Hungarian shepherd: description and content

Shepherd dogs are a favorite breed of many dog ​​breeders. Komondors are considered to be one of the largest, rarest and unique wool representatives. Around the world, only about 10 thousand Hungarian shepherds live, a third of which are in the Russian Federation.

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

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

The originality of the wool coat, which seemed to be twisted in the form of bundles, reliably protected the dog from both heat and hypothermia. The color features of the fur allowed the Komondor to disguise themselves in a sheep herd.

Komondora can be called a beautiful large animal with a unique coat. The standard of the Hungarian Shepherd Dog does not allow it to be turned into an exhibition breed, and insists on the preservation of its natural characteristics. The description of the animal indicates that it is the lightest of large dogs, the most “woolly”, smart and unusual. Its dimensions are comparable to the Tibetan mastiff, Scottish reindeer greyhound, Alabai.

Large volumes of the body are provided not only by the muscularity and power of the body, but also by the hair in the form of tows, which has the color of ivory. The bones of the animal are light and strong, so shaggy dogs are not afraid of long trips. Komondor is a shepherd racing representative. Males of this breed weigh from 50 to 57 kilograms, and females from 40 to 50. At the same time, the male is 80 centimeters and the female is 70.

The Hungarian Shepherd has the following characteristics:

• the body is wide, it is characterized by convexity and proportionality to the skull, which has a domed shape and expressive brow arches;
• the muzzle has a coarse wide type and medium length;
• the nose is large, it is colored black or dark brown;
• the nostrils are wide;
• lips are black, they have uneven corners that tightly cover the jaw;
• jaw is 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 medium size, representatives with blue eyes are unacceptable for Komondor;
• ears have a constant drooping position;
• the neck is characterized by good muscularity, moderate length;
• muscularity, flatness, powerful withers and wide lower back are inherent in the back;
• the chest of the Hungarian shepherd has sufficient volume and depth;
• the dog’s belly is not saggy;
• tail set low;
• limbs straight, strong, elastic pads, painted in black and dark gray;
• the skin is characterized by a gray pigmented hue;
• the animal moves smoothly, sweeping, without difficulty.

The Komondor is a large and massive dog that has similarities with the Magyar Shepherd Bullet. A newborn puppy of the Hungarian Shepherd has a soft down coat and soft hair, but in the process of growing up, the dog gets rid of the undercoat, and instead of the hair from the hair starts to become 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 rigid plaits, which are his fur coat.

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

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

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

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

• high working ability, endurance;
• devotees, selfless, responsible;
• wary, incredulous;
• friendly, cheerful;
• calm, has self-esteem.

The strictness of the standards of the breed of the Hungarian Shepherd, contributes to the fact that when choosing a puppy, you need to pay attention to his parents. The latter should not have flaws. The baby, in turn, should have a muscular physique, his eyes should be dark, and the tail down. Do not ignore the bite of the dog, it must be characterized by correctness. If the puppy has a light color of 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 is not the only problem, a person who wants to buy a puppy may come across. This breed is rare, for this reason the cost of kids of Komondor is quite high, namely from 50 to 70 thousand rubles.

Get a Hungarian shepherd can both residents of apartments and private houses. Anywhere the dog will feel in comfort. However, the owner should remember that this is a rather large animal, therefore in a small apartment he may be cramped. It is better when the Komondor will be spacious in the room. The representative of this breed there must be a place where he can be alone. The best option will be a special house, rug and ottoman will not be enough.

A puppy should be provided with a sufficient number of toys that he can gnaw without damaging furniture and household items. Such a pet needs constant walks, the daily walk should be at least an hour. Such physical activities normalize the well-being of the dog, eliminating lethargy, apathy and drowsiness.

It is also possible to keep a Hungarian shepherd in outdoor conditions by equipping a kennel for him.

Hungarian shepherd is unpretentious and economical in food. For normal life, an adult needs half a kilogram of dry food. The owner can choose, at his discretion, than he should feed the pet - homemade food or industrial food. How much canned food and animal food is required depends on the physical activity of the Komondor. Also, the class affects the amount of dry food, for example, a premium product has high nutritional value compared to the rest, therefore it needs less.

Components of natural homemade food:

• oatmeal, oatmeal, wheat, millet porridge, buckwheat, semolina or a mixture thereof, which are cooked on a broth with meat, vegetable, fish base;
• lean meats, it is worth giving beef, veal, lamb, horse meat, rabbit meat, poultry meat;
• offal, 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 varieties of cheese;
• as a treat, the dog is served with fresh-looking cookies, boiled sausage, hard cheese, honey;

Worth remembering about the need for mineral supplements, vitamins. Also, the dog should have constant access to fresh clean water.The foods prohibited for the Komondor include sweets, smoked meats, tubular stones, 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.

Mainly caring for Hungarian shepherds is to take care of the specific coat of the pet. Carrying out a walk with a dog, it is worth putting on a suit on it, since long ringlets constantly collect dirt and dust. The animal does not need frequent bathing; washing the dog costs 1 time in several months. After the procedure, it is worth sending the Komondor to a warm place for drying. Since the pet’s coat dries for a long time, it can catch a cold at a low temperature.

Dog grooming needs to be done, only if dreadlocks touch the ground or interfere with movement. If this is not necessary, then do not trim the Komondor.

The owner should remember the regular preventive treatment for fleas, ticks and if there is a need, then visit a veterinarian. With proper maintenance and proper care, Hungarian Shepherds can live from 10 to 12 years. The animal has strong immunity, so it does not often get sick. However, Komondors have a predisposition to such ailments:

1. Hip dysplasia. In order to minimize the risk of such a disease, it is worth not physically loading the puppy at a young age. If the baby is staggering, limping and at the same time is in a sluggish state, then this may be a sign of joint dysplasia. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the veterinarian should prescribe medication or surgery.
2. Entropy. A defect in the lower eyelid can lead to irritation and trauma to the cornea, decreased vision, and blindness. To eliminate this ailment, surgical intervention is required.
3. Bloating and bloating. The reasons that cause this ailment include a one-time daily feeding of the animal in a large volume, as well as the activity of the pet immediately after eating.
4. Puppy joint deformity. To prevent the development of the disease, the small commander is forbidden to descend stairs, steep slopes. For preventive purposes, it is worth taking walks with animals at fast paces, as well as running up a small hill. Such measures can strengthen the muscles of the limbs of the shepherd.

It’s worth starting the training of Hungarian Shepherds as early as possible. This pet has the habit of working away from its owner, 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 remind from time to time who is the master in the house. Otherwise, the dog is able to intercept the reins of government.

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

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

On the features of the content of Hungarian shepherds see below.