Komondor: A giant dog breed!
Serene, fearless, guardian and with a protective instinct for the whole family. These are the characteristics that describe best the Komondor, a beautiful giant dog breed, with a firm and gentle heart and temperament.
It is difficult to imagine a combination as contradictorily pleasant as that of the Komondor, this being one of the main aspects that have earned him many followers because it is an imposing dog in size, but very tender and relaxed.
Although its carefree image can make us think that it is a quiet dog, it is a skillful guardian of the house or herd. He’ll be willing to vigorously protect its own space.
According to the AKC, this giant dog breed is classified within group 3, which corresponds to working dogs. It measures between 65 and 70 centimeters (at least) and up to 90 centimeters in adulthood. The Komondor is also impressive not only for its height but for its strength, with the weight directly proportional to the size, which usually ranges from 50 to 65 kilograms.
It is usually associated with grazing but also recommended as a protector. He’s always cautious around strangers, hoping to identify some indication of an inappropriate intention to attack. Its character is rather controlling; it remains in constant motion and likes stability.
Its appearance full of ivory white hair, tangled in some sort of look-alike dreads, gives it a rather unique look, with oval eyes and black nose, firm musculature and agile movements. It has strong teeth and jaw, a relatively short snout and generally a fallen tail.
All these features make the Komondor dog an interesting mix, which, despite what you might think, looks pretty harmonious.
The Komondor is a dog breed with enigmatic roots that give it a tint of magic and interest that has seduced many people. It is also known as the Hungarian Komondor because its origins date back to Hungary. For many years, they have been used as dogs for grazing because of their easy camouflage among the sheep and the strength it requires looking after them.
Modernity and human ingenuity have helped them leave Hungary and gradually expand to countless countries in different parts of the world; however, it is not a common dog that can be easily found.
Currently, we can locate it with people of different ages and conditions. It is useful to remember that they require an empowered, energetic, but calm owner, coupled with a specific routine and constant socializing with other dogs and people to facilitate successful training.
Despite being an extended breed, there are not many specimens outside their homeland, mainly because their care should not be taken lightly. Its size involves a large amount of food per day, regular veterinary checks and ample space or constant walks.
Without a doubt, it requires a responsible, determined and strong owner who can impose himself as a leader to form a successful connection with the dog.
The lifeline of any dog, regardless of the breed, is relatively short, so the years of the life of the Komondor range between 10 and 12 years, being within the average of most dogs.
Their health conditions are generally associated with their size. The hip dysplasia is the disease that most dogs of this breed suffer from. It is for this reason that it is important to keep it constantly exercised and with a diet in adequate quantity and quality.
We must not only focus on life expectancy but also the quality, that is why the priority will be to offer adequate care since the Komondor is a puppy, so that, until its last days, it is in its best possible conditions. This recommendation applies not only for this breed but for any dog breed.
The Komondor’s thick, long and thick fur leads him to prefer moderately cold or temperate environments, although, with the right care (shade or resting place with pleasant temperature and constant hydration), it can easily adapt to hot weathers.
Another aspect that should be considered, in regards to the weather, is rain. Make sure to provide a safe and dry shelter for your dog, because the characteristics of their fur trap the water and it takes a long time to dry, which is why it is also recommended spacious bathrooms.
Although the adaptability of most dogs is usually feasible, it is important to know the characteristics typified within the description of the breed so you can offer your pet the tools that help facilitate its adaptation process and will also help avoid health problems.
Remember that having a pet is a great responsibility that involves work and constant effort, but we assure you that you will be widely rewarded with the same love, loyalty, and care that you will give.
History and Origin
The versions and theories about the real origin of the breed are uncertain. On one hand, it is believed that they arrived in Hungary by 896 along with the Magyars, who belonged to Prince Arpad, arriving specifically at the Hungarian Steppe.
Some other historians indicate that they arrived with the Mongols towards the XIIth century during the country’s invasion. Both theories have their share of certainty, but, nowadays, the real story is not known for sure. That leaves us no doubt is that the Komondor, since its beginnings, was characterized as a brave, vigilant and grazing dog.
