Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: tangoblue on 28/07/2009 16:22:02
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OK I've looked everywhere to see how to separate a komondors puppy fur into the chords they should have but i can't find anything. Does any of you intelegant people know?
http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/947/70023787.JPG (http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/947/70023787.JPG)
Now before you say "oh my god, what a disgusting dog" i know it's not everybodies cup-of-tea.
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THE COAT
Most people are initially attracted to the Komondor because of his corded coat. When clean and groomed the coat can be quite beautiful, however sometimes the dogs are seen in public dirty, matted and bad smelling. When presented in such condition, the breed's reputation suffers. Caring for the coat takes organization and effort, but it is not an impossible task. The cords form when the woolly undercoat is trapped by the harsher curlier outer-coat. As the coat mats together, the curl of the outer-coat helps determine the natural separation points. Separate the clumps following the pattern of the curls, having the base of the cords approximately the size of a quarter. With time and the process of wetting and drying, the clumps will tighten up forming cords. At first these cords will be short, but as the dog ages the coat grows longer, the cords will acquire the length and graceful swing of the impressive adult coat. Cords begin forming between the ages of eight months and twelve months, and continue throughout the life of the dog. As new coat grows, the cords will clump together at the base. You will need to spend time every week working on the cords to keep them neat. As you might imagine, it is easy for dirt to get into the cords. If that dirt becomes trapped as the cord tightens, the coat will become discolored and dull looking. The best way to keep a Komondor clean is never to allow it to get dirty. If the dog does get into a mud puddle, than a quick rinse with a garden hose will help get the dirt out. Trimming the hair around the mouth can help keep it dry and can lessen the odor, but there should be cords left on the muzzle. Hair which never dries can mildew, so cutting some of it off may lessen the problem. No working Komondor can be kept from getting dirty, and most mature dogs with full coats cannot be kept immaculate save by extreme measures. Even with the most extreme measures, the coat of a mature Komondor is not as white as that of other white dogs which shed out their entire coat once or twice a year. The true pure white color can be seen at the base of the Komondor's cords. A dryer or floor fan is very helpful in caring for the corded coat. Because damp hair picks up dirt easier than dry hair, keeping the coat dry helps keep it clean. Komondors like moving air more than cold air, and a Komondor will often be seen lying on its back upside-down in front of a fan when one is available. Adult Komondors may occasionally lose an entire cord, but they do not shed in the usual sense of the word. Like poodles, which also can be corded, Komondors are a good breed for those who have allergies to dog hair and dander. If you are interested in an outside dog to stay with the livestock, coat care should consist of enough separating to keep the dog comfortable and routine examinations for large weeds, twigs, and burrs. Ears should also be cleaned occasionally and checked for infection and foreign objects.
Taken from the AKC.org website (http://clubs.akc.org/kca/aboutthe.htm)
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Anything that looks like a sheep has got my vote !
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thanks alleng