BREED SPOTLIGHT

Breed Spotlight: Komondor

3 min read
Jun 29, 2022

Komondor Quick Stats

LIFESPAN:

10 – 12 years

WEIGHT:

80 – 100 lbs (minimum)

HEIGHT:

25.5 – 27.5 inches (minimum)

DO I SHED?:

No

Personality:

Protective, dignified, intelligent, lovey-dovey

Common Health Problems:

Bloat, hip dysplasia

Komondor: How Do I Look

One of the world’s most recognizable breeds, the komondor (sometimes shortened to “kom”) AKA the Hungarian sheepdog is a very large dog covered in white cords. Its white-corded coat resembles a mop head, hence the komondor’s nickname, “mop dog.”

Coat Type and Colors

Komondors have long, corded coats. White is the only coat color approved by the American Kennel Club's official breed standards.3

Ears

Komondor ears are medium-set and hang low. Just like the rest of their body, their ears are covered in corded hair.

Drooling Level

In general, komondors are unlikely to drool.

Shedding and Grooming

Despite their very furry appearance, komondors do not shed.

Their corded coat, however, does require special care. Proper komondor grooming requires frequent bathing and regular visits to the groomer. However, a komondor should never be brushed.

If not washed regularly, a kom’s coat could become extremely dirty and smelly. Ensuring their coat is rinsed clean and thoroughly dried will ensure your dog smells fresh.

Komondor : Personality Traits

What My Adoption Bio Would Say:

I’m that dog that looks like a mop, but I actually prefer to sweep — sweep you off your feet! Even though I’m a working dog at heart, I’m super lovey-dovey.

I might look like a mop, but I’ve got the brawn, agility, and fierceness to match. Think of me like your very own left tackle. I’ll protect your blindside from anything.

Behavior

Bred to protect flocks of sheep, the komondor is fiercely protective. Despite their ability to fiercely defend their family, they are loving and devoted companions.

Komondors’ high intelligence can sometimes lead to stubbornness. They do best with an owner who will take charge.

Exercise Needs

The komondor isn’t overly energetic, but they aren’t couch potatoes. Sufficient exercise is necessary to maintain their physical and mental health. Consider 30 to 60 minutes of free-running time as a necessary daily activity.

Take note that dog parks are not recommended for the komondor.

Good With Other Pets?

The komondor's strong guarding instinct can make it difficult for them to get along well with other dogs, particularly those that are strangers. They can very easily react poorly to loose dogs and groups of dogs they perceive as a threatening pack.

A well-trained Hungarian sheepdog shouldn’t have issues with dogs in their own household.

Trainability

Persistent training is a must for the komondor. Because they require a confident owner, the komondor is not recommended for first-time dog owners. Early and extensive socialization is essential, and training classes can be a helpful tool in your kom’s development.

Good with Kids?

The komondor is a loving family dog that enjoys the company of all people in their household, including young children and other family pets.

Despite the kom’s great reputation with children, remember that all dogs, especially larger breeds, should be supervised around young kids and kids who don’t interact with dogs often. If you’re hesitant about the komondor's size around your children, consider these other great breeds for families.

Barking Level

As long as this sheepdog doesn’t perceive a threat, the komondor is not considered an excessive barker when trained properly. Keep in mind that they have a loud and powerful bark, though.

Komondor History

Descendent from Tibetan dogs and bred to protect herds at pasture, the komondor is also known as the Hungarian sheepdog and, again, is affectionately known as “the kom.”4

The komondor’s signature corded coat isn’t just for show. The locs help protect the sheepdog from extreme weather and predators. They also help the breed blend into a flock of sheep, making them hard for predators to spot.

Fun fact, “komondorok” is the linguistically proper way to make “komondor” plural.

Common Komondor Mixes

Some of the most common komondor mixes include:

  • Komondor-Pyrenees: komondor and Great Pyrenees mix
  • Newkom: komondor and Newfoundland mix
  • Komondor-Poodle: komondor and poodle mix
  • Komondauzer: komondor and schnauzer mix

5 Komondor Health Problems

While there are no known problems specific to komondors, they can experience some health issues, including:

  • Bloat: a life-threatening disorder where the stomach fills with gas.
  • Cataracts: an eye condition that can lead to blindness.
  • Entropion: an eye condition where the lid grows inward.
  • Hip dysplasia:  a painful hereditary deformity of the hip socket.

Protect your Pets

Even the healthiest of pups can come with unexpected vet costs. Pet insurance can help keep your dog and your bank account happy.

How Pet Insurance Can Help Komondors

Even though komondors aren’t especially prone to health issues, they can experience a number of costly conditions. Luckily, a MetLife1 dog insurance policy may help cover the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of some of these conditions. 2

Bloat

Bloat is a common issue among large breeds like Hungarian sheepdogs. Also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and cuts off blood flow to the abdomen.5 It requires immediate veterinary attention and is fatal if left untreated. Treatment involves surgery.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that most often affects large breeds like the Hungarian sheepdog. Dogs with this condition have deformed hips where the ball and socket do not fit properly together, causing painful grinding, deterioration, and eventual loss of joint function.6 Diagnosis requires a physical exam and x-rays. Treatment can include pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery.

For more information on how pet insurance can help your Hungarian sheepdog, get familiar with how pet insurance works. Signing up for dog insurance while your kom is a puppy can also be a smart decision, ensuring your dog may have access to certain coverage before they develop a pre-existing condition.2

Protect your Komondor with Pet Insurance

Enroll in 3 Easy Steps

Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Please consult your own advisors for questions relating to your and your pet’s specific circumstances.

1 Pet Insurance offered by MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 485 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022, and Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, in those states where MetGen’s policies are available. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator authorized by IAIC and MetGen to offer and administer pet insurance policies. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC was previously known as PetFirst Healthcare, LLC and in some states continues to operate under that name pending approval of its application for a name change. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions. 

2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC. 

3 “Official Standard of the Komondor General Appearance,” American Kennel Club

4 “Komondor Dog Breed Information,” American Kennel Club

5 “Bloat: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus in Dogs,” VCA Animal Hospitals

6 “Hip Dysplasia In Dogs,” American Kennel Club