The Hungarian Komondor and Puli

Komondor (l), Puli (r)

Komondor

 A few posts ago we featured the Hungarian Kuvaz. Today we feature the Kuvaz's most likely closest relative the Komondor, and the Komondor's smaller working partner the Puli. The Komondor is a white dog and while the most common Puli color is black they are also found in white, silver, cream, brown, and rust. (Okay, that sounds a lot like off-white and shades of faded black but still...more color range than the Komondor.)

Komondor

The Komondor and Puli have similar looking corded coats developed to protect them in the working environment from the elements and predators they might have to fight.

Puli herding

Together they would watch over flocks of sheep and other livestock - the Puli would alert the larger Komondor to the presence of predators during the day while the Komondor stayed near the flock. At night the Komondor would patrol protecting the livestock while the Puli would stay near the animals. Puli could also be used to herd the flock.

Puli pups

 While the Komondor is still in use as a Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD), the Puli is now more often a family companion than a working dog...although Puli do still show up at herding trials.

Komondor

A Komondor is not a dog for everyone. They require firm, consistent training from a young age, are not particularly well suited to life in small spaces, and tend to be suspicious of strangers.

Puli

A Puli has less of an edge than a Komondor and has also been bred for a house-dog for more generations than the Komondor. The Puli started to fall out of favor as a herd dog around the time of WWII and while their numbers dropped, those that remained lived largely in homes with families. The Komondor still could be found out in the fields with livestock - which wandered less but still required protection from predators.

Komondor working agility course

Both Puli and Komondor are now seen in agility work; both breeds are perhaps better suited to an active role in life and not as quick to train for just obedience work.

Puli

These are breeds that continue to thrive with a job and with daily activity that allows them to move. A Puli is a very quick and agile dog under those chords of hair while the Komondor is a powerful, big breed that is used to being outside.

Komondor and pup

Just as other LGD are finding their way into homes, so will an increasing number of Komondor. If you are active, enjoy training, can be firm and consistent, and want a dog that will keep strangers out of your yard then a Komondor might be right for you.

Puli working agility course

 And if you want a smaller, more agile, and slightly more trainable dog that is less suspicious of people, but will still warn you of strangers, then the Puli might be a breed you would like.