Komondor

OVERVIEW OF THE KOMONDOR

Several things come to mind when we look at the Komondor dog breed. Mops, dreadlocks, and sheep would top this list of things. But the last thing that one would associate with this furball is a protective dog breed. Well, that’s just what the Komondor dog was bred for.

This breeding was done by the Cumans, after whom the dog takes its name (Koman-dor literally meaning Cuman dog). The Cumans used to live close to the Yellow River but were driven West when the Mongols decided to expand their empire. Bloody and broken, this nomadic tribe reached the walls of Hungary where they were granted asylum.

Here, the Komondor was used as a livestock guardian dog. Its muscular physique and immensely protective nature helped it excel at this job. But perhaps the primo feature that helped the Komo truly shine at its guard duties was its fur.

Earning it the name, Mop Dog, its fur is extremely thick and long and resembles the ends of a mop. Boasting a pure white color, the fur is quite fluffy during the Komo’s prepubescent. But as the dog grows old, this fluffiness gets pushed back into the dog’s undercoat and the overcoat starts to coarsen up.

As the two coats start to grow, they begin to form cords or tassels. At their peak, these cords can reach 7 to 10 inches in length, making the Hungarian Commonmop the furriest canine on the planet.

These cords aren’t just for show, though. The thick fur also protected the Komondor from the elements, the fangs of wolves, and the claws of bears. Its wool-like nature also aided the Komo in camouflaging with sheep, the livestock they were tasked to guard, and the dog only became prominent when the wolf grew near.

Once the predator was spotted, the Mop Dog would pin it down and wait for the owner to arrive. The large size, deep chest, and muscular legs of the dog helped it in this pinning. Speaking of size, the Komondor is a large dog breed, clocking average heights of 27.5 inches, in the case of females, and 31.5 inches, in the case of males.

The length of the Komondor’s body is 4 percent more than its height. On one end of this length is a curved tail, and on the other sits a large head with a small, black muzzle. Just above this muzzle is a set of almond-shaped dark eyes.

These eyes saw quite a lot of oppression during the Second World War when Komos were killed in large numbers by the Germans and the Russians who had to get rid of the guard dog before capturing a house or farm.

It is because of this unwavering loyalty that Komondors make amazing guard dogs. But they do need a large area they can patrol. It is for this reason, apartment living doesn’t suit the Komondor.

Other than a large house, prospective owners must also have an extremely patient demeanor. You see, the highly independent nature of the Hungarian Sheepdog requires varied and consistent training.

Mix and match between treats, praises, and physical touch as positive reinforcement. Also, remember that a Komondor possesses a highly intelligent brain. So, they’ll only learn commands they think are worth learning.

This breed is also overly cautious of other dogs, so single-dog homes will be ideal for it. Komondors do get along quite well with cats. Also, this breed works well with kids they’ve bonded with. Just be sure to always supervise any interaction your Komo has with the kids of the place since their large size can potentially injure children.

KOMONDOR FOOD AND HEALTH

Weighing a whopping 88 to 110 pounds, in the case of females, and 110 to 132 pounds, in the case of males, the Komondor is by all accounts a heavy breed. This is thanks to the bulky fur and massive muscle this breed packs in.

But all this muscle can easily turn into fat if you don’t take care of a Komo’s diet. You see, this breed isn’t exactly the most active. So, a little oversight in their diet or lifestyle can leave them in a couch-potato situation.

An obese Komondor can develop hip dysplasia, a bone disorder in which the hip ball and socket do not grow at the same rate, resulting in pain when the dog walks. Over time, this condition can develop into arthritis and even cause lameness.

A good way around obesity is to give your dog plenty of exercises and a controlled diet. This diet should have balanced amounts of protein and fats. The Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food is an ideal option in this regard. With only 300 calories per cup, it is great for keeping your dog’s calorie consumption under control.

Feed such high-quality kibble to your Komo twice a day, along with low-calorie treats. With only five calories per treat, the Merrick Power Bites Dog Treats should be your ideal choice. Also, you must never leave this kibble or treats out at all times as large-chested breeds, like the Mop Dog, tend to eat quickly. This gobbling can lead to bloat.

Gastric dilation volvulus, or boat, is a life-threatening condition found in dogs where gas buildup can restrict blood flow to the dog’s chest. If not treated immediately, bloat can put your doggo into shock and prove fatal.

Regardless of the dog food you opt for, make sure you consult your dog’s nutritionist or vet before pulling the trigger on the purchase. Such a consultation will ensure your dog only gets the right kind of food, according to their age, sex, weight, and lifestyle, that is free of any potential allergens.

Other than bloat and hip dysplasia, Komondors are also prone to Entropion. This is a hereditary defect in which a puppy Komo’s eyelid will roll inward. This can injure their eyeballs. A symptom of Entropion in dogs is itchiness in the eyes.

You can steer clear away from such hereditary conditions by asking for the proper health clearances before getting a new puppy. But if Entropion is diagnosed in your puppy, you can get it corrected via surgery.

