Hungarian Shepherd Dog: description and content

1. History of appearance
2. Breed features
3. Character and behavior
4. How to choose a puppy?
5. Content Rules
6. How to care?
7. Education and training
8. Things to know (Q&A)

Sheepdogs are the favorite breed of many dog ​​breeders. Komondors are considered one of the largest, rarest and most uniquely coated representatives. There are only about 10 thousand Hungarian Shepherds around the world, a third of which are in the Russian Federation.

History of appearance

The Hungarian Shepherd is recognized as one of the oldest dog breeds. This representative was noticed in the ancient Russian steppe by the nomads of the Magyar tribes, while taking several dogs with them on the road. These events took place about 1000 years ago. The second name of the breed is Komondor, this representative is the closest relative of shepherd dogs, but with southern Russian origin. The ancient Magyars perceived the Hungarian Shepherd Dogs as a working tool, they were used as shepherds, as well as guards of dwellings and livestock.

This animal did not require special care, did not have a pedigree, however, the ancient tribes did not cross the Komondor with other breeds. This shepherd has always been characterized by strength, power, endurance and fearlessness. The shepherd breed has always performed the functions assigned to it. The dogs did not have to drive animals, but protecting the cattle was their main task. The Hungarian Shepherd Dog could make sure that no one encroached on the herd.

The originality of the coat, which is supposedly twisted in the form of bundles, reliably protected the dog from both heat and hypothermia. The peculiarities of the color of the fur allowed the Komondor to disguise itself in a sheep herd.

Since the animal is accustomed to living in uncomfortable and difficult conditions, it has developed good immunity, lack of exactingness in maintenance and care, as well as a developed intellect and dislike for strangers.

Breed features

The Komondor can be called a beautiful large animal with a unique coat. The Hungarian Shepherd Dog standard does not allow it to be made into a show breed and insists on preserving its inherent natural characteristics. The description of the animal indicates that it is the lightest of the large dogs, the most "woolen", smart and unusual. Its dimensions are comparable to the Tibetan mastiff, Scottish deer greyhound, alabai.

Large volumes of the body are provided not only by the muscularity and power of the body, but also by wool in the form of bundles, which has the color of ivory. The bones of the animal are light and strong, so long hikes are not terrible for a shaggy dog. Komondor is a shepherd racing representative. Males of this breed have a weight of 50 to 57 kilograms, and females - from 40 to 50. At the same time, the growth of males is 80 centimeters, and females - 70.

The Hungarian Shepherd Dog has the following characteristics:

• the body is wide, it is characterized by bulge and proportionality with respect to the skull, which has a domed shape and expressive brow ridges;
• the muzzle has a coarse broad type and medium length;
• the nose is large, it is painted black or dark brown;
• nostrils wide;
• lips are black, they have uneven corners that tightly cover the jaws;
• jaws are characterized by power and strong muscles;
• the bite is dense, strong, looks like scissors, the jaw consists of 42 strong teeth;
• eyes are almond-shaped, have a dark brown color and an average size, representatives with blue eyes are unacceptable for Komondors;
• ears have a permanent hanging position;
• the neck is characterized by good muscle, moderate length;
• the back is characterized by muscularity, evenness, powerful withers and a wide loin are well defined;
• the chest of the Hungarian Shepherd Dog has sufficient volume and depth;
• the dog's belly is not sagging;
• the tail is set low;
• the limbs are straight, strong, the pads are elastic, painted in black and dark gray;
• the skin is characterized by a gray pigmented tint;
• the animal moves smoothly, sweepingly, without difficulty.

The Komondor is a large and massive dog that bears a resemblance to the Magyar Shepherd Puli. A newborn puppy of the Hungarian Shepherd Dog has a delicate downy coat and soft outer hair, but in the process of growing up, the dog gets rid of the undercoat, and instead of the outer hair, it begins to be covered with long hair in the form of spirals. At the age of one and a half to two years, the dog is completely covered with dense hard harnesses, which are his fur coat.

According to the standard, the coat color of this Hungarian Shepherd Dog is white, however, the presence of a slight shade of ivory is allowed. Komondor babies have creamy, yellowish fur that turns white after shedding.

Character and behavior

The Hungarian Shepherd Dog is considered a real watchman. It is characterized by independence, but at the same time attachment to its owners. The reaction of the Komondor to a stranger is unfriendly, suspicious. In order to earn the trust of the animal, it will take a lot of time. If a dog is poorly socialized, then it can be aggressive.

This breed at the genetic level has the protection of its territory. The Hungarian Shepherd Dog - a guard and protector - will fulfill its mission, regardless of the owner's desire. Dog breeders notice that representatives of this breed can be jealous, especially when new pets appear in the house.

Komondor is able to attack a stranger in order to drive him out of his territory. It is worth remembering that representatives of this breed will not show aggression for no reason.

Distinctive characteristics of representatives of the breed "Hungarian Shepherd Dog":

• high working abilities, endurance;
• devoted, selfless, responsible;
• wary, distrustful;
• friendly, cheerful;
• calm, has self-respect.

How to choose a puppy?

