BREED SPOTLIGHT
Breed Spotlight: Komondor
Komondor Quick Stats
LIFESPAN:
10 – 12 years
WEIGHT:
80 – 100 lbs (minimum)
HEIGHT:
25.5 – 27.5 inches (minimum)
DO I SHED?
No
Personality:
Protective, dignified, intelligent, lovey-dovey
Common Health Problems:
Bloat, hip dysplasia
Komondor: How Do I Look
One of the world’s most recognizable breeds, the komondor (sometimes shortened to “kom”) AKA the Hungarian sheepdog is a very large dog covered in white cords. Its white-corded coat resembles a mop head, hence the komondor’s nickname, “mop dog.”
Coat Type and Colors
Komondors have long, corded coats. White is the only coat color approved by the American Kennel Club's official breed standards.3
Ears
Komondor ears are medium-set and hang low. Just like the rest of their body, their ears are covered in corded hair.
Drooling Level
In general, komondors are unlikely to drool.
Shedding and Grooming
Despite their very furry appearance, komondors do not shed.
Their corded coat, however, does require special care. Proper komondor grooming requires frequent bathing and regular visits to the groomer. However, a komondor should never be brushed.
If not washed regularly, a kom’s coat could become extremely dirty and smelly. Ensuring their coat is rinsed clean and thoroughly dried will ensure your dog smells fresh.
Komondor : Personality Traits
What My Adoption Bio Would Say:
I’m that dog that looks like a mop, but I actually prefer to sweep — sweep you off your feet! Even though I’m a working dog at heart, I’m super lovey-dovey.
I might look like a mop, but I’ve got the brawn, agility, and fierceness to match. Think of me like your very own left tackle. I’ll protect your blindside from anything.
Behavior
Bred to protect flocks of sheep, the komondor is fiercely protective. Despite their ability to fiercely defend their family, they are loving and devoted companions.
Komondors’ high intelligence can sometimes lead to stubbornness. They do best with an owner who will take charge.
Exercise Needs
The komondor isn’t overly energetic, but they aren’t couch potatoes. Sufficient exercise is necessary to maintain their physical and mental health. Consider 30 to 60 minutes of free-running time as a necessary daily activity.
Take note that dog parks are not recommended for the komondor.
Good With Other Pets?
The komondor's strong guarding instinct can make it difficult for them to get along well with other dogs, particularly those that are strangers. They can very easily react poorly to loose dogs and groups of dogs they perceive as a threatening pack.
A well-trained Hungarian sheepdog shouldn’t have issues with dogs in their own household.
Trainability
Persistent training is a must for the komondor. Because they require a confident owner, the komondor is not recommended for first-time dog owners. Early and extensive socialization is essential, and training classes can be a helpful tool in your kom’s development.
Good with Kids?
The komondor is a loving family dog that enjoys the company of all people in their household, including young children and other family pets.
Despite the kom’s great reputation with children, remember that all dogs, especially larger breeds, should be supervised around young kids and kids who don’t interact with dogs often. If you’re hesitant about the komondor's size around your children, consider these other great breeds for families.
Barking Level
As long as this sheepdog doesn’t perceive a threat, the komondor is not considered an excessive barker when trained properly. Keep in mind that they have a loud and powerful bark, though.
Komondor History
Descendent from Tibetan dogs and bred to protect herds at pasture, the komondor is also known as the Hungarian sheepdog and, again, is affectionately known as “the kom.”4
The komondor’s signature corded coat isn’t just for show. The locs help protect the sheepdog from extreme weather and predators. They also help the breed blend into a flock of sheep, making them hard for predators to spot.
Fun fact, “komondorok” is the linguistically proper way to make “komondor” plural.
Common Komondor Mixes
Some of the most common komondor mixes include:
- Komondor-Pyrenees: komondor and Great Pyrenees mix
- Newkom: komondor and Newfoundland mix
- Komondor-Poodle: komondor and poodle mix
- Komondauzer: komondor and schnauzer mix
5 Komondor Health Problems
While there are no known problems specific to komondors, they can experience some health issues, including:
- Bloat: a life-threatening disorder where the stomach fills with gas.
- Cataracts: an eye condition that can lead to blindness.
- Entropion: an eye condition where the lid grows inward.
- Hip dysplasia: a painful hereditary deformity of the hip socket.
Protect your Pets
Even the healthiest of pups can come with unexpected vet costs. Pet insurance can help keep your dog and your bank account happy.
How Pet Insurance Can Help Komondors
Even though komondors aren’t especially prone to health issues, they can experience a number of costly conditions. Luckily, a MetLife1 dog insurance policy may help cover the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of some of these conditions. 2
Bloat
Bloat is a common issue among large breeds like Hungarian sheepdogs. Also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and cuts off blood flow to the abdomen.5 It requires immediate veterinary attention and is fatal if left untreated. Treatment involves surgery.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that most often affects large breeds like the Hungarian sheepdog. Dogs with this condition have deformed hips where the ball and socket do not fit properly together, causing painful grinding, deterioration, and eventual loss of joint function.6 Diagnosis requires a physical exam and x-rays. Treatment can include pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
For more information on how pet insurance can help your Hungarian sheepdog, get familiar with how pet insurance works. Signing up for dog insurance while your kom is a puppy can also be a smart decision, ensuring your dog may have access to certain coverage before they develop a pre-existing condition.2