Komondor vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

Komondor vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed ComparisonKomondor is originated from Hungary but American Staffordshire Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Komondor may grow 28 cm / 12 inches higher than American Staffordshire Terrier. Komondor may weigh 33 kg / 73 pounds more than American Staffordshire Terrier. Komondor may live 4 years less than American Staffordshire Terrier. Both Komondor and American Staffordshire Terrier has same litter size. Komondor requires High maintenance. But American Staffordshire Terrier requires Low maintenance

History

komondor - historyLooking like a giant mop, and sometimes being referred to as 'mop dogs' the Komondor, known also as the Hungarian sheepdog, hails from Hungary.

The dog was brought to Europe centuries ago so he is a well established breed. It has been declared as one of the country's national treasures.

He is a dog related to many other dogs such as the Pulim the Ovcharka, the Bearded Collie, Old English Sheepdog and others.

american staffordshire terrier - historyThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a part of all the confusion surrounding the group of “pit bulls”. The American Staffordshire Terrier is directly related to the English Bull Terrier and English Terrier. The breed of the English Staffordshire Terrier was bred in the early 19th century in the West Midlands. It was not until later that the breed came from Staffordshire. These English Staffordshire Terriers are also the source of contention by breeders who insist it was the Fox Terrier, White English Terrier, Tan and Black Terrier that are the ancestors of the English Staffordshire Terrier.

These terriers (AKA pit bull terrier) came to the United States in the mid 1800’s. By the late 1890’s they were accepted by the United Kennel Club (UKC)as the American Pit Bull Terrier – a new and distinct breed. There were also some that were accepted into the AKC as the Staffordshire Terrier. In England they were still known as the American Staffordshire Terrier. When the AKC accepted the breed in 1936 they were given a new standard, new purpose and new group – the terrier. In 1969 the American Kennel Club recognized these dogs as American Staffordshire Terriers and refused to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. The name was changed to move the breed away from its characterization as a bull fighter and to distinguish it from the smaller English Staffordshire Terrier. All American Staffordshire Terriers are directly related to the American Pit Bull Terriers.

Description

komondor puppy - descriptionKnown for his unique long corded, singular white coat, the Komondor, a molosser dog, is large. Females start at 64cm in height and both males and females can reach up to 76cm in height.

This unusual coat of theirs is wavy and actually forms cords or dreadlocks as the dog matures. You can't easily see the dog's face because of all the hair.You also can't see the tail easily, in fact you might think he hasn't got a tail as it is obscured by the hair. The tail is medium length and held low.

He has a large head, dark brown eyes, and floppy ears. The coat is certainly going to require grooming even though the dog doesn't shed much. His body is robust and well muscled with the body being slightly longer than the height of the dog.

Temperament:

The Komondor has been a dog used for guarding livestock, and while his character is calm and balanced, when the livestock is threatened, he can show another side – more aggressive – as he defends his flock. He makes an excellent watchdog.

He is an affectionate dog with his human family, being a gentle playmate of children. He is slightly reserved and wary of strangers, and is willing to guard and protect his human family from them.

He is also good with other family pets. When you look at him you might think of him as not being very energetic, but he is an athletic dog, fast and powerful. Because of his size and speed, it is best to have him trained and socialized as he can be obstinate. Training him makes him obedient.

american staffordshire terrier puppy - descriptionThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong, powerful dog – stocky, muscular and graceful. At one point in time the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier were considered to be the same breed. Even today there are those that make that argument, but they have been recognized outside the AKC as separate breeds. The AKC only recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier and not the APBT. However – even though there have been decades of separation in breeding the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier are the very same dogs genetically.

The American Staffordshire Terrier has a broad skull, high set ears and pronounced cheek bones. Their ears should not be cropped by AKC standards and their eyes are far apart, round and dark. With a medium sized muzzle and a heavy muscular back, they are as powerful as they look, if not more so. Most have black noses. The AmStaff has a broad, deep chest with wide set forelegs and compact feet. The tail is short and tapered and it should not be docked.

Characteristics

komondor dog - characteristicsThe Komondor is known for his strong guardian characteristics, especially with his human family. He is loving and loyal towards them while being wary of strangers.

True, his coat can make people think twice before making this dog a pet, but if you're game and ready to attend to his coat, he can make an excellent family pet. They're fine with other pets too, and he is also an intelligent dog, capable of being easily trained.

He needs a good deal of exercise and can become noisy and destructive without the right amount of stimulation. If you do your part with the Komondor and provide him with a loving, caring home, he will be an awesome pet and guard you with his life.

american staffordshire terrier dog - characteristicsThe American Staffordshire Terrier is a loving, gentle dog that wants nothing more than to be with and please his people. Contrary to his reputation as a “killer”, this dog is actually a lover. They are great with children and want to be a part of the family. They even think they are lap dogs, regardless of their size. They are never going to be aggressive toward people and even though they are not one-person dogs, they are loyal, and they are devoted to the family and the “leader of the pack”.

This breed can tell who is their friend and who is not. They are not aggressive, but they will protect their own. They are courageous, confident, attentive, bold and strong-willed. The AmStaff gets along with other dogs most of the time, but they will never back down from a challenge and should never be left unsupervised with another dog. They should not be loose in a neighborhood or at a dog park. No matter how much you trust your American Staffordshire Terrier they can be killers in any fight with another dog.

