Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Komondor is one of the oldest Hungarian shepherd breeds, descending from the dogs of nomadic Magyar tribes that arrived in the Carpathian Basin over a thousand years ago. Their primary role was to guard flocks of sheep and cattle from predators, including wolves and bears. Due to the isolation of pastures and natural selection, a unique breed developed with dense corded hair that served both as protection from the weather and as camouflage among the sheep. The Komondor is known for its independence, strength, and pronounced ability to make autonomous decisions in dangerous situations. In the 20th century, the breed gained international recognition as a reliable working and guard dog, preserving its ancient traits and unique appearance.
General Appearance
The Komondor is a large, powerful, and impressive dog, characterized by its corded coat that covers the entire body and forms a massive silhouette. The body is strong, slightly elongated, with well-developed bone and dense musculature. The outline is straight and stable, and the movements are confident and smooth despite the volume of the coat. The head is large and proportional to the body; the eyes are often partially covered by cords, highlighting its distinct profile. The chest is deep, the back solid, and the croup broad and slightly sloping. All features of the exterior should emphasize the strength, independence, and working nature of the breed. The Komondor presents a majestic, balanced appearance, capable of performing long-term work under demanding conditions.
Important Proportions
The proportions of the Komondor reflect its functionality as a livestock guardian. The body is slightly elongated, with the length exceeding the height at the withers. The depth of the chest is approximately half the height of the dog, providing ample lung capacity. The head is large, its length about one-third of the height at the withers. The muzzle is somewhat shorter than the skull but maintains sufficient width and depth. The neck is strong and of medium length, blending harmoniously with the shoulders. The limbs are straight and sturdy, with well-developed angulation, providing stability and power. The tail reaches the hock and is slightly curved at the tip. All proportions emphasize endurance and the Komondor’s ability to protect livestock for long hours.
Behavior and Temperament
The Komondor is independent, strong, and has a pronounced guarding instinct. It is a dog capable of assessing situations and making decisions autonomously, a trait historically essential for guarding flocks without constant human supervision. The Komondor is brave and steadfast in the face of threats, showing resilience and composure. Within the family, it is loyal, attentive, and patient, while remaining cautious with strangers. Its temperament is balanced but requires early socialization and proper training. The breed is not prone to unnecessary aggression and acts thoughtfully and confidently. The Komondor combines calmness in everyday life with a high level of readiness to act when danger arises, making it a reliable guardian and protector.
Head
The head of the Komondor is large and proportional to the body, with a pronounced but not overly heavy molossoid type. The skull is broad, slightly convex, with well-developed musculature and a smooth transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The stop is moderately defined, without a sharp angle. The overall lines of the head must remain harmonious and strong, emphasizing the assured character of the breed. The muzzle is deep and straight, slightly shorter than the skull, but wide enough for a powerful grip. The expression is calm and serious, often concealed beneath the cords. The head is a key component of the breed type, reflecting its working heritage and ability to confront predators independently.
Facial Region
The facial region of the Komondor is strong, dry, and well defined. The muzzle is broad at the base, rectangular in profile, narrowing gradually but not pointed. The bridge of the nose is straight, highlighting the breed’s strength. The nose is large, black, with wide, well-opened nostrils. The lips are tight and moderately fitting, with a clear but not exaggerated lip line. The jaws are strong and deep, with a full complement of teeth and a scissor bite. The facial region must not be overly light or excessively coarse; harmony with the massive body and corded coat is essential. The muzzle structure underscores the dog’s working purpose and its ability to perform forceful protection.
Eyes
The eyes are oval, of medium size, and set slightly deep, giving a calm and attentive expression. The color is predominantly dark brown, with lighter shades acceptable, though very light eyes are undesirable as they disrupt the typical expression. The eyelids are tight, well pigmented. Although the eyes are partially hidden by cords, the gaze must remain alert and focused. Round, protruding eyes, loose eyelids, or signs of irritation are unacceptable. Correct eyes highlight the breed’s balance, intelligence, and working instinct, maintaining its traditional expression—calm but prepared for action.