The strictness of the Hungarian Shepherd breed standards contributes to the fact that when choosing a puppy, you need to pay attention to his parents. The latter should not have flaws. The kid, in turn, should have a muscular physique, his eyes should be dark, and his tail should be down. Do not ignore the bite of the dog, it must be characterized by correctness. If the puppy has a light color of the eyes, nose, erect ears, then it is referred to as defective representatives of the breed.

Difficulties in caring for the unique coat of the Hungarian Shepherd Dog are not the only problem that a person who wants to buy a puppy may face. This breed is rare, for this reason the cost of Komondor babies is quite high, namely from 50 to 70 thousand rubles.

A small Komondor should be characterized by neatness, health, well-groomed coat, active behavior. It is also worth checking how vigilant the baby is, his guard qualities will depend on this characteristic.

Content Rules

Both residents of apartments and private houses can get a Hungarian Shepherd Dog. Anywhere the dog will feel comfortable. However, the owner should remember that this is a rather large animal, so it can be cramped in a small apartment. It is better when the komondor is spacious indoors. A representative of this breed should have his own place where he can be alone. The best option would be a special house, a rug and an ottoman will not be enough.

The puppy should be provided with a sufficient number of toys that he can chew on without damaging furniture and household items. Such a pet needs constant walks, daily walking should be at least an hour. Such physical activity normalizes the dog's well-being, eliminating lethargy, apathy and drowsiness.

You can also keep a Hungarian Shepherd Dog outdoors by equipping a booth for him.

Such housing should be characterized by spaciousness so that the dog feels comfortable. It is considered undesirable to put a komondor on a chain. This can cause the pet to resent the owner.

Feeding

Hungarian Shepherds are distinguished by unpretentiousness and frugality in food. For normal life, an adult representative needs one and a half kilograms of dry food. The owner can choose at his discretion how to feed his pet - homemade food or industrial food. How much canned food and feed an animal will need depends on the physical activity of the komondor. Also, the amount of dry food is affected by the class, for example, a premium product has a high nutritional value compared to the rest, so less is needed.

Ingredients of natural homemade food:

• oatmeal, oatmeal, wheat, millet porridge, buckwheat, semolina or a mixture thereof, which are cooked in broth with a meat, vegetable, fish base;
• meat of low-fat varieties, it is worth giving beef, veal, lamb, horse meat, rabbit meat, poultry meat;
• by-products, for example, heart, ventricles, kidneys, liver;
• thawed or boiled fish;
• boiled eggs, 1 pc is considered sufficient. in two days;
• vegetables and fruits in the form of carrots, green onions, lettuce, zucchini, cauliflower, apples;
• dairy and sour-milk products, for example, cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt, unsalted cheeses;
• as a treat, the dog is served fresh-looking biscuits, boiled sausage, hard cheese, honey;

It is worth remembering the need for mineral supplements, vitamins. Also, the dog must have constant access to fresh clean water. Foods prohibited for the Komondor include sweets, smoked meats, tubular bones, salty, sour and seasoned foods. Puppies up to six months of age are fed 4-5 times a day, growing individuals - three times a day, and an adult dog should be transferred to two meals a day.

How to care?

Basically, caring for Hungarian Shepherd Dogs is taking care of the specific coat of the pet. When walking with a dog, it is worth putting a suit on her, as long curls constantly collect dirt and dust. The animal does not need frequent bathing, it is worth washing the dog once every few months. After the procedure, it is worth sending the komondor to a warm place to dry. Since the pet's coat dries for a long time, at low temperatures it can catch a cold.

The dog's haircut should be carried out only if the dreadlocks touch the ground or interfere with his movement. If this is not necessary, then you should not cut the Komondor.

An adult representative should not be combed, from time to time it is necessary to separate the gathered woolen bundles with your hands. At the same time, puppies need combing with a special brush. The advantage of the breed should be attributed to the fact that during molting, the wool remains in the bundle, and does not fall to the floor.

The owner should remember about regular preventive treatment for fleas, ticks and, if necessary, visit a veterinarian. With proper maintenance and proper care, Hungarian Shepherd Dogs can live from 10 to 12 years. The animal has a strong immune system, so it does not get sick often. However, the Komondor has a predisposition to such ailments:

Education and training

You should start training Hungarian Shepherd Dogs as early as possible. This pet has a habit of working away from his master, while showing independence and self-will, such moments happen even if the dog is well trained. Commanders have a tendency to dominate, so a person will have to be reminded from time to time about who is the master in the house. Otherwise, the dog is able to seize the reins.

A high level of intelligence contributes to good assimilation of commands, however, training will require patience and time. Do not forget that the training and training of the Komondor is carried out throughout the life of the pet.

If a person gives slack in his demands, then the Hungarian Shepherd Dog will violate the prohibitions.

Like other representatives of the shepherd category, this breed requires heavy loads. Boredom and lack of work can cause negativity in the behavior of the animal. Komondors are not quiet dogs, they can bark loudly and for a long time to warn of the approach of strangers. By bringing a thoroughbred representative to his house, the owner will receive a wonderful guard, but the neighbors will get a noisy troublemaker.

On the features of the maintenance of Hungarian shepherds, see below.

Things to know (Q&A)