The Magyars version is that they existed as an organized nomadic community until it was time to emigrate. Approximately at the end of the 11th century, they moved to Central Europe as a result of the start of a civil war. By 830 they managed to arrive at Etelköz (Hungary), a place where they would not remain long since years later they would be forced to leave because of some attacks.
Throughout the journey, the principality carried with it a breed of dogs whose main function was the care of the lambs in Puszta, where they settled definitely.
One of the toughest times since the Komondor got to Hungary happened throughout the conflict caused by World War II. During this time, while in Europe, the breed was severely threatened in the specimens’ numbers, although its breeders focused all their efforts to keep it from continue dropping.
Hungarian immigrants managed to bring some puppies to the United States, however, the armed conflict severed political relations between both countries, which caused a decrease in the breed’s numbers.
Despite this and to a lesser extent, the Komondor also managed to expand into Transylvania and Slovakia, countries in which it gained great popularity.
Another period in which the breed was affected was in which the crops and the raising of cattle decreased drastically, also as a result of certain conflicts, causing their main task as a guardian to lose importance. Thanks to its breeders and personalities interested in the breed, it was saved from complete extinction.
This breed is one of the oldest and most enigmatic that still exist today. The struggle for recognition was arduous and full of obstacles due to various situations. It was only in 1920 when all its physical characteristics, abilities and attitudes were officially recognized to be able to formally participate in competitions and exhibitions.
Seventeen years after the official establishment and registration of its characteristics, the American Kennel Club finally included the Komondor in its books despite the political distancing and all the conflicts inherited from the war.
Thanks to this, the number of specimens that existed in Europe and North America, who was almost to the point of extinction, began to increase, changing the situation drastically. In 1980 a new process of expansion and upbringing took place with the sole objective of providing life and safety guarantees to the breed.
Historical relationship with other breeds
Various investigations indicate that the Komondor and the Tibetan Mastiff have a certain relationship regarding their origins. The latter may even be the main ancestor of the Komondor breed since the bear appearance resembles it to some extent.
Another of the features inherited by the Komondor is the characteristic of a Molosser dog: large size and dominant physical structure. They are capable of reaching up to 40 and 50 kilograms of weight with a size of 80 centimeters in height.
Thanks to its ancestors and genetic inheritance from other breeds, the Komondor can fulfill its function of vigilante under all kinds of weathers. The versatility of its historic crosses makes it primarily an attentive dog, without neglecting its relationship with human beings.
In the present, this breed takes participation in dog shows and contests that have given it popularity and affection from many people.
Some farmers still keep the intention of maintaining it as a caretaker for livestock and housing, since over the years its function has given a drastic change and nowadays it is just a companion pet. For this reason, those considered purebred are preserved by the shepherds to avoid modification of their genes and maintain its characteristics.
Main features
These dogs differ from the rest of breeds by their particular fur. In essence, it is a dog whose appearance seems to be covered with white dreadlocks that can measure up to 28cm long.
For many people, the Komondor is a dog that looks like a mop, but everything in the Komondor has an explanation, and it is that this unique “coat” allows it to hide from the biggest predators. Its appearance gives it the ability to camouflage as a sheep.
The Komondor is characterized by being very large, muscular, heavy and robust. The eyes are usually dark and shaped like an oval, and fallen ears, which, by doing so, form a “v” shape.
The length of the fur does not reach the ground until the dog is around six years old, which is when it is fully developed. Because the mane is so long, it is customary for the masters of these dogs to make small braids or fold their hair to get a look that ends up resembling a Rastafarian’s fur.
The minimum height that females can reach is 65cm, while males’ height goes up to 90cm. the weight of the Komondor can be around 80kg, considering they are dogs whose structure is thick and heavy. This breed is considered as one of the strongest and largest in the world.
