Breed Characteristics:
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesnt necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. Theyre also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. Youll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If youre new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they cant pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and youll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if theyve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isnt the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by whos on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas arent always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and theyre not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if theyre love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isnt the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
If youre going to share your home with a dog, youll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If youre a neatnik, youll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If youve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if youre a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesnt mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that theyre at an increased risk.
If youre adopting a puppy, its a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed youre interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pups parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed thats prone to packing on pounds, youll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dogs diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the worlds smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if theyre compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “Whats in it for me?” attitude, in which case youll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they dont get the mental stimulation they need, theyll make their own work–usually with projects you wont like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesnt puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that its fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy thats been stuffed with kibble and treats.
(Picture Credit: Haydn West – PA s/PA s via Getty s)
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and youll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally arent a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally wont chase, but youll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If youre considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If youre considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, theyll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and theyre more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether youll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone whos elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you dont like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Komondors dont shed the same way other dogs do, as the their hair doesnt flow freely. Occasionally, a komondor may shed an entire cord, but this isnt very common.
Komondors thrive on large properties with plenty of open space, such as farms and ranches—they dont make the best apartment dogs. Theyre happiest when they can do what they were bred to do, which they consider to be “their job”—that is, overseeing herds or flocks of animals including sheep, goats, alpacas, and cattle.
When drying a corded komondor after a bath, its best to squeeze the cords with a towel to remove excess water, rather than rub the towel up and down their bodies. To keep the komondors cords clean and fresh, its also important to set up a fan to help them dry off more quickly (many komondors love nothing more than laying on their backs in front of a fan!).
Like other large dogs, komondors may suffer from a serious and life-threatening condition called bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus. Veterinarians still dont know exactly what causes bloat, but owners can take some steps to lower their dogs risk. These include encouraging your dog to eat more slowly with a special slow-feed bowl, lowering causes of stress and anxiety, and feeding them smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Talk to your veterinarian about how you can reduce your pups risk.
With proper upkeep, a komondors cords are clean, beautiful, and bright white; as he gets dirty again, his locks may start to appear off-white. Though its uncommon to see a komondor shaved, some owners shear off their cords every spring and let them regrow through the fall and winter.
Komondors do not suffer many heredity problems. Perhaps because the breed has descended from centuries of hardy working stock, Komondors have few genetically linked problems. In particular, there is no evidence of the retinal eye problems found in other breeds, nor is there dwarfism or hereditary blood disorders. As in all large breeds (and some small ones) there is some hip dysplasia, though the incidence is about 10% of all radiographs submitted, according to statistical studies of the OFA. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), an organization affiliated with the university of Missouri, reads hip x-rays and rates them against other x-rays of the same breed at the same age. Actual certification that a dog is free of hip dysplasia cannot take place until the dog is over the age of two years. All breeders in the United States who are affiliated with the Komondor Club of America should be in compliance with the Code of Ethics which requires that their breeding stock be x-rayed and certified free of hip dysplasia by the OFA. However, even two parents certified clear of hip dysplasia can produce dysplastic offspring. Often it will be years before this condition is noticed. One eye disorder which is found in the breed is entropian, which is indicated by the curling inwards of either the upper or lower eyelid. This lid deformity causes the lashes to rub against the cornea causing lacerations and infections of the eye. It can be corrected by surgery, but after such surgery, the dog cannot be shown and any dog with this problem should not be bred since it is genetic in nature. Another genetic eye problem that has recently been documented in the breed is juvenile cataracts. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation, CERF, located at Purdue University, evaluates eye exams and assigns a CERF number if the dog’s eyes are free of genetic problems. Before buying a puppy, find out if the puppy’s parents have been properly evaluated for hip and eye problems, and what (if any) guarantee the breeder is willing to provide you for your dog. There is some indication of “bloat”, (gastric diliation-torsion syndrome), a life threatening condition is genetic, but the incidence of bloat is no greater than with any other large breeds. This condition is marked by acute distress, and emergency measures should be taken immediately. If not treated immediately complications, both neurological and circulatory, can result in death. Please discuss this disease with your vet and your breeder, and learn the symptoms. Surgical correction of the problem is available and has been successful in many cases. External parasites can be a problem due to the heavy coat. As with any long-haired dog, a skin check should be part of your regular grooming routine. Should you find fleas or ticks, aggressive measures are in order. Shampoos and powders work well, but be sure to make sure you reach all parts of dog’s skin. With the big coat, it is easy to miss a spot where the fleas can hide. Owners should check anti-flea and tick preparations carefully as Komondors are extremely sensitive to some of these products. Also be sure to spot-test the coat before dipping as some flea dips have been known to discolor the white coat. Flea collars too can discolor the hair beneath them, so look for a white or transparent one. Ear care should be routine also. Since Komondors have ears which hang down preventing air circulation, it is especially necessary to keep them clean and hair-free. Some ear canals are hairier than others, but commercial powders, cleansing fluids, and plucking can greatly reduce the infections. Thick hair grows between the pads of the feet which also requires maintenance. This hair can pick up burrs, or, when wet, becomes a source of irritation and infection. For the health and comfort of the dog, this hair should be cut out with an electric clipper or scissors to keep mats from forming between the foot pads. As in all breeds one should be careful that Komondors have the proper vaccines against rabies, distemper, parvo, etc. Dogs should also be checked periodically for worms and other internal parasites. Like all stock guard dogs Komondors are usually extremely sensitive to anesthetics. These drugs should always be administered to effect… never by weight.
