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Hungary. There are relatively few of these dogs in the US, and only a
handfull of litters each year. Komondorok have an unusual corded
coat that is unpractical in our area; but if left unshorn and cared for
properly, will eventually become "dreadlocks" that sweep the ground
on some dogs. This gives them the appearance of being a huge dust
mop; but do not allow the appearance of these ragmops or their
unbelieveably cute, fluffy white puppies to fool you. Koms are fierce,
protective, and territorial.
Although we highly recommend these dogs for many reasons, they
are not a dog for everyone. They are independent thinkers, and are
likely to question your judgement if you make a decision that does
not make sense to them. While obedience training on some basic
level is necessary to handle the dogs, I doubt you could convince
most Koms that things like agility training make sense and are
necessary. The Middle Atlantic States Komondor Club has an
excellent series of articles on Komondorok, with an especially good
article on Komondor temperament. Many of these dogs are only a
generation or two removed from their fierce, independently working
ancestors, and it often shows in their behavior.
There are many places to obtain information on the breed. We
encourage you to spend plenty of time studying and reading all
available info before acquiring a Kom.
Our male Kom is named Hos. This means "hero" in Hungarian. He is
the devoted guardian of my goats and companion to my children.
While he may spend a good deal of the day relaxing in the shade of
his favorite mudhole (they do not appreciate heat!); no one gets
between him and the charges he has decided require his protection.
He is a big boy that can place his paws on my shoulders and look over
my head, and weighs over 100 pounds. When he decides to put a
stop to some form of perceived nonsense, he will approach the
perpetrator quietly at a run, bowl them over, and pin them until I
instruct him further. Struggling could elicit a bite. He has never
shown any aggression toward humans beyond making sure strangers
know their place, and so far, everyone has.
We plan to acquire a female in the near future and eventually have a
litter of Hos's pups to perpetuate our hero's presence on our farm.