In its fur, you can notice two layers; the first (internal) is a very soft, white and thin layer, while in the second layer (external) the hair is very rough, nearly impossible to comb.
It is not recommended to comb the Komondor because they have a very rebellious fur, so if you try untangling or straightening it, it will cost a lot and it will hurt the dog. However, it is advised to make constant checks to make sure it is not too tangled. You can do it by using your fingers.
Its fur is not only a symbol of its adventurous and hippie spirit but also of protection, since in the ancient times its fur protected the dog from wolves’ attacks; the thick fur makes it difficult for wolves to bite into the skin.
The similarity between Komondor and sheep not only helped it hide but also to protect themselves by scaring away any threatening animal, because, despite their external resemblance, they differ on their bravery, strength and guardian behavior.
This protective instinct the Komondor has comes from being shepherd dogs. The breed helped their humans by taking care of, guiding and defending the sheep from predators.
If something is surprising about Komondors is that it does not shed. Yes, that’s right, it doesn’t shed hair! Despite having a great fur, it is very resistant. It is usually believed that if a dog has abundant hair it will go around shedding everywhere, but, this does not happen with the Komondor. It is more likely that a Chihuahua will shed hair all over the couch faster than a Komondor will.
On the other hand, the Komondor is very faithful dogs. They tend to have a calm and serene temperament (while the situation is under control). However, if a risky or very alarming situation arises, they will go and defend their master or family. Its protective instinct is high, and it may react to this type of situation.
These canines were bred from the beginning to be independent, thus, they are not looking for attention 24/7. They are excellent friends with childer, so don’t worry about having a Komondor around a child. It will not harm him.
Besides, the Komondor is very territorial. If it sees a stranger, it will take some time accepting it; you don’t gain their trust too easily. The dog can take some time to analyze the stranger until determining what his intentions are.
Although the Komondor is very large and heavy, it has a very good athletic ability. It loves running and jumping around for a certain time, whether as a game or simply to defend its family or territory.
Puppies should be trained since they are very young, because of their strength and skills they should be instructed how to handle some situations and keep them still so that they do not hurt someone.
The protective capacity and impetus to guard are so great that, during World War II, many Komondors were killed in Hungary as it was the only way that the Germans could take over the lands that these dogs were protecting.
Behavior around other dogs
Based on its appearance, the Komondor looks docile, but you should not be fooled by its looks of a tender sheep. Although it is part of a pack, its dominant character will make it want to be the leader of the group, but, if you invest some time in the socialization process, there will be no problems regarding its relationships with other dogs; although, without a doubt, the leader will be the Komondor.
This way, it is much easier for the Komondor to relate with others when it is a puppy than when he has reached adulthood where his guard dog instinct is even stronger, and, any stranger, whether it is a person or dog that approaches him, will represent a threat.
So, if you plan to relate or unite the Komondor in any way with another dog that might become a new member of the family, it will have to be a dog with an easy temper and that the Komondor can dominate, otherwise there could be a clash of characters and some fights.
Take in mind that when a dog like the Komondor is going to be brought together with another equal or similar dog, it must be through a socialization ritual. In puppies, it is more easily given through friendly play, but if the dog is already an adult, there must be a mediator, who, in this case, must be an adult who can keep the situation in order and the dogs calm. Therefore, each dog must be guided by its owner or an expert. It is recommended to keep them tied so that in this way the mediator can have more control.
Once you make sure that both dogs are calm, proceed to let the recognition process begin, this means, when the dogs start sniffing each other. After this point is covered, the Komondor will be ready to relate. This process will also serve as a way to positively stimulate its character.
On the other hand, even if the Komondor can get along very well with some dogs, it will not always happen; certainly not if the other dogs that come along are not those of its surroundings, or if socialization has not been carried out accordingly.
Moving on, as for the mating process of the Komondor, it will depend on the fact that the female is in the first stage of heat, which, in the case of the female Komondor, will be a little later, because large breed dogs tend to grow up a little later than other breeds.
