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Komondor
With its distinctive corded
coat, the Komondor looks decidedly like a Rastafarian, but it
is actually a native of Hungary.
History:
The Komondor is primarily a
livestock guardian, although it does occasionally herd. Its
ancestor, the Aftscharka, first came to Hungary with the
Magyar nomads abut 1000 years ago. The combination of weather
extremes and practical breeding programs produced this breed
and its unusual coat. It is actually a good insulator as well
as being a protection from predator bites, and helps to
camouflage the dog while it is guarding its flock.
The
name Komondor is thought to have been derived from the words
komondor kedvu which mean somber or angry. Never a widespread
or well-known breed, this may soon change because it has
recently been used as a police dog in the US, and a popular
rock artist has used a picture on an album cover of a Komondor
going over a jump.
Physical
characteristics:
These are large dogs, with a
wide range in size due to the differences in the breed between
countries. Height: 23 - 32 in (58.5 - 81 cm). Weight: 80 - 150
lb (36.5 - 69 kg). The coat of the Komondor is formed into
cords and reaches to the ground, obscuring most of the
body.The only other breed that has a similar coat is the
smaller Hungarian Puli. The body is strong and muscular with a
large-boned frame. The adult coat starts to form around 6
months and may take up to two years to fully develop. The
finished product has the texture of felt.
Behavior:
The Komondor is generally a
confident dog and can often behave in a rather aloof manner.
It makes rather a good watch-dog as it soon develops a keen
sense of territory. Its large size acts as a good deterrent
against would-be intruders. The Komondor does benefit from
early socialization, and it is wise to expose it to a wide
range of people, particularly children, if it is going to be
kept as a companion animal. Although these magnificent animals
usually have a gentle disposition, it is advised not to leave
them unattended with small children.
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