Komondor
A huge Hungarian flock guardian in a white corded coat: calm and devoted, fiercely protective of its own.
At a glance
- Size
- Giant
- Height at the withers
- Males 70–80 cm · Females 65–70 cm
- Weight
- Males 50–60 kg · Females 40–50 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Exercise
- 45–90 min a day
- Grooming
- A few times a week
- Coat
- Corded, long
- Colours
- White
- Bred for
- Guarding livestock, Guarding
- Country of origin
- Hungary
- FCI
- Group 1, no. 53 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 1/5 – Very low |
| Energy | 2/5 – Low |
| Playfulness | 2/5 – Low |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 2/5 – Low |
| Watchful and protective | 5/5 – Very high |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 5/5 – Very high |
| Drooling | 2/5 – Low |
| Good for first-time owners | 1/5 – Very low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with being alone | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 5/5 – Very high |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- have experience with livestock guardian breeds
- have land or a securely fenced property
- want a calm, watchful guardian
Think twice if you …
- live in a flat or busy city area
- often have unfamiliar visitors
- want an easy-care coat
Care
Temperament
Komondors are dignified, independent and strongly protective. They are usually wary of strangers and unfamiliar dogs. With their own family they are steady and affectionate.
Exercise
Moderate daily walks and space to patrol are enough for most adults. They are not built for intense sport but enjoy steady walks.
Grooming
The cords must be separated by hand regularly to stop them matting into a single mass, and bathing and drying take a long time. Shedding is low but coat care is demanding.
Training
Intelligent but independent and slow to obey without reason. Start socialisation early, and use calm, consistent, reward-based training.
Health
Hip dysplasia, entropion, bloat and skin problems under the cords are the main concerns. Breeding dogs are usually hip and eye screened, so ask the breeder for results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Komondor has guarded sheep on the Hungarian plains for centuries, living with the flock and defending it against wolves and thieves. Its heavy white cords helped it blend in among the sheep and protected it from weather and bites.
At home it is calm, quiet much of the day and deeply devoted to its family, but it remains a serious guardian that decides for itself who belongs. It needs secure fencing, careful socialisation and an owner experienced with guarding breeds. The coat is a significant commitment and the dog is not suited to busy urban life.
Did you know?
A full adult Komondor coat can take a day or more to dry completely after a bath.