Komondor

The Komondor has been around for centuries and is a descendant of the Russian Owtcharki, a dog the Magyars took with them when they arrived in Hungary from the East. The earliest record of the breed can be found in the 16th century, but it's widely thought these dogs were around long before that when they were used to guard flocks of livestock. Their coats offer these dogs a lot of protection from the elements and it also adds a thick layer of protection against attacks from predators. They were bred to be tough, courageous and independent thinkers capable of working in some of the most challenging conditions and over harsh terrains.

They have unique long corded coats that help them blend in with the large flocks they guarded which gave them an advantage over any predators. For centuries, the Komondor was highly prized for their guarding abilities, but with the advent of the Second World War, breed numbers dropped so low, these unique dogs nearly vanished altogether. However, thanks to the efforts and dedication of breed enthusiasts the breed was saved from extinction although their numbers remained very low both in Hungary and elsewhere in the world even through the post war years.

Komondors are still highly prized in Hungary where they are still seen being used to guard livestock. However, anyone wishing to share a home with one of these striking looking dogs, would need to register their interest with breeders and agree to being put on a waiting list because very few puppies are bred and registered with The Kennel Club every year.