Komondor Breed Guide
Also known as: Hungarian Sheepdog, Mop Dog
Living mops with guardian hearts, Komondors are powerful livestock protectors whose corded coats and fearless nature suit experienced owners with adequate space.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Large
Weight
36-54 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Not kid-safe
Shedding
Low
Size
Large
Weight
36-54 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Not kid-safe
Shedding
Low
About Komondors
Developed in Hungary over 1,000 years ago, the Komondor was bred to guard sheep from wolves and other predators. Their distinctive corded coat provided excellent protection from harsh weather and predator attacks, making them formidable guardians of Hungarian flocks.
Their unique corded coat requires special care to maintain and takes years to fully develop. Komondors are independent and protective, known for their strong guardian instincts and ability to work without human supervision.
They are devoted to their families but can be aggressive toward strangers and other animals if not properly socialised. Komondors need moderate exercise but excel at guardian work. While generally healthy, potential owners should be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye conditions that can affect giant breeds.
Complete Care Guide for Komondors
Expert advice on keeping your Komondor healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Maintaining proper nutrition for a Komondor requires careful attention to portion control and meal timing. These large guardian dogs possess efficient metabolisms and tend to maintain their weight easily, making them susceptible to obesity when overfed. Establishing a consistent feeding schedule with multiple small meals throughout the day helps prevent weight gain while reducing the risk of gastric torsion, a serious condition that can affect deep-chested breeds.
Selecting an appropriate diet means considering both life stage and activity level. Puppies require specific nutritional support for growth, while adult and senior Komondors benefit from carefully balanced formulations that support their more moderate energy needs. When choosing food, owners should prioritise well-balanced options over those marketed solely for high protein content, as excessive protein intake may trigger skin sensitivities in this breed.
Monitoring your Komondor's body condition provides valuable feedback about their nutritional needs. Regular weight checks and body scoring help ensure the feeding program remains appropriate as their requirements change throughout life. Working with a veterinarian to establish portion sizes and adjust them based on activity level, age, and health status creates the foundation for optimal nutrition.
How healthy is your Komondor?
A two minute quiz for your personalised results and health plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Komondors from our community of pet parents
Komondors are known for their loyal, protective and calm temperament. They tend to be very quiet and reserved around strangers but are incredibly affectionate towards their own family. Due to their herding instincts, they can be quite independent and self-reliant, which can make training a bit challenging. However, they're very intelligent dogs and with consistent, positive reinforcement training methods, they respond well.
Dog Breeds Similar to Komondor
Explore breeds with comparable temperament, size, and care requirements to the Komondor
Puli
Hungarian herders with corded coats, Pulis are alert, agile working dogs whose unique appearance and intelligence appeal to those wanting distinctive companions.
Kuvasz
Hungary's white guardians, Kuvasz are independent, powerful dogs whose protective instincts and majestic appearance suit those needing capable livestock protectors.
Great Pyrenees
Majestic livestock guardians, Great Pyrenees are independent protectors whose thick white coats and calm nature suit those with adequate space.