Kuvasz
Temperament:
The Kuvasz originates from Hungary and belongs to the group of herding dogs and cattle dogs. The white, large animals are imposing phenomena. They are reliable and very alert, at the same time they are considered individualists. The robust giant loves to spend time outdoors and exercise.
Characteristics
The Kuvasz is also known as the Hungarian Shepherd Dog. The animals are very large, with a height at the withers of up to 76 centimeters for the males. The females reach a height of 70 centimeters. The weight of the Kuvasz ranges from 37 to 62 kilograms. He can reach an age of up to 13 years.
The coat is lush with a dense undercoat. The wavy coat is white and the skin is slate gray and distinctly pigmented. Ivory coat also occurs. The head, ears and paws have short, dense and straight hair.
A ruff of longer hair forms around the neck. This lengthens, especially in males, into a distinct chest mane.
Characteristic of the Kuvasz is the wedge-shaped head with a broad skull. The forehead is slightly prominent with a furrow in the middle. They slightly slanted, almond-shaped eyes are dark brown.
Such dogs have strong, regular and well-developed dentition. Their ears have a V-shape and a rounded tip. They sit medium high on the skull and lie close to the head.
Typical for the Kuvasz is also the body shape. The body forms a lying rectangle. This deviates in its dimensions only slightly from a square. Overall, the body is athletic with a well-developed musculature.
The base of the tail is low. It continues the slightly sloping croup in a line. In length it reaches to the hock joint.
The Kuvasz is a typical guard dog. He is self-confident, fearless and has a strong character. He also shows clear territorial behavior. He defends people and objects in his care without compromise. He also puts his life on the line for them. The animals are intelligent and independent.
With incorrect education, the breed can be aggressive. With other dogs, the dogs get along only conditionally. Despite its size, the Kuvasz is very sensitive and always needs a place of retreat. He is not a typical family dog. Nevertheless, he binds himself closely to the human being. The breed loves to spend time outdoors and needs a lot of exercise.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
In terms of nutrition, the Kuvasz is very unpretentious. He is also not prone to allergies or intolerances.
High-quality food with a high meat content is best. It should also contain little grain. Grain-free food corresponds to the nature of the dog, which is a carnivore. So a lot of meat is the best for the health of your Kuvasz.
Big dogs eat more than small ones. This also applies to the Kuvasz. You should adjust the amount of food to the activity and age of your dog.
A high proportion of proteins from muscle meat is also important. These support the particularly stressed musculoskeletal system of the large animals.
Wet and dry food are equally suitable for the diet of the Kuvasz. A diet of raw meat (so-called barfen) is also an option for the animals.
Puppies of this large breed do not need food with a particularly large amount of nutrients. This, in fact, makes them grow very quickly. The result can be problems with the skeletal system. Dental care snacks are suitable for the dental care of the Kuvasz.
Chewables are also snacks and employment for the Kuvasz. Dried beef is a good choice here. With a healthy diet and proper care, the Kuvasz can live up to 13 years.
Kuvasz care
The Kuvasz is an undemanding dog in the attitude. Also with the food he has no special requirements.
Nevertheless, a Kuvasz is not a dog for beginners. He needs a very consistent education from the beginning. You really have to get involved with a Kuvasz. He needs a lot of attention and occupation. Visiting a dog school is also a must. His sense of hierarchy is very strong. You must always show him who is the master in the house.
Exercise is also absolutely necessary for the Kuvasz. Extensive, regular walks should be a matter of course.
The animals can be outside all year round. They need space and a city apartment is absolutely not suitable. The best is a large plot of land. This guards the Kovasz also without request very reliably. Keeping them in a kennel or even on a chain, on the other hand, is unsuitable. The dogs must be able to move on their territory.
The Kuvasz always keeps his own head. As an individualist he is not suitable for absolute obedience. Also games on command are not his thing.
Nevertheless, the sensitive animals always need a connection to their humans. To them they are loyal and reliable partners.
At the same time, a place of retreat for the dogs is important. This is especially true if there are children in the family. In general, good socialization is very important in a Kuvasz from puppyhood. Here, especially the first one and a half years are crucial.
The coat of the animals needs care from time to time. Regular brushing is sufficient.
Suitable accessories
The Kuvasz is uncomplicated in attitude and care. The robust animals do not need many accessories. The collar must fit well and fit the size of the dog. It must not constrict the sensitive neck region.
Commonly used are collars made of plastics or leather.
Leashes are also available from these materials. For everyday use, a short leash between two and three meters long is sufficient. On longer walks, the leash can be a little longer. Very long drag leashes are suitable for dog training.
Bowls for food and water must be the right size for the Kuvasz. A bowl rack or non-slip undersides are also practical. So the bowls do not move back and forth. Stainless steel is a popular material. It is easy to clean and is very durable. Other materials for bowls are plastic or ceramic.
A blanket, a suitably sized basket or a dog bed are suitable for the dog's retreat. Synthetic fibers are the material of choice here, as it is lightweight and easy to clean.
Toys for the Kuvasz should not be too small. The animal must be able to take it well in the muzzle. From the ball to the rope there are suitable variants. With wood hardness is important. Splinters from too soft wood can otherwise injure the animals.
A fur brush is a must for this breed of dog. It should not be too fine. Fur brush gloves are also practical.
For transportation, the Kuvasz needs a suitably large box. These are available in metal and plastic. Metal boxes are relatively heavy. Therefore, a fixed installation in the trunk makes sense. But there are also models with wheels.
Origin & History
The Kuvasz was widespread throughout Eastern Europe. There he served as a classic guard dog to protect the flocks of sheep.
The breed is closely related to the Komondor. This is also an Eastern European herdsman hung with very ancient roots.
Both breeds are defined only since 1905. In 1954 the official recognition took place. From the 13th century there are records of the appearance of the Kuvasz in Hungary. In later centuries, the breed was also used for hunting wolves and bears. According to modern research, there is a close relationship with the Tibetan dog. The affiliation with the Molossians has also been confirmed. These are massive and muscular types of dogs.
The Kuvasz is a robust working dog and very native. In the past, it was discovered early as a representative companion dog for the well-heeled urban population. He was also often used as a guard dog.
Today, the role of the companion dog is predominant. For this, the breed is better prepared by its past than many other guard dogs.
In Germany, the Kuvasz is still a rare dog. Significantly more animals, on the other hand, can be found in Eastern Europe.
More breeds to discover
