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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

Interim

General Appearance
Large, cord-coated muscular dog, of great strength, with plenty of bone and substance. Powerful conformation.

Characteristics
Excellent guard, wary of strangers, noted for imposing strength and courageous manner.

Temperament
Faithful and devoted. This strong, sharp guard dog must be treated with respect.

Head and Skull
Head somewhat short in comparison with width. Skull slightly arched viewed from side. Stop moderate; muzzle slightly shorter than length of skull. Broad, rather coarse muzzle, not pointed. Nostrils wide. Nose black, though dark grey or dark brown nose acceptable but undesirable.

Eyes
Medium-sized, not too deeply set, darker the better; rims dark grey or black, closely fitting.

Ears
Medium-sized, hanging U-shaped. Erect or partially erect ears incorrect.

Mouth
Powerful jaws, strong teeth, Scissor bite ideal, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws, (pincer bite tolerated but undesirable). Lips tight fitting and black. Ideally gums and roof of mouth black or dark grey.

Neck
Strong, medium length, moderately arched, no dewlap.

Forequarters
Straight, well boned, muscular, forelegs vertical, viewed from front and side; well laid tight shoulders.

Body
Broad, deep muscular chest, back level. Rump broad, slightly sloping towards root of tail. Body slightly longer than height at withers. Belly tucked up.

Hindquarters
Strong bone, very muscular. Viewed from rear, legs fairly wide apart, parallel, well angulated. 

Feet
Large, strong and compact, well arched toes. Nails strong, grey or black; toes slightly longer on hindfeet. Pads firm, elastic and dark.

Tail
Continuation of rump line; reaching to hock, slightly curved at tip; when excited, raised in line with body.

Gait/Movement
Light and easy, moving with very long stride.

Coat
Long coarse outer coat, which may be wavy or curly, with softer undercoat. Hair tends to cling together like tassels, giving a corded appearance. Cords of an adult strong and heavy, and felt-like to touch. If neglected, forms into large, matted ‘plates’. Coat longest on rump, loins and tail, of medium length on back, shoulders and chest, shorter on cheeks, around eyes, mouth and lower parts of legs. Coat is fairly slow in cording and may not be fully formed before two years of age. Puppy coat should be soft and fluffy, adult coat usually starts appearing 6-9 months of age. Presented corded.

Colour
Always white. Ideally skin grey but pink skin acceptable.

Size
Height: dogs: average 80 cms (311/2 ins), minimum 65 cms (25 ins); bitches: average 70 cms (271/2 ins), minimum 60 cms (231/2 ins). No maximum height, but it should be taken into consideration with overall appearance. Weight: dogs: 50-61 kgs (110-135 lbs); bitches: 36-50 kgs (80-110 lbs).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - January 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Some links to health information and resources that may be relevant to this breed:

Veterinary screening schemes - The Kennel Club operates these with the British Veterinary Association.

DNA screening schemes - detect disease-causing mutations in a number of breeds.

Current Accredited Breeder Scheme health screening requirements and recommendations - for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder.

Breed Watch - a tool aimed at dog show judges and exhibitors to highlight and tackle any current concerns in a breed

Health Test results Finder Tool - access results of any official KC health testing scheme for Kennel Club registered dogs

2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey Results - Individual summaries are available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

KOMONDOR CLUB OF GB. Sec. Ms K Sear. Tel No: Not available - for more information contact the Kennel Club

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