Ears
The ears of the Komondor are V-shaped, pendant, and of medium size, set moderately high and hanging close to the cheeks. The tips are slightly rounded, and the ears are covered with dense hair that forms cords as the dog matures. The ears must not be overly long, thin, or excessively wide; proportionality to the head is essential. In their natural position, the ears enhance the dog’s calm, confident expression. Erect ears, ears set too high, or those standing away from the head are faults. The ears form part of the breed’s distinctive silhouette, harmonizing with the massive body and corded coat.
Neck
The neck of the Komondor is strong, muscular, and of medium length, connecting the large head to the robust body. It has a slight arch along the upper line, emphasizing the dog’s strength and stability. The skin on the neck is tight and elastic, usually hidden beneath dense cords that may add visual volume but should not impede movement. The neck must allow free head movement, essential for monitoring territory, particularly in pastoral work. Short, weak, or overly thick necks disrupt the balance of the dog’s exterior and are undesirable. Proper neck structure ensures effective interaction with the environment and confident flock control.
Body
The Komondor’s body is large, sturdy, and slightly elongated, reflecting its purpose as a working guardian. The withers are well pronounced but may appear less defined due to the heavy coat. The back is straight, broad, and strong, capable of sustaining significant physical exertion. The loin is short and muscular, providing stability and power in movement. The croup is long, slightly sloping, and proportional to the overall mass. The chest is deep, with rounded ribs that provide ample respiratory capacity. The abdomen is moderately tucked-up, without excessive dryness or looseness. Every aspect of the body highlights the breed’s endurance, strength, and ability to work for extended periods in challenging environments.
Tail
The tail is long, thick at the base, and gradually tapering. In a relaxed state, it hangs down, reaching the hock or slightly below. When alert, the dog raises the tail, but it should not curl over the back. The hair on the tail is long and dense, forming cords that continue the breed’s characteristic silhouette. Faults include tails that are too short, broken, set too high, or curled. The proper tail enhances the dog’s balance, emphasizes its massive outline, and aids in expressing mental state—calmness, attentiveness, or readiness. The tail is an important element of the breed type and must retain a natural, harmonious appearance.
Forelimbs
The Komondor’s forelimbs are strong, straight, and well boned, providing reliable support for its substantial body. The shoulder blades are long, sloping, and closely fitted, with sufficient mobility to allow a broad stride. The upper arm is powerful, and the shoulder joint is well angled for free, efficient movement. The elbows point strictly backward, without deviation inward or outward. The forearms are straight, massive, and uniform in width. The pasterns are short, slightly sloping, but firm and stable. The feet are large, round, with dense pads well protected by the corded coat. Weak pasterns, outward or inward elbows, insufficient bone, or incorrect front structure are not acceptable. Correct forelimbs provide stability and endurance during long working hours.
Hind Limbs
The hind limbs are powerful, strong, and well developed, providing a forceful drive and stability on uneven terrain. The thighs are long, broad, and heavily muscled, reflecting the breed’s physical endurance. The stifles are strong, with well-defined angulation, ensuring elastic and free movement. The lower thighs are long and lean, maintaining a correct vertical alignment. The hock joints are low-set, solid, and form a stable base for propulsion. The rear pasterns are short and vertical, without weakness or deviation. The feet are compact, oval, with thick pads that provide grip on various surfaces. Straight hind angulation, weak joints, cow-hocked or barrel-hocked stance reduce functionality and are considered faults.
Gait and Movement
The Komondor must move freely, powerfully, and steadily despite the volume of the coat. The primary gait is a smooth, balanced trot with good reach in the forelimbs and strong drive in the hind limbs. The back remains stable during movement, without swaying or sagging. The dog should demonstrate confident, coordinated movement and the ability to change pace while maintaining balance. With acceleration, the trot becomes more energetic yet remains straight and controlled. Restricted, short, or uncoordinated movement, cow-hocked steps, insufficient drive, or crossing of limbs are unacceptable. The Komondor’s movement reflects its working essence—the ability to patrol territory and guard livestock for long periods while conserving strength.
