The Komondor originated in Hungary back in 1555 and was used as a sheep guardian because they resembled the sheep and could blend in quite well and trick the predators. The breed was introduced to America in 1933 where it continued its job of sheep guardian. The AKC finally officially recognized the breed in 1937.

Today the Komondor splits its time between being a guardian of flocks (one of the few breeds that has maintained its original job) and being a companion animal. They are independent and stubborn so they need an experienced family to help them be a calm member of the family. They can even be aggressive toward other dogs, so a one-dog family may be appropriate. They are protective and fearless, making them not only a great guardian for flocks, but a great guardian for a family as well.

Although their job is an active one, in general these dogs only need a moderate walk daily to remain happy and healthy. Their coat, however, requires much more stringent upkeep. The Komondor's coat is their distinguishing factor – they have a wooly undercoat with a coarse, white outer coat that forms felt-like cords. It can be hard to keep clean, hard to wash, and hard to dry. They cords must be regularly separated as well.

The most common pet health concerns this breed faces are hip dysplasia, the malformation of the hip joint that causes lameness; gastric torsion, a serious life-threatening condition where the stomach twists over itself; and ear problems. Treating these conditions can be expensive and many pet owners opt to invest in pet insurance to help alleviate the costs.

Pet insurance reimburses pet owners a percentage of the veterinary bill when their pets need to be treated for accidents or illnesses, leaving the pet owner with a fraction of out-of-pocket expense. This allows the pet owner to make decisions based solely on what the best treatment would be, not based on how much the treatment would cost.

Komondors stand at least 25.5 inches tall and weigh an average of 70 to 80 pounds. They live to be between ten and twelve years old.

About the Author:
Heather Rey is a pet lover and internet journalist that strives to provide the best care possible for her pets. For pet-related information, visit this pet insurance site.