Komondor
- Height at the withers
- 65 to 80 cm
- Weight
- 40 to 60 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Hungary
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A large, muscular Hungarian livestock guardian dog with a distinctive heavy coat of white cords that looks like a mop. Built for endurance and protection, this imposing breed has a dignified, brave temperament.
History and origins
An ancient breed of Asian origin that arrived in Hungary with the Magyar tribes in the 9th century (some authors point instead to the Cumans, in the 13th century). Bred as an independent livestock guardian, it protected sheep and cattle against wolves and bears.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Entropion
- Skin problems and ear infections under the cords
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, corded coat (thin cords). Almost no shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Well, 4 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Komondor FAQ
How big does the Komondor get?
The Komondor stands 65 to 80 cm at the withers and weighs 40 to 60 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Komondor shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a great deal of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Komondor live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Komondor need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Komondor good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Komondor live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and gastric dilatation-volvulus.
