and respectful of his master, but fierce against threats to his charges. Komondors can be good family dogs if they are socialized as a young puppy, trained thoroughly, and raised with children from the start, but they are not recommended for most families.

Grooming:
Their hair must never be brushed or combed. It is divided into cords and trimmed. Its coat needs a lot of bathing and takes a long time to dry. It sheds very little if any.

Exercise:
It is possible to keep this breed in an urban environment although the country is more to its liking. If they are not actively working as a flock guardian, they need to be taken on a daily, long brisk walk. This dog can be extremely lazy and will sleep and rest for hours upon hours.

Living Condition:
This dog does best in a clean country environment where he can receive extensive daily exercise, but it will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They do well in most climates, for the Komondor lives for many months outdoors in all kinds of weather.

Origin:
The Komondor is descended from Tibetan dogs. Some think the Komondor was brought to Hungary a thousand years ago by nomadic Magyars to guard flocks of sheep. However, newer studies show they came from the Cumans. The name, "Komondor", came from the name, Koman-dor, meaning, dog of the Cumans. Komondor remains have been found in Cuman grave sites. The earliest written reference is from the 16th century. It spread throughout the rest of the world beginning in 1920 when the breed began to be presented in dog shows. The Komondor lives for many months outdoors in all kinds of weather, protecting his master's flocks. In the United States the Komondor is primarily a home guard and companion, and livestock guard dog.