Komondor

80-90 lbs
23-25"
Hungary
Hungarian Sheepdog, Hungarian Komondor, Mop Dog

This breed is known for its alertness and has a fierce loyalty to his human family. They are courageous dogs and thrive on having responsibility, although they can be quite territorial and aggressive to strangers (both human and other animals) if they are not socialised fully when a puppy. Their unique coat looks like a floor mop, but he is perfectly suited to that which he was bred for – to protect the flock in some of the coldest weather possible. They are strong willed but respond well to variety and fun in training and for a strong human pack leader. Although a big dog, they make good inside pets if they have a lot of exercise and can get out and about regularly. A high fence is required around your yard for these dogs to prevent them from attempting to expand their territory, which is a common trait of guard dogs. But however tough they make themselves out to be, they still love time inside snuggled with their family.

purpose Purpose
Sheep guardian
history Date of Origin
1600s
ancestry Ancestry
Russian Ovcharka

Komondor Health

Sketch of Komondor
Average Size
Male Komondor size stats
Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 100-125 lbs
Female Komondor size stats
Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 80-90 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Komondor Breed History

The Komondors descended history goes back as far as to the Tibetan dogs. Some historians think the dog was brought to Hungary about a thousand years past when the nomadic Magyars brought the dog with them to guard the large cattle and sheep herds. However, later studies proved that it came from the Cumans, who were a Turkic nomadic people. After the Mongol invasion in 1237, many Cumans sought asylum in Hungary, joining the branches of Cumans who had settled there before the invasion. The name Komondor came from the name Korman-dor, which meant “dog of the Cumans.” Researchers have found remains of these dogs at the gravesites of the Cuman people. As far as written reference goes, the earliest is in the 16th Century. The breed gained popularity and spread throughout the world in 1920 when owners were keen to show it off by competing in dog shows. The Komondor is still utilised today as a flock guardian, staying outdoors for many months in all kinds of extreme weather. It is interesting to note that they do not herd the flock, they protect them – often without any human assistance. The AKC recognised the breed in 1937.

Komondor Breed Appearance

The Komondor is a solid dog with a massive bone structure which is well fitted to guard a flock. They take their duties seriously and will fight to defend those under their care. This breed has a large head, but the muzzle is quite short and dark. The eyes, which are hidden under their mop like hair, are almond shaped, dark brown, and medium in size. Their ears are an elongated triangle shape with a rounded tip, and they blend beautifully with the rest of the coat. The Komondors tail is long, reaching down to the hocks. The teeth meet in a scissor like bite, and they have strong jaws. But it is their haircoat that is so fascinating; they are covered from head to toe with an extraordinary felted and corded coat that is from 8 to 11 inches long. The outer coat blends with the soft undercoat to form the long cords (dreadlocks on dogs!) It takes two years for this coat to develop into the dreadlocks we recognise for this dog. This coat seriously resembles a floor mop, hence the reference when describing these dogs. The coat has a purpose though, it helps them to blend in with the sheep, and it protects the dog should they need to fight to protect their flock.

Appearance of Komondor
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Komondor eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Komondor nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Komondor coat
White
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Komondor corded coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Komondor Breed Maintenance

The unique haircoat should never be brushed or combed. To keep it clean it needs to be divided into cords and trimmed. Going over the coat to remove debris and check for parasites such as ticks or fleas is important. Being white in color, they need bathing (but not too often as it can ruin the thickness of their white coat) and it does take a long time to dry that thick coat. If you can train them to stand by a fan or to tolerate a blow dryer carefully utilised it may make it a lot quicker. These dogs can live in a town environment but are much more suited to the country especially a large yard and high fences. When they are not working (as in being a flock guardian), they can become lazy and will sleep for hours on end. They need to be taken for a daily brisk walk to keep them fit and healthy. This dog does well in most climates and can take the toughest of weathers. Maintenance requirements include regular exercise, coat upkeep, bathing and checking their ears and eyes for infections.

Brushes for Komondor
Dematter
Dematter
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Komondor requires monthly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Komondor Temperament

The Komondor is a great family dog if they have an owner who displays a firm authority over the dog - the human must be the pack leader. These dogs were bred to be a serious flock guardian, and it is deeply instilled in their nature to be fiercely protective and confident dogs. They are independent, loyal and thoughtful but can be prone to be aggressive.  They are relentless against wolves and bears that would attack their flock, and they are more than capable of getting the best over even the strongest enemy. Because of this, they have a high dominancy level and can be reserved with strangers and very territorial. They do not mix well with other dogs and can be aggressive towards animals that are not family. When they are puppies, it is advisable to thoroughly socialise them, and teach them clear rules that they must follow. Puppies need to be handled by a lot of strangers to get them used to mixing with a lot of people. The Komondor can be very wilful if they get the upper hand, so they must have an owner that asserts pack leader status and gains the dog’s respect. You must make the decisions, not your dog. They are very smart dogs, but get bored easily so if you are training this breed, it needs to be interesting, fun and offering a variety of activities, or your dog will not pay attention.

Komondor Activity Requirements


Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Komondor Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3.8 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.75 - $3.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$80.00 - $90.00
food bag monthly cost

Komondor Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Komondor at six months
Male Komondor size stats at six months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 57.5 lbs
Female Komondor size stats at six months
Height: 18.0 inches Weight: 47.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Komondor at 12 months
Male Komondor size stats at 12 months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 72.5 lbs
Female Komondor size stats at 12 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 65.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Komondor at 18 months
Male Komondor size stats at 18 months
Height: 26.0 inches Weight: 102.5 lbs
Female Komondor size stats at 18 months
Height: 24.0 inches Weight: 82.5 lbs

Top Komondor Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Komondor breeders of 2024.
Top Komondor breeder Feathers and Fleece Farm
Feathers and Fleece Farm
Lexington, Indiana
Top Komondor breeder komondor rescue
komondor rescue
Baltimore, Maryland
Top Komondor breeder Mossy Falls Farm
Mossy Falls Farm
Potter Valley, California

Komondor Owner Experiences

Cletus
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Watching him work
I have had a series of koms with my sheep for the last 30 years. Each is somewhat different but all were very trustworthy with my stock. Cletus is the goofiest Kom I have had. He is also the largest. LGD's are a totally different animal from other breeds. They must be allowed to use their brain and only directed in their day to day activities. You belong to them. Not them to you.
5 years, 9 months ago
Magic Coconut Lover Milky Shake Russell
9 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Magic loves to fetch, and play frisbee
I’ve owned magic for 9 months and prior to that my dad owned a Komondor
3 years, 4 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd