How to Groom a Komondor

Komondors, alternately known as Hungarian Sheepdogs and Hungarian Komondors, are large, sturdy dogs with one of the most unique coats in the world. They have felted and corded hair which usually ranges from 8 to 11 inches in length. They have an unusual grooming demand and require constant, vigilant attention during their first 18 months and a more relaxed grooming regimen once the coat has fully grown in.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pin brush
• Clippers
• #10 blade
• Diluted whitening shampoo

1. Use a metal comb to separate the hair into square sections that measure about 3/4 inch in diameter. Apply hair gel and twist some of the hair in to a cord around your finger. If the dog is younger than eighteen months old, this process must be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks.

2. Clean the underside of the abdomen and the area surrounding the anus with clippers and a #10 blade. When shaving the area around the anus, be sure not to put too much pressure on the dog's skin.

3. Bathe your dog often and devote a good deal of time to drying her properly. Use sponges and your hands to manually work warm water through her coat. Empty out the bathtub once your dog is completely wet and apply diluted whitening shampoo to the coat with a sponge. Make sure the soap reaches the skin. Squeeze-dry the cords with your hands. Don't blow dry or brush out the coat.

Tips & Warnings

• For the first 18 months, these dogs need a full grooming every 2 to 4 weeks. After that, they need a full grooming every 8 weeks. They must have a general grooming at least once a week.
• Owners of young Komondor puppies should consider professional help in order to develop and style their dog's corded coat. It's easy to do incorrectly, and could result in lots of knots and matting which are difficult and painful to remove.
• Komondors are descendants of Tibetan dogs, namely the Cumans. The earliest writings on this breed date back to the 16th century. They are sheep herders and can live outside for most of the year in various kinds of weather. Their distinctive coat helps them to blend in with the sheep they guard.
• Don't brush out this dog's coat or undo the cords.