Komondor

 The Komondor is a massive dog with a proud gait. It is serious, confident, alert and commanding. It is very strong and agile for its size. This is a hardy, healthy dog; it can tolerate changing temperatures. Its body is totally covered with an extraordinary felted and corded coat, which is 8 to 11 inches (20-27cm.) long, and always white. The Komondor (plural is Komondorok) is a big, muscular dog with plenty of bone and substance, covered with an unusually, heavy, white corded coat. Puppies are white and fluffy and tend to form cords at about 3 to 4 months of age. It makes an excellent guard dog. 

 The Komondor is smart, but easily bored, loyal to and respectful of its master, but fierce against threats to its charges. It makes an excellent watchdog and guard dog. It is very territorial and highly protective of its family, house, car, and livestock. In a few minutes the Komondor can get the better of even the strongest enemy. This is not a dog for everyone; it requires an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and who is willing to spend a lot of time socializing and training. The Komondor can be a good family dog if it is socialized as a young puppy, trained thoroughly, and raised with children from the start, but it is not recommended for most families. This breed must be thoroughly socialized with people and other dogs at an early age. Heavy-handed training will produce a stubborn, unhappy Komondor. Originally developed in Hungary to guard large herds of animals on the open plains, the Komondor was charged with protecting the herd by itself, with no assistance and no commands from its master. This dog is a flock guardian, not a herder. This breed can be extremely lazy and will sleep and rest for hour upon hour. The Komondor lives for many months outdoors in all kinds of weather, protecting its master\'s flocks. In the United States the Komondor is primarily a home guard and companion, and livestock guard dog. 

 Dense, protective coat. The puppy coat is relatively soft, but it shows a tendency to fall into cord-like curls. Never brush or comb the coat! It is divided into cords and trimmed. Its coat needs a lot of bathing and takes a long time to dry. It sheds very little if any. 

 Hip dysplasia, skin allergies, ear problems and bloat. Bloat is a health issue to most dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs second to cancer, but Komondors can be particularly susceptible to it because of their deep chests. It is also referred to as "twisted stomach" or gastric torsion. 

 Komondors need intensive exercise such as pulling carts or a long-distance run. They also need a purpose in life. They should be given a job to do. 

 Training of the Komondor should be firm, consistent rules and early socialization. Obedience training is essential to discourage assertive tendencies. Suburban or rural; must have a fenced yard. Can live outside comfortably in a doghouse. Best home is a sheep ranch in Montana, second best is a house in the country with a fenced yard. Komondors must be restrained in case a "welcomed guest" appears threatening to the dog. The Komondor requires a firm, dog-experienced owner in a rural environment.