To the Komondor lover, no other dog possesses the depth of soul or sense of responsibility of this breed, but because of this the Komondor can represent a real challenge to the serious obedience trainer. Komondors are smart and have been bred to think for themselves. Therefore it can be difficult for them to trust completely the directions of a mere human. Easy to train at the start, they can just as easily decide that, once a task is done, it need never be done again. Repetition bores them. It is up to the handler to think of ways to keep training fun and full of surprises. Some breeds thrive of repetition, getting the most satisfaction out of being asked to do something which is familiar and can be accomplished successfully. The Komondor is not one those breeds. Komondors love to learn something new. Often in competition, however, the Komondor can seem somewhat less than enthusiastic at having to do those exercises again. Lagging on heeling seems always to be the biggest point loser. Many Komondors can be seen keeping an eye on the judge… just in case he’s really a predator. Judges who follow the dog around the ring make them especially nervous. A Komondor has been known to go High-in-Trial, and a few have Utility degrees. They are capable of great accomplishments, but they may try the ingenuity of the trainer.
King of the Hungarian livestock guarding dogs, the Komondor, is one of the most unusual breeds seen in the United States today. A big muscular dog covered with dense, white cords. This coat protects the dog against the elements and predators on the Puszta of its homeland, Hungary. The Komondor is a large dog with males standing at least 27 1/2″ at the shoulders, while females must be at least 25 1/2″ tall. Occasionally one may see a Komondor as large as 31″ or even bigger, but these cases are rare. While large, the Komondor is not an overly heavy dog. Males usually weigh more than 100 pounds and females more than 80 pounds. Despite its size, the Komondor is astonishingly fast, agile and light on its feet. The quick movement, large size, unique coat and majestic appearance of the Komondor can be awe inspiring. A fearless dog, the Komondor’s main task is to guard flocks of sheep or other livestock against predators such as wolves, coyotes, feral dogs, or human predators. The nature of the Komondor is that of a calm watchful dog who thrives on responsibility. Komondors need something to watch over. Be it livestock, children, or a cat, a Komondor is happiest when taking responsibility for another’s well-being. As a pet, the Komondor is quiet around the house, unless it perceives a threat to those entrusted to its care. If challenged, the Komondor becomes a fearless protector knocking down an intruder or breaking windows to protect its “flock”. In the field, the Komondor is vigilant and trustworthy, reducing losses and even caring for orphans. It is important to remember that the Komondor is, first and foremost, a stock guard dog. When evaluating whether this is the breed for you and your family, keep this in mind. If you are seriously considering acquiring a Komondor, we strongly urge you to see adult dogs in their home environment before making your final decision. Contact the Corresponding Secretary of the Komondor Club of America for the names of owners in your area. The KCA can also provide you with a list of breeders, members of the KCA, who have pledged to abide by the Code of Ethics of the KCA, and strive to breed only healthy animals who conform to the American Kennel Club standard for the breed.
Komondor temperament is like that of all livestock guarding dogs: calm and steady when things are normal. In cases of trouble, the dog will leap to defend its charges. It was bred to think for itself and is unusually intelligent. It is extremely affectionate with its family and friends and gentle with the children of the family. Although wary of strangers, it will nonetheless accept them when it is clear that no harm is meant. It is very protective of its family, home and possessions. It will instinctively guard them without any training. Once a new member has been introduced into the family or flock, the Komondor will never forget them. A Komondor will routinely greet someone it has not seen for years as though it had just seen them yesterday. Once you are a “member of the flock,” you are always a “member of the flock.” A Komondor has keen instincts and can sense the intentions of anyone in its presence. Should it decide its flock, territory, family, or master needs protection, it will not hesitate to spring into action, defending it charges fearlessly and with suddenness which take the intruder by surprise. An athletic dog, the Komondor has great speed and power and will leap toward a predator to drive it away or to knock it down. Because of the Komondor’s size, power, and speed, its owner must have it under control. Obedience training is a must, preferably starting at an early age (4 – 8 months). Komondors are intelligent and take well to training if started early. Komondors become obstinate when bored, so it is imperative that training sessions be upbeat and happy. Praise is a must, as are consistent and humane corrections. Once a Komondor gets away with unfriendly or hostile behavior, it will always think such behavior is appropriate. Therefore, consistent corrections even with a young puppy are necessary to ensure a well-adjusted adult. Socialization is also extremely important. The Komondor should be exposed to new situations, people and other dogs as a puppy. Because it is a natural guard dog, a Komondor that is not properly socialized may react in an excessively aggressive manner when confronted with a new situation or person. Again, puppy training is strongly recommended for all Komondors.
