| Mopping Up With The Mop Dog |
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The Komondor Can Handle Even The Toughest Spills
Related by marriage to the standard sheep dog, the Komondor's thick natural cords make it an ideal mop-animal. As the most bibulous species of animal next to the sponge yak and the Himalayan Swiffer monkey, the Komondor is the perfect companion to housekeepers, butlers, and small diner employees. KOMONDORIAN FACTOID:The Komondor can retain almost three times its body weight in moisture, making it a valuable asset in Central and Western Europe's housecleaning industry. Its powerful legs allow it to carry itself and the additional weight that comes from being caught in a heavy rainstorm, from taking a leisurely swim in a lake, or after being rolled over a freshly-washed kitchen floor. Zoologists believe the animal's unique ability to store water in its fur is a survival trait, like a camel's hump or the wineskin of a goat. Early Hungarians first bred the Komondor as a housecleaning pet when they noticed its natural abilities with water. Stories were told that after rolling in a mud puddle, the puddle evaporate--sopped up easily by the dog's massive cottony coat. Sadly, the Industrial Revolution nearly saw the demise of the Komondor when industrialists killed them by the thousands and shoved wooden poles up their asses to sell as floor mops. But manufacturers and retailers soon learned the fur coat was more absorbent--and lasted longer--when the dog was still alive. Since then Komondors have been bred to absorb dirt better, be less prone to streaking, and are now lint free. Rumours abound that the Romanians are secretly working on breeding a lemon-scented variety Komondor. The Komondor's natural ability to clean up dirt, dust, and spills have made it a popular house pet. Friendly by nature, the Komondor is good with children and excellent with both hardwood and linoleum floors. Normal housecleaning duties are all the exercise the dog really needs, although it enjoys an occasional good run in the rain. In warmer weather the Komondor will spend hours lying around in the sun, not because it is lazy, but as a natural instinct to dry itself out. Attempts to introduce the Komondor into North America have been slowed by the paper towel industry, who believe the dog threatens their stranglehold on retail housecleaning products. However, several hundred Komondors are being used in Newfoundland as working dogs with environmental clean-up teams, and have been trained to deal with the frequent oil spills from offshore Hibernia platforms. Dog clubs can help people in North America interested in finding a Komondor, but proper training is an issue. The best trainers are in Eastern Europe and can only be coaxed over with generous quantities of spicy sausage, alcohol, and American cigarettes.
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