Page 68 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | WORKING DOGS

Komondor

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
24–31in 79–135lb Under 10 years
(60–80cm) (36–61kg)

Not for novices, this large, powerful dog needs an experienced
owner who will give it time and attention

The Komondor is descended from guard in nature, the Komondor will fearlessly
dogs brought to Hungary by a people called act to tackle anything it sees as a threat.
the Cumans, as they migrated westward The breed has strong guarding instincts
from what is now China to the Danube and can be loyal protectors of their home,
basin. The earliest written evidence of dogs although they are more suited to being
of this type dates from the mid-16th century, outdoor or farm dogs than family pets.
but they may have existed for centuries The Komondor’s independent nature
earlier. It was not until the early 20th and instincts, combined with considerable
century that the breed became size and strength, mean that ownership
known outside Hungary. should be considered only by those White
The Komondor was traditionally used with plenty of dog-handling experience
to protect sheep, goats, and cattle from and space. Daily grooming is essential
wolves and bears. Left by their human to maintain the Komondor’s
owners, they lived among the flocks and extraordinary tasseled coat.
worked independently to guard the livestock
from predators. Many were used
to guard military installations during World
War II and were killed in service, and as a Long tail curved
slightly at tip
result the breed nearly died out. However,
a number of dogs were saved by a few
dedicated breeders. Today the largest
populations are in Hungary and the US,
where dogs have been used to guard
livestock from coyotes and other predators.
Although generally quiet and reserved

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