Komondor

The Komondor is a breed of herding dog that was brought to Hungary by the nomadic Cumans during the 12-13th centuries. The breed's name comes from "Koman-dor", meaning "Cuman dog". The Komondor likely descended from Tibetan and other Asian breeds, as the Cumans' homeland was around the Yellow River. They began to migrate westward during the late 10th century to escape the Mongols, bringing their dogs with them, eventually finding their way to Hungary. The characteristic cords of Komondorok (the plural of "Komondor") were not just for show, but helped protect the dogs against harsh weather and the sharp teeth of predators. It also allowed them to blend in with the flock to catch predators such as wolves and bears by surprise. Today, the Komondor is a rare breed that can be found guarding sheep as well as households.