Komondor: cords, drying and adult size
The Komondor’s adult cords develop from a soft young coat over a body slightly longer than its height. They require a different maintenance approach from brushed coats and from a Bergamasco’s flocks. Understanding the transition and the practicalities of washing and drying is essential before choosing the appearance.
Minimums are not averages
FCI sets minimum heights of 70 cm for males and 65 cm for females, with weights of 50–60 kg and 40–50 kg. The earlier UK guide instead describes average heights of 80 cm and 70 cm, lower minimums of 65 cm and 60 cm, and weights of 50–61 kg and 36–50 kg. It states no upper height limit subject to overall appearance. Do not present those averages as FCI minimums.
The coat changes gradually
The UK account places the start of the adult coat at six to nine months and full cording around two years. AKC’s quoted experienced breeder describes clumping at nine to ten months. FCI describes coarse outer hair combining with softer undercoat into cords, with different lengths on different body areas. These accounts help identify stages without setting an exact timetable for every puppy.
Learn cord maintenance
AKC’s breeder guidance advises against brushing and describes separating developing clumps, washing, rinsing thoroughly and drying carefully. Have an experienced Komondor breeder demonstrate the separation and drying process on the actual coat. Plan enough time for a thorough wash, rinse and dry, and discuss suitable drying conditions for the actual coat with the breeder; the heavy adult coat makes a quick bath-and-dash assumption unrealistic.
Shared outings and alternatives
The UK guide lists up to an hour of daily exercise, grooming more than weekly and a large country home and garden. AKC suggests walks and secure play. Include time to check the coat after outings as part of the same daily routine. Compare Bergamasco flocks and the Spanish Water Dog’s own cord-care method without transferring either routine to a Komondor. Similar-looking long hair can involve quite different handling.
Sources and further reading
Komondor at a glance
These earlier UK breed guides are starting points for comparison. Details may have changed, and individual dogs vary.
- Breed group
- Pastoral
- Size
- Large
- Daily exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Grooming frequency
- More than once a week
- Coat length
- Long
- Sheds
- No
- Suggested home size
- Large house
- Town or country
- Country
- Garden recommendation
- Large garden
- Lifespan
- Under 10 years
FCI breed standard
Standard guidance describes the breed ideal; individual dogs vary.
- Origin
- Hungary
- Group
- 1 - Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
- Section
- 1 - Sheepdogs
- Height
- Males: Minimum: 70 cm; Females: Minimum: 65 cm
- Weight
- Males: 50–60 kg; Females: 40–50 kg
Official FCI standard (PDF)
Standard effective from 2000-04-06; checked 2026-10-15
