A Komon-what? A Komondoodle is a mix between a Komondor and a Standard Poodle.
Komondoodles are a loving, protective, and easy-going breed that makes a wonderful family guard dog.
Descended from the Komondor, a Hungarian herding dog, and the Poodle makes this dog smart, strong, and eager to protect their chosen people. Here, you’ll learn more about this unique breed and whether it’s a good fit for your home and family!
What is a Komondoodle?
Komondoodles are considered large Doodle dogs created by crossing a Poodle with a Komondor. They are a designer dog. The term “designer dog” means one that is not purebred but one whose two parents typically are intentionally crossed.
History of the Parent Breeds
You’re likely familiar with Poodles, but what about Komondors? Here, you’ll learn about the Komondor and the Poodle’s history and why their combination is a special type of dog.
Komondor
Also known as the Hungarian Sheep Dog, Komondors are large, powerful flock guardians instantly recognizable due to their unique coats—but more on that in a moment.
Descended from Tibetan herding dogs, Komondors are embedded in European history, with their first written record dating back to the mid-1500s. Their name cements their place in time, with “Komondor” (or “quman-dur”) translating to “dog of the Cumans.”
This group of people was absorbed into modern-day Hungary by the mid-1700s, with origins tied back to an area of China east of the Yellow River [1]akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/komondor-history-behind-the-breed.
These peoples were known to be nomadic and expert livestock herders. They relied on their large animal herds to provide the bread, cheese, and meat that composed the majority of their diet. The mobile nature of their lifestyle and the need to protect their herds resulted in a desire for a loyal, smart, and capable livestock guardian—which is where the Komondor comes in.
The Cumans breeding skills allowed them to create the perfect dog for protecting their animals, and they were able to engineer the Komondor’s telltale white roped coat.
This not only kept these dogs warm in harsh wintry conditions but also allowed Komondors to blend in with their charges (particularly sheep) while being able to surprise and defend their herd against predators like bears or wolves.
This vital role in safeguarding the food of the Cumans earned Komondors a sacred status amongst these people. Even as they assimilated and dissolved into Hungarian history, these dogs remained an essential part of their culture, and now Hungary’s as well, for over ten centuries.
Poodle
The Standard Poodle started as a humble water-retrieving dog in Germany over 400 years ago. The Standard and the Miniature became extremely popular with nobles and royalty, first in France, then across Europe.
From truffle hunting to circus performing, Poodles found many different roles around the continent before coming to the US. The Toy was bred down from the Miniature as a perfectly-sized small dog for city-dwellers [2]akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard.
Appearance
The Komondor has a distinct appearance, as their long, corded white coats make them highly recognizable. Due to their background and history as herding dogs in mountainous regions, they are large dogs that are tall, muscular, powerful, and agile.
Poodles are another recognizable dog, thanks to their long, tightly curled coats. A Standard poodle is generally considered medium-sized and is lean, tall, and athletic.
Coat Type
Komondors have long, corded coats that are often compared to a mop. The cords are formed similarly to the way dreadlocks form on humans, and a groomer experienced in caring for Koms will be able to help coax the cording along and keep the fur clean [3]akc.org/dog-breeds/komondor.
Since the cords are wound tightly, these are considered low-shedding dogs, but they need to be groomed frequently to maintain the hygiene of the cords.
Poodles have distinct curly, long coats that are often groomed, so their legs, neck, and tail are shaved down while their chest, hips, and leg joints remain.
These recognizable rounded puffs are called “pompons” and date back to their history as water-retrieving dogs—the exposed areas allowed Poodles to swim freely. At the same time, the remaining fur protected vital limbs from cold and frostbite.
These are typically low-shedding dogs, though their coats require maintenance if you like the typical “pompon” appearance. Generally, Poodles are hypoallergenic [4]akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard.
Coat Colors
Komondor coats come only in white, which traces back to their historical roots as herding dogs. The white of their fur allowed Koms to blend in with the sheep they were responsible for herding and surprise predators without giving themselves away.
On the other hand, Poodle coats can come in any number of colors or color combinations.
