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Iconic Hungarian dog breed could face extinction
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The Komondor, one of the most well-known out of the nine Hungarian dog species recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) could face hardships and the breed might even disappear altogether.
Due to the modernisation of the agrarian sector and the changes in Hungarians’ lifestyles, as well as the disappearance of the homestead culture, the Komondor, which is mainly used for herding and guarding the livestock has lost its purpose, Anita Anda-Marócsek, a Komondor breeder informed Infostart.
The Komondor is one of the oldest Hungarian dog breeds with Asiatic origins. The breed presumably arrived in the Carpathian basin alongside the migrating Old Magyars around the time of the Hungarian conquest.
It is typically a large, white coloured breed and its most unique feature is its coat; its robust body is covered by matted, corded, long fur. In terms of their temperament, they are mainly calm and have natural guarding instincts, fearlessly defending the herd or their owner’s house.
In 2004, along with several other protected native animal species, the Hungarian Parliament declared the Komondor a national treasure. In 2017, the Collection of Hungaricums was expanded with the Hungarian shepherd, a number of hunting dog breeds as well as the Komondor.
- If you would like to know more about other Hungarian dog breeds, check out THIS article.
Anita Anda-Marócsek, the owner of the Andaházi Tanyák Őre Komondor Kennel, and breeder of this ancient Hungarian breed says the Komondor is one of the most adaptive dog breed. While previously its main role was to guard the homestead and its animals, now they are perfectly adapted to guarding the homes of their owners.
That would be so very sad. Beautiful dogs and we’ve had the privilege of having three in our lives. Faithful and devoted. Totally unique characters and I miss them terribly. With their power and speed, watching them run was incredible. They lived in our house and were just so happy to be where we were, two in particular loved a car ride!
Great dogs. We loved ours. Great sense of humor, highly intelligent. Loved kids. Would lie down so the very little ones could pet and explore her dreds. Her own idea. Wasn’t taught that. Should have jobs protecting kids in parks and school grounds. No one would be kidnapping the kids in their flocks.