Nothing is more impressive than a Komondor in the show ring. A clean, well presented, happy Komondor is a sight to behold. Although Komondors are not often thought of as the ultimate show dog, quite a few have achieved top awards. Komondors are shown moving at a leisurely gait and are set square on their feet. The coat should be clean, and feet and mouths may be trimmed neatly. There is an A.K.C. rule regarding foreign substances in the coat, so no powder or whitening agents should be left in the show coat. No excuse should be made for a Komondor which will not allow the judge to examine it. Even though they are naturally wary of strangers, Komondors are smart enough to be trained to do whatever you ask of them. If a Komondor is unsure of himself, or if the handler is unsure of the dog, the dog should not be shown.
Dog Breeds – Komondor. Dogs 101 Animal Planet
A Komondor is a big, white dog with Hungarian roots. They are livestock guardians with distinctive long, corded coats. The plural for Komondor is “komondorok” in Hungarian, but this is not a term commonly used by English speakers.
Due to their long coats and hairy body, they are often referred to as “mop dogs”.
Komondors are protective and vigilant dogs. They are also friendly, social, and trainable dogs with high grooming needs.Â
Komondors are large dogs with profuse white-colored cords adorning their bodies. Their size and build make them popular protective dogs. The average Komondor size for males is 27.5 or more inches in height and 25.5 inches for females.Â
Male Komondors weigh around 100 pounds or more, and females weigh 80 pounds or more. The estimated Komondor lifespan is 10 to 12 years.Â
Komondors have a powerful body, as they used to be the guardians of Hungarian flocks. Their large body is covered in long white cords. You can also identify them by their heavy bone structure, deep chest, and many muscles.Â
Their white cords make them stand out from other dog breeds. The good thing is that their coats shed significantly less, but they have high coat grooming needs.Â
The white, cool dreadlocks of these dogs are not just for appearances. These cords protect Komondors from harsh weather conditions and predators with sharp teeth. Their cords also help them blend in with a herd of sheep to surprise predators when they attack.
Komondors are affectionate with their owners but might not be too friendly with children and other dogs. They are playful dogs with moderate adaptability levels.Â
Your Komondor has a high energy level, so you should train them frequently with different exercises.Â
Komondors have high grooming needs, as they have long, corded coats. Their coat is expected to clump or plate up every 9 to 10 months, so you need to separate these clumps or plates. The clumps grow into cords.Â
The cords of Komondors may get dirty or smell bad. Thus, you need to bathe your pet with dog shampoo to keep them clean. At the end of every bath, remove the shampoo properly and dry the cords by squeezing them with a towel.Â
You can also leave your Komondor under the fan overnight. Drying their coat is essential, or else it may smell bad and become discolored.
Komondors also require a nail-trimming routine. Its also recommended to brush your dogs teeth daily to prevent any sort of dental issues. Make sure to use a soft toothbrush and dog toothpaste.Â
Your Komondor can also get infested with fleas and heartworms, leading to several diseases. The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends year-round prevention of ticks, heartworm, and fleas.
Your Komondor will need a core set of vaccinations to stay safe from diseases like rabies and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus). They may also require non-core vaccines for diseases like leptospirosis, Lyme disease, kennel cough, etc.
Remember that the timing of these vaccinations differ based on your dogs age, so book regular appointments with your vet.
Komondors are athletic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. You can take them for walks in a securely fenced yard. They also like to play with other housemate dogs. Regular walks keep Komondors in shape.
Its better not to take your Komondor to a public or dog park. Thats because these dogs are highly vigilant and may react badly to strange dogs. They also have high protective instincts that may encourage them to see another group of dogs as a threat.
Komondors need early socialization and proper training classes, such as obedience training, when they are young. They need to understand that youre their owner, and they have to listen to you.Â
In cases of inadequate training, the Komondor puppy can get overly protective and behave aggressively or become too needy. Â
Komondors have a small appetite, so they dont eat a lot. These dogs like all sorts of dog food, but make sure its high-quality and appropriate for your Komondors age.Â
Always consult your vet to plan a well-balanced diet for your dog based on age and daily nutritional needs.