Komondor Dog Breed Introduction
Their coat helps them blend in with livestock and protect them from extremes of weather and also beasts of prey. They are known to be very affectionate with the family and will defend them against any attack. Most Mop Dogs portray dignified, loyal, and brave traits. Moreover, the Cumans brought the Mop Dogs to Europe and are in a Hungarian codex from 1544. Additionally, the breed is said to be one of Hungary’s national treasures and the nation protected the breed from any modification.
History
The Komondor, also known as Mop Dog, was brought to Hungary by the Cumans, a nomadic and Turkic-speaking people, during the 12th and 13th centuries. Their name Komondor comes from Koman-dor which means “Cuman dog,” and they are descendants of Tibetan dogs. In 1239, the Cumans were granted refuge under Köten Khan and settled in Hungary. In 1673, a man named Amos Comenius mentioned the Komondor in one of his works.
Unfortunately, during World War II, most of the Mop Dogs were killed. When Germans invaded, they had to kill the dog before they could take over a house or land that the Mop Dogs guarded. Nonetheless, the Mop Dogs have been regarded for centuries as the king of Hungarian flock dogs. Mop Dogs are tough and confident to run off wolves and other wild beasts of prey. Their cords offer the Mop Dogs a cool, funky look but also protect them from extreme weather and sharp-toothed predators.
The Mop Dogs are related to the Puli, the South Russian Ovcharka, and other breeds, such as the Schapendoes, the Bearded Collie, the Pumi, the Mudi, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, and the Old English Sheepdog. In 1937, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed, which gained more prominence in 1962. However, they rank low in popularity among the various breeds and varieties.
Life Span
Komondor Grooming
The Mop Dog has a long corded coat that is not brushed as they forms the curls required for it to cord. Their coat start to clamp at 9 or 10 months and the owners split the clumps into areas that grow out of the skin. Despite the Mop Dogs not being brushed, they require a bath once a month.
Before bathing, the cords fuse at the base and they are separated by pulling them apart down to the skin. For the Cords that are difficult to Split, they require to be split when wet. The owners may use mat splitters to split them. Fill the bathtub with several inches of lukewarm water and use canine-formulated shampoo. Ensure to rinse out every hint of the shampoo after the bath spray medicated canine conditioner on the dog and then rinse it off after some time. Dry the coat by squeezing, using towels, and then in front of a strong fan overnight. The coat may smell bad if it does not dry or has residual shampoo.
Cleaning their teeth should be done twice a week by using a canine toothpaste and a brush to keep the dog free from plaque and tartar that might build up. Ensure the Mop Dogs nails are short to avoid overgrowing, cracking, or splitting by using clippers every three to four weeks. Moreover, the Mop Dog ears should be cleaned using a damp cotton ball soaked in an ear cleanser solution every week to remove dirt and keep the dog from infections.
Brushed Out
Shedding
Coat
Hair
Short Hair
Hypoallergenic
Komondor Without Dreads
Shaved
Training
Mop Dogs are very intelligent dogs that require early training as they are naturally independent thinkers and can be overly protective. Socialization of a Mop Dog is extremely important. The dog should be exposed to new situations, people, other dogs, sounds like trains, doorbells, lawnmowers, and washing machines. If Mop Dogs are not properly socialized they become aggressive when confronted with a new situation or person.
The Mop dogs become obstinate when bored, thus, their training sessions should be upbeat and happy. Pet owners should make use of positive reinforcement training and train the dogs for five to ten minutes at a time. Avoid harsh correction methods like yelling, punching, beating, and kicking that may lead to inappropriate behavior.
Let the dog be able to respond to common commands like sit, heel, and stand before introducing new commands. Moreover, the Mop Dog owners should use positive verbal praise, and treats, as well as have their playtime to provide positive reinforcement training. When the Mop Dogs are eight to 16 weeks, they should be enrolled in puppy class. Additionally, to housebreak this breed, introduce them to potty training, crate training, and feeding schedules at an early age.
Characteristics
- Protective.
- Independent.
- Alert.
- Affectionate.
- Devoted.
- Intelligent.
- Gentle.
- Calm.
Exercise
Barking
Growling
Mop Dogs growl depending on the situation. Some growls may be positive like during playtime because they’re having fun. The dogs may also growl during a particularly pleasing cuddle or patting session. However, the dog may growl to threaten another dog, when injured, or to attack. The owners should be in a position to know their Mop Dog’s various growls.
Bite Force
Komondor Size
Height
Weight
Health Issues
Being a pure breed, the Mop Dogs do not suffer from many heredity problems. There is no evidence of the retinal eye problems found in most breeds. There are also about 10% of large breeds with some hip dysplasia. The certification that a dog is free of hip dysplasia takes place when the dog is over two years old. Moreover, the dog can develop bloat which is a sudden, life-threatening enlargement.
Also, due to its long corded coat, the dog may suffer from external parasites. Owners should check their coats when grooming. In the case of fleas, the owners should be careful as the Mop Dogs are extremely sensitive to some of the products. The dogs also have ears that hang down which prevents air circulation. Therefore, the owners should clean their ears to avoid infections.
Names
- Kerge.
- Kurta.
- Pali.
- Sandy.
- Jasmine.
- Holly.
- Ruby.
- Adele.
- Bailey.
- Casper.
Food
The Mop Dogs are large breeds who do not eat a lot for their size. According to their age (puppy, adult, or senior), the dogs eat high-quality dog food. A senior or adult dog will consume two meals a day with treats during the day while a puppy will have three small portions of food and treats. Supplements are also given to the dogs for health benefits. Owners should avoid feeding Mop Dogs with high-fat food content or cooked bones. In addition, provide clean fresh water for the Mop Dogs at all times.
Colors
The Mop Dogs have the color of their coats white but not always the pure white of a brushed coat. Sometimes puppies may have a buff or cream coat that fades as the dog matures.
Black Komondor
Black Puppy
Sheepdog
Great Pyrenees Mix
Nose
Mop Dog
Komondor Price
Puppy Price
A Mop Dog puppy has a price ranging from $900 to $1200 depending on the age and location of the breeder.
Frequently Asked Question:
Where Are Komondor Dogs From
Mop Dogs originate from Hungary.
Why Do Komondors Have Dreads
The Mop Dogs have dreads or cords that help them blend in with livestock and protect them from extreme weather and also beasts of prey.
What Is A Komondor Dog
A Komondor or Mop Dog is a large pure breed dog that belongs to the working group originating from Hungary. They are made up of dense, soft, woolly undercoat and also a coarser outer coat normally wavy or curly.
How Much Does A Komondor Dog Cost
A Mop Dog costs $1100 to $2500 depending on the age, location of breeder, and pedigree.
Can You Shave A Komondor
No. The Mop Dogs should not be shaved as their coat marks their identity.
How Much Are Komondor Puppies
A mop Dog puppy has a price ranging from $900 to $1200.
Do Komondors Shed
Yes. The Mop Dogs do shed but not like the other dogs as they occasionally lose an entire cord.
How Do You Groom A Komondor
A Mop Dog requires hand grooming daily to separate the cords as they begin to form. Bathing should be done once a month and ensure the cords are dried using a fan. Clean the teeth and ears two times a week. Trim their nails with clippers.
Are Komondors Hypoallergenic
Yes. Komondors have a corded coat that does not shed. The cords also trap the dander which makes them bearable for people who suffer from dog allergies.
Komondor Quick Facts
- Maintaining Mop Dog Corded coats requires work.
- Mop Dogs are in demand as they are rare.
- Mop Dogs coat forms by intertwining the puppy coat and adult coat.