Komondor

The Komondor is breed that is probably best known for its coat. The coat is made up of cords which form naturally. And did you know that if you cut off all of its cords, all of them would weigh a total of up to 15 pounds? The breed's coat is white because it would help it blend in with the flocks of sheep and cattle that it would protect from the weather and predators. And the plural for Komondor is Komondorok.

This breed originated in Hungary where he is known as the "King of Working Dogs". This breed wasn't bred to herd cattle, but to protect cattle without any demands or questions. Besides them being workers among cattle, the Komondor's protective instincts made him a police dog. The breed was introduced to North America in 1930's. However, it wasn't until about over 60 years later that the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

This is a somewhat hardy breed, but you need to watch out for things like juvenile cataracts, hip dysplasia, bloating, and entropion. Grooming the breed is no easy task. Some owners will cut the coat, but if you want to use the breed for show, you have to dedicate lots of time towards grooming. It needs to be brushed on a regular basis. You may also need to hand-strip the cords to prevent them from matting. The breed could be a good family dog, but he has those guarding instincts, so early socialization is a must. You also need to start training a Komondor at a young age. He is sensitive to his owners commands, however, you should always use positive training methods. Give it a treat if it does something right. If you want the breed perfect for city living, keep looking, because he needs daily exercise in a large yard. You should also try to see if you can give him a job, such as the one he was bred for.

If you can tend to a Komondor's needs, then the Komondor will be a great match for you!