In this case, the female Komondor enters puberty during the first year or year and a half of life, sand she will be ready for the mount after two years. By the time the dog (female) is going through its estrous cycle, she will be willing to mate only if she is in the second stage of the cycle, which usually occurs after the first ten days after it begins. However, if the male tries to mount her before this time, the female will not let him, and she can even get quite aggressive, so the owner must take this into account and know for sure when the mount will be successful.
It will be known when the female is ready because her behavior towards the male will change; she will not be aggressive, but she will be a little anxious. As for vaginal bleeding, it will slow. Only then is when she’ll be ready for the mount and subsequent reproduction.
Now that you know more about the behavior of Komondor dogs around other dogs, you can make the right decision whether to have of them as your future pet, if you already have other dogs or even if you already have a Komondor as a pet and you just want to get it a life partner.
Either way, do not forget each of the precautions that must be taken into account when presenting the Komondor to another dog that is unknown to it, never forgetting its dominant character. Keep in mind that it must go through an adequate process of socialization to avoid any unwanted incidents, following the advice given in this article.
The tenderness and familiarity that characterize the Komondor will be even more reflected in its relationship with the adults in its environment, and how that relationship is carried out is described below; so, read on.
Behavior around humans
Given its instinct as a protective dog, the Komondor can consider even the smallest members of its family as part of its pack, hence, it is forced to protect them.
Among the characteristics that stand out regarding the behavior and personality of the Komondor, it is known as a fairly calm dog as long as they do not make it angry, said in a situation where it, its owner, or the rest of the members of the family feel threatened.
If since the Komondor is small the socialization process is done correctly there will be no major problem. This dog is usually very affectionate with the people around it and all those who are approved by its master. If you get the Komondor to trust you, don’t doubt you will have found the sweetest of all partners.
Like other dogs, the Komondor will require appropriate socialization time and the best caring that can be given to it. What you give you’ll get, since, if the dog is raised in a loving environment where it will be surrounded by petting, caresses and good treatment, it will respond with the same love and loyalty, but remember to set limits. However, make sure that your dog knows that showering it with love and affection does not mean that it will not be corrected or “punished” if it is not behaving properly.
Something that you’re surely wondering is how does the Komondor dog take it around the children? When you have children at home and you want to have pets, a must-have characteristic is that they do to represent any kind of danger to your kids’ security. Well, with the Komondor you do not need to worry. It loves being around the little ones, since it can be quite tolerant and does not get easily irritated when it comes to children; on the contrary, it will be looking after them and will do everything that’s in its power to protect them, because it instinctively seeks to protect the defenseless.
As long as the people who approach the dog are part of its environment, the Komondor will not attack them. However, it is not recommended that those who it thinks of as “unknown” hurry to try and caress it or even approach it too quickly, since the dog could react aggressively, even more so if they are close to a family member, since their natural reaction will be to attack what they consider to be a threat to their pack.
With the Komondor, both children or adults can enjoy days filled with fun, because if there is something that this specimen loves to do is running, jumping and playing outdoors. However, if the Komondor is playing with very young children you must be careful to keep an eye on them, constant adult supervision, to make sure that the child does not get hurt accidentally due to the large size and weight of the dog.
Also, as the owner of a Komondor, you should try to go outdoors as often as possible and take it for a workout. If you want a dog of this breed, take into account that you must have large strength, enough so that you will be able to dominate a dog of its size. The training that you will give it also plays a fundamental role, which we will get into detail later on.
Sedentary people and the Komondor do not complement each other well, especially if you are going to have it in a house where the space to run and exercise is limited. How it was previously indicated, you should often take it on walks and runs so it can exercise.
Taking that into account, we can say that the Komondor is an excellent companion dog and a very good caregiver and family protector so do not worry, since you can be sure that, if anything were to happen under any circumstances, your Komondor will be the first to come to the defense of all family members and even more so if it is about its master.
In fact, in ancient times, many Komondor dogs gave their lives during World War II, since they were in charge of guarding the farms. The German army had to kill many dogs to be able to enter these farms, this being firm evidence that the tenacity of these specimens for defending their own goes beyond protecting their own lives.
