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Komondor
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Overview
The Komondor is an outrageous-looking dog, but underneath nearly 15 pounds of dreadlocked fur, this dog is one tough cookie. They were bred to guard flocks of sheep by blending into the flock and startling intruders.
Komondorok, the plural form of Komondor is almost as silly-looking as the dog's mop-like appearance. Komondorok are a breed like no other. Their distinctive coats and dedicated instinct to guard the ones they love make them a demanding breed with which to live. These dogs are fiercely loyal family companions who can be hard to handle.
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Personality
Komondorok are difficult to satisfy. They have a demanding need for exercise and training. They love to run at a bounding clip in large, open spaces. Outdoors, it is best for them to be kept away from other animals and strangers, because this dog's protective, guarding instincts are strong. The Komondor takes responsibility for his family as if they were his flock. They will not stand to observe anything they perceive as a threat to their people. They are also aggressive and dominant with other dogs. Training should be firm and consistent, beginning when the Komondor is a more manageable puppy and does not dominate his owner with his immense size. Once the Komondor understands his place in the home, he will do best with consistent rules for his behavior.
Indoors and around his family, the Komondor is not very high-energy. Although they are demonstrative of affections around those they love, they never let their guard down. They are calm and serious, but they will literally watch over the household by following their owners around or standing guard attentively.
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Coat Care
Komondorok make themselves conspicuous with their uniquely corded, enormously thick white coats. The double coat is made up of a wooly, thick over coat and a wiry under coat. As the Komondor grows, the two coats begin to grow into each other. The outer coat fuses with the under coat and falls into felt cords when Komondorok are about 2 years old. By the time these dogs grow into their adult coats, the coats become almost entirely white.
Brushing
Their cords do not need to be brushed, but they do need to be separated to prevent painful matting.
Bathing
The coat collects debris easily, so washing it with sensitive, hydrating shampoo will help your Komondor and your house stay clean. Drying this guy is a process — it can take all day. Many groomers suggest using large floor fans to blow your dog dry, because it is just about the only way to prevent his hair from mildewing.
Hair Clipping
Clipping or trimming your dog’s coat is far easier than you would ever imagine. With the right clipper, trimmer or scissors, giving your dog a haircut is easy on your wallet and your schedule.
Owners of Komondors and Pulik often pride themselves on the length of their coats, but occassional trimming helps keep the cords manageable and clean. There is no set timetable, but owners who do not plan to show their dogs can trim the cords to about 3 inches long with a trimmer or a blunt scissors. Keeping the cords at a manageable length helps prevent them from dragging on the ground and makes a lighter load for your dog. Keep in mind that this can be a tricky cut but there are a wide array of clippers and trimmers available that will make each snip a snap. It's always wise to take a dog for a short walk or exercise to calm before clipping. Use a trimmer to trim excess hair between the dog's toes and around the face and rump, choosing the appropriate clip attachment to achieve desired length. Trim around the tail, paws, sanitary areas and chest. Groom the head and face last, being watchful for sudden movement. If your dog's coat becomes extremely mildewed or uncomfortable, you might need to clip the coat completely with a pet clipper, but because the process is so extensive, clipping corded dogs is recommended only as a last resort.
Nails
Many dog owners are apprehensive about trimming their dog’s nails because they are nervous about cutting into the quick. But with the right conditioning and careful cutting, nail clipping can be a simple, stress-free activity for you and your dog.
Provide your dog with plenty of positive reinforcement and even treats to help associate nail clipping with a positive experience. As you start to clip, gently press on your dog’s paws to help him become accustomed to the feeling of having his nails clipped. Then, work gradually, shaving down just a thin portion of the nail at first to make sure you don’t reach the quick. Clip one nail, reward your dog with a treat, and stop to give him some positive reinforcement before moving on. Gradually increase the number of nails you clip in one sitting to help your dog get used to the process. Never trim extremely long nails down to a short nail in one sitting, because this is an excellent way to accidently quick the dog’s nail. Instead, work gradually, shaving small portions of your dog’s nails off each time.
You can tell if you’re getting close to the quick by the texture of your dog’s nail. The nail is hard closer to the surface and becomes softer as you get closer to the quick. If your dog’s nail starts to feel softer, that’s a good indication that you’re getting close to the quick.
Eyes / Ears
Not all breeds and coat styles require routine trimming in and around the eyes and ears but all should undergo regular inspection and cleaning around these sensitive areas. Doing so will help prevent the development of infections that could seriously damage these amazing organs.
It is always important to routinely clean your dog's eyes and ears, and examine for potential infections. Corded dogs should have their ears checked weekly for infection and cleaned with a cotton ball. Gently wipe a cotton ball moistened with mineral oil, olive oil or witch hazel in your dog's ear, being careful to avoid the ear canal. Never use a Q-Tip, which could cause damage to the inner ear if your dog suddenly shakes or jerks his head. Bushy hair growth within the ear can be thinned with tweezers or blunt scissors. Use a small trimmer to trim excess hair around the eyes, ears and face. Because their cords tend to grow around their face and eyes, take special care to clean around their eyes with a cotton ball or soft cloth and use a small trimmer to trim excess hair around their eyes to make sure they are comfortable.
Teeth
Many owners do not realize how important it is to brush your pet’s teeth on a regular basis. Some dogs are prone to dental problems and sensitive teeth, especially small dogs with tiny teeth and dogs with special diets. These problems can be easily combatted with frequent brushing.
Cavities are rare with dogs but gum disease caused by tartar buildup is not, which is why they require regular brushing with toothpaste and a toothbrush formulated specifically for dogs. While daily brushing is ideal, doing so on a weekly basis will be a big help in avoiding the need to bring your dog to a veterinarian for a cleaning, which usually has to be done under sedation.