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Komondor History
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The origins of the Komondor are a bit of a mystery, and different people have different ideas about how the breed came about. Scholars believe the Komondor descends from the Russian Owtcharka, introduced to Hungary by the Huns during the 4th century. The Hungarian people, on the other hand, are content to say that the Komondor has been guarding their herds “since the beginning of time.” The strain of sheep known as Racka that was bred by the Magyars is said to closely resemble the Komondor, allowing these dogs to blend in with the flocks they protected. So skilled was the Komondor at protecting sheep from wild animals that it is believed by some to have eliminated the wolf in Hungary. The Magyar kept the Komondor line steadfastly pure, and did not allow interbreeding.
The Komondor was introduced to the United States in 1933 and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937. The dog’s numbers were significantly reduced in its native Europe during World War II, but through the efforts of European and American breeders it was able to rebound. The time and effort required to maintain its coat has made the Komondor a rather unpopular pet the world over (except in Hungary), though some American farmers are beginning to put it to use guarding livestock. The Komondor is also still used in Hungary to guard flocks, and is a popular pet there.
