Hungarian Shepherd: description and content

Sheep-dogs are a favorite breed of many dog ​​breeders. Komondors are considered to be one of the largest, rarest, and representatives with unique wool. Worldwide, there are only about 10,000 Hungarian shepherd dogs, a third of whom are in the Russian Federation.

The Hungarian Sheepdog is recognized as one of the most ancient breeds of dogs. This representative was noticed by the nomads of the Magyar tribes in the Old Russian steppe, taking several dogs along with them. These events occurred about 1,000 years ago. The second name of the breed is Komondor, this representative is the closest relative of the sheepdogs, but with a southern Russian origin. The ancient Magyars perceived the Hungarian Sheepdogs as a working tool, they were used as shepherds, as well as guards of dwellings and domestic cattle.

This animal did not require special care, did not have a pedigree, but the ancient tribes did not cross the Komondor with other breeds. This shepherd has always been characterized. strength, power, endurance and fearlessness. The shepherd's breed always performed the functions assigned to it. Dogs did not have to drive the animals, but to protect livestock was their main task. The Hungarian Shepherd could ensure that no one attempted to herd.

The originality of the woolen cover, which supposedly was twisted in the form of harnesses, reliably protected the dog from both heat and hypothermia. Peculiarities of fur coloring allowed the comodor to be masked in a sheep flock.

Komondor can be called a beautiful large animal with a unique coat. The Hungarian Shepherd Standard does not allow it to be turned into an exhibition breed, and insists on the preservation of its inherent natural characteristics. The description of the animal indicates that it is the lightest of the large dogs, the most "woolen", intelligent and unusual. Its dimensions are comparable with the Tibetan mastiff, Scottish deerhound, alabai.

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

The Hungarian Shepherd has the following characteristics:

• the body is wide, it is characterized by convexity and proportionality relative to the skull, which has a dome-shaped form and expressive supraorbital ridges;
• muzzle coarse wide type and medium length;
• nose is large, it is colored black or dark brown;
• nostrils wide;
• lips are black, they have irregular corners, tightly covering the jaws;
• jaw characterized by power and strong musculature;
• bite is dense, strong, has the appearance of scissors, the jaw consists of 42 strong teeth;
• the eyes are almond-shaped, have dark brown color and are medium in size; representatives with blue eyes are unacceptable for Komondors;
• ears have a constant hanging position;
• neck characterized by good muscularity, moderate length;
• muscularity, evenness, strong withers and wide loins are well pronounced;
• the chest of the Hungarian Shepherd has sufficient volume and depth;
• dog's belly is not sagging;
• tail set low;
• the limbs are straight, strong, the pads are elastic, painted black and dark gray;
• skin has a gray pigmented tint;
• the animal moves smoothly, sweepingly, without difficulty.

Komondor is a large and massive dog that has similarity with the Magyar sheepdog bullet. The newborn puppy of a Hungarian shepherd dog has a soft downy hair and soft guard hair, but in the process of growing up, the dog gets rid of the undercoat, and instead of the guard hair 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 rigid harnesses that are his fur coat.

According to the standard, the coat color of this Hungarian Shepherd Dog is white, but the presence of a light ivory shade is permitted. Komondor kids have a cream, yellowish fur, which turns into white after molting.

The Hungarian Sheepdog is considered a real guard. It is characterized by independence, but at the same time, affection for its owners. The reaction of a comonor to a stranger is malevolent, suspicious. In order to earn the trust of an animal, it will take a lot of time. If the dog is badly socialized, then it can be aggressive.

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

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

• high working ability, endurance;
• loyal, selfless, responsible;
• alert, distrustful;
• friendly, cheerful;
• calm, has self-esteem.

The severity 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 should be lowered. You should not overlook 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 belongs to the defective representatives of the breed.

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

Start the Hungarian shepherd can as residents of apartments and private houses. Anywhere a dog will feel comfortable. However, the owner should remember that it is a rather large animal, therefore in a small apartment it can be closely. Better when the komondoru will be spacious in the room. The representative of this breed there must be a place where he can be alone. The best option would be a special house, a rug and a padded stool will not be enough.