LEASHES AND COLLARS FOR YOUR KOMONDOR

You must invest in a harness, collar, and high-quality leash for your new Komondor. A leash will let you walk your dog in public places. Consider a short leash for your Komo as it will offer you more control over your canine.

This control is essential, especially in public places as Komondors don’t take too well to strangers, be they humans or animals. In fact, in some public places, you may even be required by law to keep your Komondor muzzled.

You can make your Komondor more amiable by enrolling it in a puppy kindergarten early on. Such an academy will expose your canine to a myriad of people, animals, sounds, and stimuli, ensuring your puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

If you’re in the market for a new short leash for your Komondor, check out this option from Kruz. Constructed from high-quality polyester, this short dog leash is comfortable for both you and your woofer. It is also reflective so you can take your little Mop out on late-night walks.

This leash should not be attached to your dog’s collar as doing so can cause neck strain for your dog. A collar must only be used for identification and style purposes. Rather, you should get a large harness to attach the leash. This harness will also offer you handholds to lift or drag your Komondor when they’re not in the mood to walk.

BEST CRATES, BEDS, AND DOG HOUSES FOR KOMONDORS

Komondors possess relatively introverted personalities. But that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy regular exercise and playtime. For exercise, consider letting them loose in a fenced yard. Just make sure the fences here are tall. This will ensure no stray animals enter the yard and threaten your Komo’s “territory”. Tall fences will also ensure your dog doesn’t accidentally get out of the property.

You can also build a dog house in your yard. Here, your Komondor can rest after a long session of playing and patrolling the premises. Such a dog house should be durable, spacious, and insulated from the elements. If you live in a warm area, be sure to construct this dog house under natural shade.

While dog houses are okay for temporary retreats, you must always bring your dog in for nighttime, as long times apart from its human can make the Komo fearful.

Speaking of nighttime, you should invest in a high-quality dog bed for your Komondor. Consider getting an orthopedic option as such a mattress will provide your dog with the right kind of support. Make sure this bed is also large enough to accommodate your dog’s size and is easy to clean.

The Big Barker 7″ Orthopedic Dog Bed is the perfect option in this regard. Finally, you should also get a large and spacious crate for your Komondor. Something like the BestPet Dog Crate will ensure your Komondor always has a safe space to retreat to.

KOMONDOR TOYS

The toys you get for your Komondor should match its personality and lifestyle. For instance, throw toys, like balls and frisbees, should be ideal for Komondors who love playing fetch and catch. Make sure this throw ball is large and durable. If you’re having a hard time finding such a throw toy, check out the Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy which is soft yet durable, and bounces amazingly.

Other than that, you should also consider getting a chew toy for your Komo. This toy should also be durable and large enough to match their massive jaw. Something, like the Nylabone Flavor Frenzy Power Chew Dog Toy, will not only keep your dog’s anxiety at bay but also help improve their overall oral hygiene. Let’s not forget how the scented nature of this toy will leave your dog’s breath all refreshed.

GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR KOMONDOR OWNERS

Speaking of your dog’s oral hygiene, you must brush your Komo’s teeth at least thrice a week, although daily brushing should be the aim. Use toothpaste that is specially formulated for dogs. Something like the Virbac CET Enzymatic Toothpaste should be ideal in this regard.

Other than that, you should also regularly trim your Komondor’s nails using a clipper or filler, and check their ears for any foreign matter or wax buildup.  As far as coat grooming goes, you’ve got two options here. You can either trim the coat short. This will reduce the grooming requirements but snatch the breed’s signature look away from it.

The second, and recommended option, is to let the coat grow. The long mop-like coat will not require any brushing but you will have to regularly separate the cords to prevent matting and the buildup of dirt, debris, and parasites. Regardless of the option you go for, you may trim the fur from your Komo’s face for hygiene purposes.

On the bathing side of things, your Komondor will require a wash quite often — what with the coat easily getting dirty. Simply use a diluted shampoo for these baths. Once the dog is all washed, use towels to rinse out any remaining shampoo. Then, simply leave the dog to lounge in front of a strong fan overnight. Make sure no shampoo residue or moisture is remaining or else the fur will develop a stinky odor.

KOMONDOR ACCESSORIES

The market for dog accessories is full of options. But the products you ultimately settle for should match your dog’s lifestyle and demeanor. For instance, since bathing a Komo can get overwhelming, consider bath accessories, like the Aquapaw Dog Bath Brush.

This pet bathing tool can be hooked onto your shower head. It will then shoot out water and let you scrub your dog’s fur simultaneously, cutting down bath time, and curbing water wastage and the mess created during bath times. The shower head adapter is also extremely ergonomic for superior handling.

Once the bathtime is done, you’ll need a large fast-drying towel to rinse all that water out of your Komo’s cords. It is here that something like THE SNUGGLY DOG Easy Wear Dog Towel will help you out. This particular towel is made from microfiber, which is not only super soft but phenomenally great at absorbing. You also get a belt with this pick that helps you transform the towel into a stylish robe.