Hungary is home to a pleasingly wide selection of dog breeds, mainly drawn from the livestock guarding and hunting dog groups. None of Hungary’s dogs are short of personality, nor are they wanting in terms of having a remarkable appearance: step forward the stunningly dreadlocked Komondor and Puli.
Dog breeding standards in Hungary are upheld by the Hungarian Kennel Club, Magyar Ebtenyésztők Országos Egyesülete.
Table of Contents
Komondor
Size: Giant
Height: 65-80 cm (25½-31½ inches)
Weight: 40-60 kg (88-132 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long, thick and corded; in solid white or off-white
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Livestock guardian
Personality
The extraordinary-looking Komondor is an affectionate, gentle and protective dog, with a level of intelligence and independence that can make them something of a challenge for an inexperienced owner. Another potential challenge is caring for the Komondor’s remarkable corded coat, quite unlike that of any other dog (with the exception of the much smaller Puli). The Komondor requires much less exercise than many dogs of its size, and it will happily tire itself out following a favourite owner about all day instead. This demanding breed is not recommended for houses with other dogs or pets.
Kuvasz
Size: Very Large/Giant
Height: 66-76 cm (26-30 inches)
Weight: 37-62 kg (82-137 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium, coarse and wavy with double coat; in solid white
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Livestock guardian
Personality
The imposing Kuvasz is a dog who requires plenty of good early socialisation and training, as it is possessed of an independent, protective streak that can express itself in aggression if not tempered. This said, a well-trained Kuvasz can make an outstanding family pet, gentle, patient and good with children although they can be suspicious and aloof with strangers. They are unusually easy to care for, thanks to their self-assured nature as well as their lower-than-expected food intake.
Magyar agár
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 62-70 cm (24½-27½ inches)
Weight: 22-31 kg (49-68 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth and dense; in any colour except blue, black and tan or tricolour
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Sighthound
Personality
These slightly-built dogs look a little like greyhounds and make similarly excellent family pets; they are quiet, calm and gentle animals who get along well with other dogs and particularly like children. However, they tend to be a little more energetic when in open spaces, fond of explosive bursts of speed in addition to longer spells of running. As such they are particularly recommended for owners with active lifestyles.
Mudi
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 38-47 cm (15-19 inches)
Weight: 8-13 kg (18-29 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length and wavy, short on the limbs; in black, brown, ash or blue merle
Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
Group: Herding dog
Personality
The Mudi is a classic herding dog, full of energy and intelligence. In the home they are calm, relaxed and affectionate but in the open they transform into mischievous and tireless runners who have a seemingly insatiable desire for play, particularly with toys. The Mudi is quick to learn and loves human company: left alone for long periods they are notorious for getting up to no good out of boredom.
Puli
Size: Small
Height: 36-45 cm (14-18 inches)
Weight: 10-11 kg (22-24 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long, thick and corded; in black, grey or white
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Group: Water dog
Personality
Otherwise known as a Hungarian Water Dog, the Puli is an extraordinary-looking dog, in much the same vein as the significantly larger Komondor. Pulis are very intelligent, agile and playful dogs who particularly like to herd people by nipping at their heels. Fortunately they are also very keen people pleasers and this behaviour can easily be trained out of them. They are quick to learn and naturally protective, both of which makes them excellent at guarding and entertaining children in roughly equal measure. However, prospective owners need to remain watchful for signs of the manipulative or mischievous behaviour for which Pulis are notorious.
Pumi
Size: Small
Height: 40-45 cm (16-18 inches)
Weight: 10-13 kg (22-29 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Curly and dense; in grey, black, white or fawn
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Herding dog
Personality
The Pumi is an extremely intelligent, energetic and agile breed of herder, noted for their love of getting themselves up as high as they can in order to survey everything. They are also extremely adept at getting underneath barriers and climbing, so need to be watched in case they make good their escape, whether or not they mean to. Pumis make for excellent family pets, loving, curious and endlessly watchable. They do, however, require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stop them getting into mischief.
Transylvanian Hound
Size: Large
Height: 56-66 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 30-35 kg (66-77 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in black and tan or tricolour
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
Good-natured, hardy and brave, the Transylvanian Hound is a well-balanced, calm and patient dog with a cheery demeanour and a great love of people, including children. Transylvanian Hounds are also noted for their stubbornness and determination, although this usually adds to their rich characters rather than detracting from it. They are very playful and energetic dogs who require plenty of regular exercise.
Vizsla
Size: Medium
Height: 53-64 cm (21-25 inches)
Weight: 18-30 kg (40-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in fawn, red, copper or rust
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Scenthound
Wirehaired Vizsla
Size: Medium
Height: 54-64 cm (21-25 inches)
Weight: 20-29 kg (45-65 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Wiry and dense; in fawn, red, copper or rust
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
The Vizsla is a very active, affectionate and hard-working dog who loves spending time with its family and having a job to do. Generally very obedient, a Vizsla tends to only give into mischief if it is bored or lonely. As such they are recommended for owners whose lifestyles are active and are able to include a dog in their day-to-day activities.