A puppy should be provided with a sufficient number of toys, which he will be able to nibble without damaging furniture and household items. Such a pet needs constant walks, daily walking must be at least an hour. Such physical activity normalizes the health of the dog, eliminating lethargy, apathy and drowsiness.

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

Hungarian Shepherd dogs are distinguished by unpretentiousness and economy in food. For normal life, an adult representative needs one and a half kilograms of dry food. The owner can choose at his discretion, what he feed the pet - homemade food or industrial food. How much canned food and feed will be needed by an animal depends directly on the physical load of the comondoel. Also, the amount of dry food is influenced by the class, for example, the premium product has a high nutritional value compared to the others, so it needs less.

Components of natural homemade food:

• oatmeal, oatmeal, wheat, millet porridge, buckwheat, semolina or a mixture of them, which are cooked in broth with meat, vegetable, fish basis;
• meat of low-fat varieties, should be given to beef, veal, lamb, horse meat, rabbit, bird meat;
• offal, for example, heart, ventricles, kidneys, liver;
• thawed or boiled fish;
• boiled eggs, 1 piece is considered sufficient. in two days;
• vegetables and fruits in the form of carrots, green onions, lettuce, zucchini, cauliflower, apples;
• dairy and dairy products, for example, cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt, unsalted cheese;
• as a treat, the dog serves fresh-looking cookies, boiled sausage, hard cheese, honey;

Worth remembering about the need for mineral supplements, vitamins. Also, the dog must have constant access to fresh clean water. The forbidden products for Komondor include sweets, smoked meats, tubular bones, salty, sour and flavored foods. Puppies up to six months of age are fed 4–5 times a day, the younger individuals - three times a day, and the adult dog must be transferred to two meals.

Mainly caring for the Hungarian Sheepdogs is to take care of the pet's specific hair. Carrying out a walk with a dog, you should wear a suit on it, as long curls constantly collect dirt and dust. Frequent bathing is not necessary for an animal, it is worth washing the dog once every few months.. After the procedure, it is worthwhile to send Komondor to a warm place to dry. Since the pet's coat dries for a long time, it can catch a cold at low temperatures.

Dog grooming should be done, only if the dreadlocks touch the ground or interfere with its movement. If that is not necessary, then you should not cut the Comdor.

The owner should be aware of the regular preventive treatment of fleas, ticks and, if necessary, visit the vet. With proper maintenance and proper care, the Hungarian Sheepdogs can live from 10 to 12 years. The animal has strong immunity, so it does not often get sick. However, among the Comonorians there is a predisposition to such illnesses:

1. Hip dysplasia. In order for the risk of such a disease to be minimal, it is worth not physically loading the puppy at a young age. If the baby staggers, limps and at the same time remains in a sluggish state, then this may be a sign of joint dysplasia.If the diagnosis is confirmed, then the veterinarian should prescribe a drug treatment or surgery.
2. Entropy. Defect of the lowered eyelid may cause irritation and trauma of the cornea, reduced vision, blindness. To eliminate this ailment, surgical intervention is required.
3. Bloating and torsion of the stomach. The reasons that cause this ailment include one-time daily feeding of the animal in a large volume, as well as the activity of the pet immediately after eating.
4. Deformation of the joints on the paws of puppies. To prevent the development of the disease, the little commander is forbidden to descend the stairs, steep slopes. With the preventive purpose it is worth walking with animals with quick steps, and also running to climb a small hill. Such activities can strengthen the muscles of the limbs of a shepherd.

To study the Hungarian shepherd should start as soon as possible. This pet has a habit of working away from its owner, while showing independence and self-will, such moments occur, even if the dog is well-trained. Commanders have a tendency to dominate, so a person will have to remind from time to time about who is the master in the house. Otherwise, the dog is able to intercept the reins.

A high level of intelligence contributes to a good command mastering., however, for training will need to be patient and time. Do not forget that the training and training Komondo carried out throughout the life of the pet.

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

On the peculiarities of the content of the Hungarian shepherd, see below.