This means that you can be sure that the Komondor will be an excellent companion and defender of your home, besides showering your family with love, including the littlest ones. So there is no doubt that the loyalty of these dogs regarding their owners goes beyond imaginable, providing superior confidence in the relationship between master and dog.
Diet and feeding
To ensure your dog’s good development and health, a very important point must be taken into account, and that is that for the maintenance of this beautiful dog with dreadlocks, it will be necessary to make a significant investment in its feeding. Since it is so large, it requires a higher consumption, although in proportionate and well-distributed measures, always remembering that excesses are very bad as far as the feeding is concerned.
Therefore, you must decide, appropriately, the amount and type of food you will be feeding your dog with. The daily consumption in terms of nutrients and proteins to be ingested will depend on the number of calories that the dog can burn daily, which can be very high, depending on the level of activity of the Komondor; it goes hand in hand with the environment in which the dog is being raised.
Since the Komondor needs ample spaces where it is allowed to run and play, it means that the percentage of calories that can be burnt per day will be significant, hence the importance of adequate food.
Some experts have different opinions regarding the feeding of dogs of large breeds, since, for development reasons, it is not the same as small-breed dogs, because their metabolism is slower than bigger dogs, so, make sure to feed it properly to avoid any kind of problems that a nonspecific diet can cause in a dog like the Komondor.
The first thing will be to choose the type of food in which the diet of our Komondor will be based on. There are several options available in the market; they provide food with the necessary nutrients depending on the type of dog and whether if it is a puppy or an adult.
If you choose a dry feed, which is the most recommended for dogs, it will be necessary to verify the quality, since there is a wide variety of brands, so if you have any questions as to which brand to choose, you can pay the veterinarian a visit and he will tell you which one is the most suitable.
Keep in mind that when the Komondor is a puppy, its diet must be based on food that contains very little fat. You’ll have to constantly verify the amount of food you’re providing it, since, even as puppies, you have to be careful with overweight. That is why some food brands for puppies of large breeds already have the portions specified. Still, when they are a little larger, they should be fed three times a day, which is why you ought to be careful with overfeeding.
Upon reaching adulthood, the Komondor should lower the food portions from three times a day to twice a day. Also, the type of food should be changed, since the needs are not the same than when they are puppies, so the food given should be specifically for large-breed adult dogs, which will provide the necessary amount of calories without making it feel “full”, to avoid abdominal swelling and other related gastric difficulties.
Another important element to take into account, is that the food for our adult Komondor has to be rich in vitamins C and E, as well as other antioxidants and phosphorus absent, all this because when it turns six years old, the dog starts facing the evils of old age such as erosion of the joints. Hence, the food should include elements that somehow can delay the wear.
We must avoid falling into the error of thinking that because the Komondor is a large breed dog it may need other nutritional supplements, thinking that dry food is not enough, because that’s incorrect. Since these foods are specially designed for them they contain the minerals, proteins and all the nutrients that are necessary for the development of both muscle and bone of the dog.
And, if you have any doubts or questions about the amount of food you should give your dog, either in adulthood or when it reaches old age, don’t hesitate to consult with the veterinarian, remember that they are the experts and are fully capable of clarifying any doubts you have, that way you will avoid exaggeration or deficiency when serving the portions.
This is another important matter regarding the feeding of the Komondor, an aspect that should be taken into account. However, if you want to own a Komondor, remember that it requires necessary care, which will be described later on.
Necessary care
Now, we have reached a point that you surely were thinking about, and that is: how to take care of a Komondor? Well, here are the steps to be followed to keep your dog healthy and well-groomed.
One of the most important aspects regarding the care of this breed is the maintenance of its fur because from the first moment we tell you that it is going to require some dedication to prevent the dreads from getting knotted or to keep them from getting too dirty.
