KUVASZ
APPEARANCE
The Kuvasz is a large dog with a dense coat which is usually white in color and can range from wavy to straight in texture. Kuvasz’s skin pigmentation should be dark and the nose should be black. The eyes should have an almond shape. The head is clean and well proportioned, with an elongated skull and v-shaped ears that are slightly rounded at the tip. The Kuvasz weighs in at around 70-90 pounds for females and 100-115 pounds for males. The height of the Kuvasz is around 26-28 inches for females and 28-30 pounds for males.
PERSONALITY
The Kuvasz is a dog that is very loyal and protective, and has plenty of courage, spirit, and determination. Strong, bold, fearless and very territorial, this dog has a high protective instinct. The Kuvasz is suspicious of strangers and will make his own decisions about who he will accept as a friend. They are intensely loyal yet patient pets who appreciate attention. Given their intelligence, constant awareness of their surroundings, as well as their size and strength, they can be quite impressive in this role.
TRAINING
The combination of intelligence, independence and protectiveness make obedience training and socialization necessities. Furthermore, despite their intelligence, they should not be perceived as easily trained. Their independent personalities can make training a difficult task which can wear on the patience of even experienced owners. As a result, they are not recommended for novices and those who do not have time to train and socialize them properly.
EXERCISE
The Kuvasz needs a lot of exercise, and should be given the chance to run around in a park or go for a long walk every day. A highly active lifestyle will avert this dog’s tendency to chew and dig. This breed bores easily and can become destructive without the proper entertainment, so he should always have room to run. A medium fenced yard will suffice.
SOCIALIZATION
Socialization and obedience training during puppyhood will help ensure that your Kuvasz gets along with other dogs, but you should nevertheless always be careful when introducing your Kuvasz to a strange dog. The Kuvasz will be very protective of adults, children, and pets in his own family, but can be very wary, distrustful, and overprotective when strangers - adults or children - are around. He can also be aggressive with strange animals in a bid to protect his family and his territory.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Apartment life is not the best condition for the Kuvasz. It is an active dog and a large yard will make it happy. Keeping it leashed can also make it destructive. The Kuvasz can live outside in temperate climates and enjoys cold weather.
GROOMING
The Kuvasz’s stiff, dense coat, growing up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length, does not require any special grooming. It needs to be brushed once a week or, better still, every two or three days.This breed doesn’t need bathing. Bathing will remove the natural oils of its coat that normally sheds dirt. In cold climates, it sheds twice a year. In warmer climates, it sheds all year! This breed sheds heavily on a seasonal basis, and is a constant shedder throughout the rest of the year too, so he is not suited to allergy sufferers.
HEALTH ISSUES
Although generally a healthy and robust breed which can be expected to live approximately 12-14 years, the Kuvasz are prone to developmental bone problems. As with many large breeds, hip dysplasia, a painful and potentially debilitating condition, is not uncommon. Good genetics and proper nutrition as a puppy are key to avoiding these complications.
HISTORY
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 as far as Tibet. He went on to become popular for guarding livestock for villagers. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1931.
