For owner Mrs Kyra Pomeroy-Matthews, a trip to Liskeard with her two Komondor dogs, is always a stop and go experience, as their large and unusual appearance makes them the centre of attention.They originate from Hungary and are from an ancient breed often referred to as 'King of Hungarian Sheepdogs'.
On March 11 they will be making their second appearance at Crufts, last year winning the best of breed honours. There are only about 50 of them in England and only four to five thousand left in the world.
Kyra brought them back to live with her at her home near St Keyne, when she visited her native Hungary because she said she wanted to support the breed.
Koppany, named after a warrior of Atillah and Dorka, a Hungarian girl's name, are already large and set to grow a lot more, eventually reaching up to 32ins in height and weighing about 60 kg (132 lb). The girls are a little smaller.
However, it is their spectacular coats that make them stand out, giving them the appearance of big woolley bears. It is white and corded with felty qualities, and hangs down in separated tassels not unlike ringlets.
But grooming them could not be simpler. Their coats must not be brushed so they are simply shampooed and then left to dry naturally, but Kyra says that can take anything up to a week.
The Komondor was first introduced to Hungary over 1,000 years ago and its name is mentioned in literature dating back to 1544. Because of its size, strength and profuse coat it is able to withstand severe winters, long hot summers, and protect sheep and cattle from Hungary's natural predators which are wolves and bears.
Although ferocious in their job as guard dogs Kyra says they have never been killers. 'They will actually rise up, overpower and knock down a bear' she says, 'but will just sit on it until help arrives.
They are lovable, very intelligent, independent thinkers, extremely gentle and affectionate with children and very friendly and sociable. They are loyal and wonderful dogs and will adapt to any environment'.
Kyra is now busily preparing them for Crufts and hopes they will do well again. Dorka already has a famous family. Her father is the Hungarian champion and her uncle is world champion.
This year there are 21 local people and their dogs competing at Crufts, including entrants from Liskeard, Callington, Pensilva, Harrowbarrow, Saltash and Torpoint.