The bathing and drying of the Komondor is not an easy task, so it should be done about twice a year or somewhere in between if it gets too dirty. Due to the amount and thickness of the Komondor’s fur, the drying process may take more than three hours if it is done with a hairdryer because if you leave it to dry naturally, which is not recommended at all, it could take up to more than 24 hours.
This task requires a lot of patience, so, if you don’t have a lot of that, we recommend that you take your Komondor to the dog groomer. Now, if you are willing to do the work on your own, we recommend you to use a hairdryer, but avoid setting it at a very high temperature because you do not want to curl the dog’s hair. Remember to keep calm; luckily, this is an arduous task that should be done only a few times a year.
While it is true that regular brushing is necessary for the maintenance of the hair of many dogs, that does not happen with the Komondor. Their braids do not need to be brushed constantly, but you do need to take minacious care of the dreads, separating them one by one from the root to avoid knots, which, in addition to looking very bad, can lead to repercussions on its skin.
To keep the Komondor safe from external parasites such as fleas and ticks, which, due to their abundant fur can become quite difficult to remove, it is advisable to make use of protection methods such as flea collars or other means advised by the veterinarian.
On the other hand, you have to take special care while cleaning the ears and eyes of the Komondor, since its large amount of fur hangs over the face, which makes it more prone to get infections or some type of irritation, that is why we recommend that you take a wet gauze and clean the areas about twice a month.
Like any other dog, the Komondor must have all its vaccines and precise deworming control, thus, regular visits to the veterinarian should not be neglected for any motive. This way, the lowering of their defenses can be prevented and it helps to strengthen the body, to prevent it from suffering certain infectious diseases and eventually delay the onset of others.
Since the Komondor is a large dog, some diseases are prone to appear, including hip dysplasia and other conditions at the level of the joints, which is why you will have to take good care of the food, to keep it from being overweight.
Great care must be taken in the maintenance of the Komondor’s fur, not only for aesthetics and appearance but because neglecting it can lead to suffering from recurrent infections and irritation, such as dermatitis.
Another disease to which the Komondor is prone to suffer from is entropion, a condition at the ocular level in which the eyelids puffs up, causing redness and irritation. Also, it is very common to suffer from inflammation of the ears, which tends to be something quite uncomfortable and painful.
Just as there are small conditions that disrupt the good health of the Komondor, there are others that can be deadly, which is why, in no way, can you omit to keep a record and adequate monitoring of vaccines, such as hygiene, which is very important to prevent diseases.
If you notice any unusual behavior that leads you to suspect that something is not right in regards to the health of your Komondor, you should not hesitate to take it to the veterinarian and as quickly as possible, since any disease that is detected early has a better chance of being treated more quickly.
Training and education
Training a Komondor is not an easy task. These dogs are naturally stubborn and getting it to follow your orders can be a tad complicated, although not impossible. You just have to be very patient and start training it since it is a puppy.
The Komondor should be taught to follow instructions from an early age, and also practice small obedience exercises. All this must be done by its master since this dog tends to recognize a single authority figure, so it will depend on that single person to instruct the animal, just as he will have to teach it to socialize, since the dependence and protective instinct can lead the dog to be dangerous for those who are not part of its family circle.
By nature, the Komondor is a free-spirited dog, so it is not advisable to keep it locked within four walls, even if the Komondor feels comfortable in the family environment, it will be more pleasant for it to be outdoors.
That being said, we go back to explaining how the owner’s attitude should be so he can guide it and not be guided by it, because, besides being stubborn, the Komondor has a strong character, hence it does not tend to let its guard down and is constantly showing in every moment who is the boss.
Your job as the owner is to teach it, from the very beginning, what it should and should not do. You must show it who is the leader by giving orders with a firm tone of voice, leaving no room to wander. It is also important to let it know that there are certain times when it can play around, but it is necessary to make it clear when game time is over and training will begin.
Consider that to achieve a successful training you can use playing methods as a mean of learning, but there should also be moments where discipline and firmness coming from the owner cannot be weakened, otherwise, the Komondor might think that it is the one dominating the situation.
You can start the training by giving small orders to start softly conditioning its behavior of obedience, such as teaching it how to seat, jump, spin, or even teaching it to fetch the ball, where you should teach it even how to deliver the ball, since the dog might be a little rough, thinking that it is just a game.
The barking of the Komondor can be quite strong depending on the situation, but, due to his protective nature, it will want to bark at everything it thinks of as “suspicious” and that might endanger its family. Therefore, it must be instructed so that it feels comfortable and safe in its environment, letting it get acquainted with the people it’ll be living with, in which its owner should make an appropriate presentation if someone new arrives. If its owner trusts the person, so will the Komondor.
Tracing boundaries is very important. The Komondor needs to be guided, considering this is a dog that will always seek to do what it pleases and will avoid at all costs being dominated if it is not accustomed.
Due to its large size, which will require quite ample spaces, it must be educated that, if it is going to be inside the house, it does not go potty in there; it needs to be taken outside, where it should often be. It is not recommended to keep him inside the house for too long.
Like any dog, you should also teach the Komondor to keep still when the family is eating, since the appetite of the Komondor can be quite voracious, so you have to educate them so that they do not go chasing people around for food, since that can be quite uncomfortable and even more so if there are visits.
On the other hand, if you think you’re not capable of controlling your Komondor you should take it to an expert since he will not only train your dog but also give you some tips you should follow to achieve a successful training. If the expert watches your training from up close, he can guide and correct you if you are making any mistakes.
Anyway, already having taken into consideration all aspects in terms of character, temperament, care, and feeding, it is up to you if you want to enjoy the adventure that can be to have a Komondor as a pet.
Ideal environment
The Komondor is a very energetic dog who enjoys any weather and environment as long as it is fully free to run around, so, if you are thinking of adopting a Komondor, you will have to evaluate whether the environment where you will keep it meets the requirements necessary.
The Komondor is a country or farm dog, so if you live in the city it is not advisable to own a dog of this size. If you do want it, make sure you keep it in a house with a spacious backyard or, if you do not have a yard, live somewhere near a park where you can take it for a walk. If by the contrary, you keep it in an enclosed place it can become depressed and even take a rather aggressive and challenging attitude.
Think for a moment about the nature of these specimens. For hundreds of years, they adapted to be free in the fields next to the sheep and cattle, both in hot and cold weather, originally born in a country where it got used to spending most of its time outdoors. Either way, everyone who wants to own a Komondor has to think about keeping it somewhere it can spend as much time as possible outdoors, and also provide it a small house where it can take refuge in the case of rain or too much sun.
Since it will spend a long time outdoors, you must make sure that it does not get wet, since its fur is quite difficult to dry.
And there is not much more to say as far as the environment of the Komondor is concerned, only that it requires great space; it does not do well living in apartments. It is necessary to provide a home in which it has food at the time it requires and a place where it can do its business. A dog of these dimensions requires a lot of space.
The Komondor is not like any other breed of dogs that can easily adapt to any place; it is part of the group of shepherd dogs and, although some shepherds manage to adapt easily to family life being surrounded by people, it is not the case of this specimen. Although this does not mean that they are nomads who will be governed by their law, they also require human care.
The home of the Komondor will be that place where it can be fully free to do what its nature asks of it, which is to protect and to be a guardian of its environment, so whether it is on a farm, field or in a large house, it will not hesitate to take care of its family, doing so gladly.
That being said, keep in mind that the Komondor will have to be in a quiet and harmonious environment, whether it is inside the house or spending time with the family outdoors. Either way, the Komondor will adapt as long as the care and maintenance parameters are met.
Another important aspect to consider when adopting a Komondor as a pet will be the high cost in terms of its maintenance, since, unlike other breeds and like large dog breeds, the Komondor requires high consumption of food and grooming. In the same way, adapting the space where the Komondor is going to live requires some expenses, either because of the toys or the space that will be conditioned for your pet’s stay.