Coat
The coat of the Komondor is unique and defines the breed. It consists of a dense undercoat and longer outer coat that form characteristic heavy cords. These cords develop naturally as the dog matures and can reach significant length, offering protection from cold, heat, bites, and physical impact. Puppies are born with soft, wavy hair that gradually thickens and forms cords. The cords must be dense, heavy, uniform, and free of mats. Soft, fluffy, or curly hair that does not form cords is unacceptable. The proper coat structure highlights the ancient working purpose of the breed and its ability to blend into the flock, remaining inconspicuous to predators.
Acceptable Colors
The Komondor is traditionally white or cream, a coloration linked to its historical role of blending in with the sheep. Various shades of white are acceptable, but the coat must remain uniform and without patches. Slight darkening due to environmental conditions is permissible if it does not disrupt breed type. The skin is usually grayish or lightly pigmented. The nose, lips, and eyelids must be well pigmented and dark; weak or pink pigmentation is undesirable. Colors outside the white or cream spectrum, including spotting or dark markings, are unacceptable. The purity of color reinforces the traditional appearance and functional nature of the Komondor.
Size
The Komondor is a large, substantial guardian breed where size is essential for function. Males stand 70–80 cm at the withers, females 65–70 cm. Males typically weigh 50–60 kg, females 40–50 kg. Excessive weight is undesirable, as it reduces agility and stamina. The body is slightly elongated, with the chest depth about half the height. Height and weight must harmonize with bone strength and coat density. Proper size ensures the dog’s ability to patrol territory effectively, confront predators, and withstand prolonged physical exertion while maintaining strength and stability.
Faults
Faults include deviations that reduce breed type and functionality but do not entirely compromise health or performance. These include light bone, weak musculature, insufficient chest depth, an elongated or loose body. Light, round, or very small eyes, weak pigmentation of eyelids or nose, and incorrect limb structure—loose pasterns, turned elbows, weak feet—are faults. Coat faults include hair that does not form cords, is too soft, fluffy, or curly. Behavioral faults such as excessive suspicion, insecurity, or lack of independence also reduce evaluation. All faults must be judged according to their impact on working ability.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include serious deviations that compromise functionality or breed type. Unprovoked aggression or extreme fearfulness are unacceptable—the Komondor must show confidence and independence. Severe bite faults, pronounced under- or overshot jaws, or missing essential teeth warrant exclusion. Complete depigmentation of nose, lips, or eyelids; heterochromia; or extremely light eyes are disqualifying. Any color outside the white/cream spectrum, large dark patches, or lack of corded coat are also grounds for disqualification. Structural deformities that impede movement are considered severe faults. Absence of breed type is a definitive reason for disqualification.
Important Notes
The Komondor is a working breed, and evaluation must prioritize functionality, stable temperament, and the quality of the corded coat. Minor working wear, seasonal coat variations, or differences in cord development should not overly influence judgment if the dog remains functional. Temperament must be confident, calm, and independent—the dog must be able to maintain control even without direct human supervision. When comparing individuals, preference should be given to the most harmonious, balanced dog with correct breed type, confident movement, and stable temperament. Functionality must always outweigh decorative appearance.
Conclusion
The Komondor is a unique ancient breed, preserving both the external characteristics and the true working qualities of a livestock guardian. Its remarkable corded coat, large size, and confident character make it one of the most recognizable and functional breeds in the world. The standard emphasizes harmony of structure, strength, steady movement, and a well-defined temperament. With proper care, socialization, and training, the Komondor proves to be a reliable protector and loyal companion, retaining its natural independence and decision-making ability. The breed remains a symbol of Hungarian pastoral tradition and is valued for its combination of strength, balance, and true working endurance.
