Komondor Grooming

A Komondor's corded coat, with its "dreadlock" appearance, is definitely unique--but while these dogs don't need to be brushed, they still require a lot of coat maintenance. See below for info on how to care for a Komondor's coat, and for descriptions of optional hairstyles.

Grooming a Komondor's distinctive corded coat can be both a blessing and a curse. Though dogs of this breed don't require brushing, Komondor grooming can still be a time-consuming process, as the cords need to be separated regularly to minimize tangles and mats; the cords will also need to be kept clean to avoid discoloration of the soft undercoat.

The cords form when the hair of the undercoat fuses to the harsh outer coat, a process that normally begins when the Komondor is 8-10 months old and continues throughout its life; the formation is similar to dreadlocks in human hair. Once the cords begin forming, it's important to spend an hour or so each week separating the cords by hand; following the natural pattern of hair growth, and allowing each cord to measure about the size of a quarter at its base, is best.

Much like a mop, these dogs' coats trap dirt easily. And unfortunately, bathing (and drying) a Komondor can be an all-day affair. One quick fix is to give the dog a spray with a garden hose the minute it gets dirty; a more thorough bath is necessary every couple of months. Use canine shampoo available at pet stores. No matter the method, a Komondor's coat will take hours to dry, so many owners attest to letting their dogs lounge in front of a large fan to speed the process; the method works, and most Komondors seem to actually enjoy it!

Of course, clipping a Komondor's coat short (detailed in the "Styling & Haircuts" section) will minimize the above-described issues--but a short-haired Komondor loses much of its appeal.

Komondors are prized for their long corded coats--but the downside is that at full length, the cords can be extremely difficult to clean and de-tangle. Any potential owners will need to decide if they're willing to put in the extra time that Komondor hair care requires--and if not, a haircut might be best. Here are three Komondor hairstyles:

• Puppy Cut: This style removes all the cords and leaves only the softer undercoat. The dog is shaved close all over, to about 1-2 inches; this cut can be given at home with initial instruction from a professional groomer.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Similar to a Puppy Cut, this style leaves the hair on the head, legs, and tail a bit longer (2-3 inches); that hair is carefully sculpted and rounded to make the Komondor look like a giant teddy bear. Best done by a groomer.
• 3-Layer: Also called a 3-Stack, this style takes full (and creative) advantage of the Komondor's corded coat. The head and ear hair is cut to just below the shoulders; the body hair is cut to about 3 inches from the ground; the leg hair is cut to less than an inch from the ground. The overall look gives the coat the appearance of having three layers (or "levels"). Definitely best done by a groomer.