A Komondor (KOM-on-door plural Komondorok) stays a playful puppy for between 2 and 3 years during which time they are extremely energetic. But once through the puppy stage, they become a more dignified, self-reliant adult. However, even then they remain extremely active both inside and out and require a great deal of exercise. Bred to identify friend from foe as a livestock guardian, he uses the same discriminating judgment today. But that judgment is not infallible in a modern home. Totally devoted to his family, he is suspicious of any stranger, letting you know with his booming bark before they arrive. Dogs must be carefully introduced and supervised during the stranger’s stay. Normal rough play with visiting neighborhood children can elicit a protective response with unfortunate results. They willing accept family pets as part of their flock to be protected from other animals he assumes are predators. They are more active at night, making their tendency to bark potentially troublesome for their owner and neighbors alike. Despite their massive size, they have lightning fast reactions and are extremely agile. Clearly, this is not a dog for a typical residential area.

A Komondor is a large or giant dog> They stand 26 to 31 inches tall and weigh 80 to 130 pounds. Their most recognizable feature is their white coat which, when properly kept, forms long dreadlock-like cords. Their breed club has a page that includes a description of the effort required for maintaining their coat which has instructions for bathing them which is a process that takes at least 24 hours to complete. A properly maintained coat results in a dog that sheds little if at all. As an alternative, they can be shaved. An intact coat protects them from all but arctic cold but they do poorly in heat or humidity.

Early and continuous socialization is mandatory to keep their territorial nature under control and prevent them from becoming a hazard. Among the most intelligent dogs, they can learn anything. But because they have been bred to use their intelligence to make their own decisions, they are not easy to train. You must establish yourself as alpha to have any chance of success with one. Use only positive, praise based training methods or you will lose their cooperation and respect. Repetitive training bores them. Their motto is “Been there, done that, why do it again?” This is not a breed for a mild-mannered or inexperienced owner.