Kuvasz: History, Temperament, Exercise

Group: Flock Guard, AKC Working

AKC Ranking: 130

Also Known As: Hungarian Kuvasz

About Kuvasz

Origin Although regarded today as one of the Hungarian breeds, the Kuvasz' origins actually lay with a nomadic tribe and may have its true origins from Tibet. Description The Kuvasz is a majestic, muscular, medium-boned, well-proportioned white sheepdog with a very handsome head. The muzzle tapers slightly to a black nose, but is not pointed. The lips and inside of the mouth are black. The ears are folded and close to the head, and the eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown.

He is light-footed and agile for his size. Though the coat is white, the skin is generally dark. The more dark pigment in the skin, the better. The coat is medium-length, either straight or quite wavy, with a thick undercoat, forming an abundant mane around the neck and chest. The hair is short on the head and feet, but on the body and legs it is wavy The back of the legs are feathered. Dewclaws on the rear legs should be removed.

Height

Dogs 28-30 inches (71-76cm.)
Bitches 26-28 inches (66-71 cm.)

Weight

Dogs 100-115 pounds (45-52kg.)
Bitches 70-90 pounds (32-41kg.)

Temperament

The Kuvasz is intelligent, bold, determined, independent and a bit stand-offish, brave, fearless and curious. This livestock guardian is very territorial with strong protective instincts. It makes an excellent guard dog and herder and defender of the flock against wolves. They can also be devoted family dogs. The Kuvasz is usually gentle and patient with his own family's children, but may not be trustworthy with others, unless socialized. The Kuvasz is quite reserved with and even suspicious of strangers. They may resent intrusions of a new canine or other animal into the household, but they can also be very gentle with other pets and livestock.

Living Condition

The Kuvasz is not recommended for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Kuvasz should never be left outside all tied up, for this could lead to viciousness. It will do best in a large enclosed yard in temperate to cold climates, and would enjoy access to house.

Exercise & Training

If they are not actively working as a flock guardian, they need to be taken on a daily, long brisk walk or jog. Exercising should help with chewing or digging problems. They are easy to housebreak. He should be taught, rather than trained, trained firmly and patiently by an experienced, dominant person, and should be taught to accept the family's welcome guests.

The Kuvasz is not an easy breed to obedience train, as he was bred to work independently of men. He is willful, but also quite sensitive to criticism. Do not treat this dog harshly. Young dogs may test authority frequently.

Grooming

It needs to be brushed once or twice a week. For standard grooming purposes, use of a grooming rake or a pin-brush with rounded pins is recommended. To remove stubborn knots, use a curry comb or a large-toothed comb. During the spring and autumn the Kuvasz moults (also known as shedding), and he will lose copious amounts of hair very quickly.

Frequent brushing is therefore needed to keep his coat tidy. A Kuvasz should not smell or have an odor; such is usually a sign of illness or a poor diet.

Health Issues

The Kuvaszok are prone to developmental bone problems. Accordingly, owners should take care to provide proper nutrition to their Kuvasz puppy and avoid subjecting the puppy to rough play. It is prone to hip dysplasia. Some minor issues are osteochondritis dissecans (a disease causing lameness from inflammation of the shoulder joints), hypertrophic osteodystrophy, skin problems and allergic reactions. This breed may drool and slobber.

Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years.

Breed Club & Rescue Link: www.kuvasz.com