In addition to this you must socialize and train your AmStaff. You need to be the pack leader and be in control. The AmStaff wants to please you so for a strong leader they will respond positively to positive training. They are intelligent and pick up quickly on what you want them to do. However, they are incredibly strong physically so training them to heel and walk with you obediently is a must. A well trained and exercised American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy dog and a loyal family dog.

Health Problems

komondor puppies - health problemsThe Komondor is a healthy dog breed who can live to be 10, 11 or 12 years if you look after him well. There aren't any known genetic disorders prominent with the dog, but it pays to know about some of those that could strike -

Entropion:

This is an irritating eye problem where the eyelash rubs up against the eyes.The result can be scratching of the cornea and eye infections. It is an eye problem which can be corrected with surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is a serious genetically inherited disorder and common in large dog breeds. It is caused by a malformation of the hip joint. It can cause problems for the dog, weakening the hip and making it incapable of supporting the weight of the dog.

It also leads to pain for the dog, difficulty with moving and even total lameness. Weight, size of dog, age and genetics are all factors which can increase the dog's likelihood of developing hip dysplasia.

Whimpering, lethargy and refusing to put weight on the leg are common signs of hip dysplasia and your vet will go ahead with ways to relieve the pain and symptoms of your Komondor.

american staffordshire terrier puppies - health problemsFor the most part the American Staffordshire Terrier, like most of the “pit bulls” is a hearty, healthy dog. They have a few tendencies that breeders should test for including hip dysplasia, allergies, and heart issues. They can test for Cerebellar ataxia, which has affected the AmStaff with a progressive decline in their ability to control their muscles and coordination.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

komondor dogs - caringThe Komondor is most certainly not a low maintenance dog with that extraordinary coat.Before the dog turns 1, the coat begins to form its cords. These cords can become discolored and matted, In fact the cords will need to be separated to keep the dog clean and free of matted hair.

For those who keep the dog as a pet and who don't want him to be a show dog, he can be trimmed, otherwise the coat and its maintenance could turn out to be a real issue.

Of course once the distinctive coat has been sheared, he loses that typical and recognizable Komondor look.

Check his ears on a regular basis for wax- and dirt buildup so as to prevent ear infection.

Teeth need to be checked regularly to prevent tartar buildup and if you don't have the time or the knowledge to keep his teeth clean and maintained, take him to the vet as the teeth-treatments they do there will promote healthy teeth and gums.

american staffordshire terrier dogs - caringfeed You can feed your American Staffordshire Terrier either commercially purchased food or food you make yourself if the quality is high, nutrition is good, and the amount eaten is determined by the owner. Do not free feed. The AmStaff has the tendency to become obese. Its ok to use treats for training and rewards, as long as its use is controlled.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American AmStaff Terrier has a tendency toward a few health issues. Hip Dysplasia – this condition causes a lot of pain and disability. It leads to different types of arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Cardiac Issues – Congenital heart disease consists of vessel malformation and lesions.

Allergies

Thyroid Issues

The AmStaff can be susceptible to Autoimmune Thyroiditis. This is a form of hypothyroidism developed by dogs. It is usually seen between 2 and 5 years of age. Continual retesting is recommended.

Cerebellar Ataxia

This is the most dangerous disease possibility that the American Staffordshire Terrier faces. There is a test for this condition which causes the AmStaff to display an inability to control their muscles and a loss of balance, to the point of falling. This is a progressive disease that often leads to euthanasia. The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America suggests that AmStaffs carrying the NCL genes should never be bred.

Exercise and games

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an energetic, and athletic dog that loves to play and needs plenty of exercise. This breed is oriented to people and should never be left alone in the yard all day as a way for her to exercise. She needs you to play with her. If you cannot do this, then you should not own this breed of dog. This breed also loves to play canine sports. They thrive on games like dock diving, agility and obedience competitions. They excel at search and rescue. These are competitive dogs that want nothing more then to please their people.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Hungary
United Kingdom
Height Male:
64 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
64 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
40 - 47 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 60 kg
88 - 133 pounds
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 60 kg
88 - 133 pounds
15 - 23 kg
33 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 12 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Hungarian sheepdog, Mop dogs
Staffy • Staffie • Stafford • Staff • Am Staff • Amstaff • American Staffy
Colors Available:
White
BlackBlueBrindleBrownWhiteYellow
Coat:
Long, thick, corded or dreadlocks
smooth, Single
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  3. Labrador Husky vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  4. Mackenzie River Husky vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyredoodle vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  6. Lurcher vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  7. Maremma Sheepdog vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  8. Sarplaninac vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  9. Mountain View Cur vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  10. Native American Indian Dog vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  11. Komondor vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. Komondor vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  13. Komondor vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  14. Komondor vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  15. Komondor vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  16. Komondor vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  17. Komondor vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  18. Komondor vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  19. Komondor vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  20. Komondor vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  21. Komondor vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  22. Komondor vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  23. Komondor vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Komondor vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Komondor vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Labradoodle vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Cane Corso vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Alaskan Malamute vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Mixed vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bullmastiff vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Dogue De Bordeaux vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. German Shorthaired Pointer vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bloodhound vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Great Pyrenees vs American Staffordshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. American Staffordshire Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  39. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  40. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  42. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  43. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  44. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  45. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  47. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  48. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  49. American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  50. American Staffordshire Terrier vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds