Diversity

About Komondor DogsAbout Komondor Dogs

Image: Teglasi Szelbori Komondor
Image: Teglasi Szelbori Komondor


Komondor dogs (also known as the Hungarian sheepdog) are large, white livestock guardian dogs with a long, corded coat.

Komondors were brought to Hungary by Cumans, the Turkic speaking, nomadic people who settled in Hungary during the 12th and 13th century. The name Komondor derives from Koman-dor, meaning "Cuman dog". In the late 10th century, Mongols began to expand their territories at the expense of the Cumans, forcing them to move westwards. Fleeing from the Mongols, they reached the borders of Hungary in the 12th century. Cumans were granted asylum and settled in Hungary in 1239 under Köten Khan.

Komondor remains have been found in Cuman gravesites. The name quman-dur means belonging to the Cumans or the dog of the Cumans, thus distinguishing them from a similar Hungarian sheepdog breed which later merged with the Komondor. The name Komondor is found for the first time written in 1544 in the History of King Astiagis by Kakonyi Peter, in Hungarian. Later in 1673 Amos Comenius mentions the Komondor in one of his works. Today Komondors are fairly common breed in Hungary. Many Komondors were killed during World War II and local stories say that this is because when the Germans (and then the Russians) invaded, they had to kill the dog before they could capture a farm or house that it guarded.  

Komondor dogs have a natural guardian instinct to guard livestock and other property. They are an extremely independent thinker and can often times be stubborn and dominant. They can be very reserved around strangers and tends to be hostile towards other strange dogs. However, Komondors interacts rather well with other pets and specifically livestock. They are happiest when they are watching over someone or something. While their personality can often be calm and quiet, Komondors are absolutely fearless when a situation arises where they need to act as a guard dog. In this sense, they are extremely protective of their family and may sometimes misinterpret playful tumbles with children.

Komondor Dogs Associations

American Kennel Club American Kennel Club - www.akc.org





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