Thanks in large part to the coloring of their Poodle parent, Komondoodles coats can come in any of the following or a combination of coat colors [5]akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard:
- Apricot
- Black
- Blue
- Brown
- Cafe Au Lait
- Cream
- Gray
- Red
- Silver
- White
Komondoodles can have unique coat patterns such as merle, parti, tuxedo, phantom, tricolor, etc.
Size
Komondoodles are typically large dogs, measuring from 16 to 24 inches tall from the ground to the shoulder. Thanks to their tall lineage of both Poodles and Komondors, these dogs can measure well over two feet tall and weigh anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds.
Height
Since the Komondoodle combines two tall, lean dogs, these dogs will usually have a wide height span of anywhere from 16 to 26 inches from the ground to the shoulder.
A Standard Poodle will stand 15 inches or taller [6]akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard. Komondors are typically much taller—female Komondors can stand anywhere from 25.5 inches at minimum, while males are around 27.5 inches tall at minimum [7]akc.org/dog-breeds/komondor.
Weight
The best way to estimate the weight of your adult Komondoodle is to look at the importance of both parent dogs. Since both breeds are large, strong, and muscular, you will likely end up with a large-sized dog rather than a medium-sized, especially if the Poodle parent is a Standard.
Typically, Komondoodles weigh anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds, depending largely on the size and weight of the Komondor sire or dam. Like all other dogs, lifestyle, exercise, and food intake affect weight as the dog grows older.
Komondors have an average weight of around 80 or more pounds for females and 100 or more pounds for males. Koms are typically very muscular [8]akc.org/dog-breeds/komondor.
A female Standard Poodle generally weighs between 40 to 50 pounds, and male Standard Poodles are typically between 60 to 70 pounds. Poodles are generally very lean, with smooth muscles [9]akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard.
Traits & Characteristics
Personality of the Komondoodle
Komondoodles make excellent family dogs, thanks to the temperament of their parents.
Komondors and Poodles are very attached to their families, exhibit great affection, and make excellent guard dogs. Due to their size and strength, Komondoodles may be better as the only dog in a home with older children or teens instead of babies or very young kids [10]akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard.
The combination of qualities of Komondors and Poodles means Komondoodles are relatively high-energy and always up for playing with their chosen flock. They require much mental stimulation to tire them out, so they benefit from tasks, games, and jobs to keep them busy and entertained [11]akc.org/dog-breeds/komondor.
They may be a bit stubborn but are very smart and eager to please, so they usually take to training commands quickly and easily.
They may be a little reserved around new people but warm up quickly thanks to their laid-back, easygoing nature. Socialization with other dogs will go a long way with young Komondoodles.
However, they have a high herding and prey drive, and they may exhibit aggression or be territorial toward new dogs—so be wary when taking Komondoodles to the dog park..
Common Health Issues
Poodles have a few health issues they are genetically predisposed to and should be checked for by a veterinarian, most commonly hip dysplasia, dental problems, and several eye issues [12]akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard. Standard Poodles are also at risk for bloat and a skin disease called sebaceous adenitis [13]ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
Komondors, on the other hand, are generally healthy dogs. Some genetic predispositions include hip dysplasia, eye issues, and sudden onset of bloat [14]akc.org/dog-breeds/komondor.
This means you can expect a happy, healthy dog in your Komondoodle that should get regular checkups from veterinarians. Since both parent breeds are predisposed to hip dysplasia, bloat [15]akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs, and eye issues, be sure to know the signs of these conditions and seek an expert quickly if they start exhibiting signs of any of these health problems.
Lifespan
Generally, Komondors have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years [16]akc.org/dog-breeds/komondor, while Poodles can live anywhere from 10 to 18 years [17]akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard. This means you can expect a minimum of 10 years with your Komondoodle family member.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a healthy, happy family guard dog that will spend many wonderful years with you, then a Komondoodle is a perfect fit for you.
A loving, playful, and affectionate nature paired with their desire to protect their herd makes this a unique dog breed you’ll love as the newest addition to your family.
References