As a very interesting breed of guard dog, the Komondor is distinguished by imposing strength, dignity, courageous demeanor, and pleasing conformation. It is a large, muscular dog with plenty of bone and substance, covered with an unusual, heavy coat of white cords.

The Komondor was originally bred for livestock guarding. It is big, strong, and armored with a thick coat. The coat provides defense against wild animals and the weather and vegetation. The coat of this dog looks similar to that of a sheep so it can easily blend into a flock and camouflage itself giving it an advantage when predators such as wolves attack. The coat is the trademark of the breed.

As a working dog, Komondor usually lives during the greater part of the year in the open, and his coat serves to help him blend in with his flock and to protect him from extremes of weather and beasts of prey.

Characterized by a powerful, deep chest, which is muscular and proportionately wide, the Komondor is a powerhouse. The breast is broad and well-muscled. The belly is somewhat drawn up at the rear. The rump is wide, muscular, and slopes slightly towards the root of the tail. Softness or lack of good muscle tone is a fault. Shoulders are well laid back. Forelegs are straight, well-boned, and muscular. Viewed from any side, the legs are like vertical columns. The upper arms are carried close to the body, without loose elbows.

The origin of this breed is often debated. Some believe the Komondor were a dog of the Magyars, while others believe it to be a dog of the Sumerians. According to the most probable explanation, Komondors were brought to Hungary by Cumans, the Turkish speaking, nomadic people who settled Hungary during the twelfth and thirteenth century.

The name of this dog is pronounced “quman-dur” which means “belonging to the Cumans” or “the dog of the Cumans,” which distinguished it from a similar Hungarian sheepdog breed which later merged with the Komondor.  

The unique dreadlock appearance gives a hint of common origin with the Puli and the Bergamasco. Also, there might be a link between the Komondor and the big, white Russian livestock dogs, the South Russian Ovcharka. The dreadlock coat developed under dry and extreme temperatures as it provides superb protection against cold and hot weather, but is not too comfortable in wet weather.

 Today the Komondor is a fairly common breed in Hungary.