Kuvasz
Temperament:
The Kuvasz originates from Hungary and belongs to the group of herding and driving dogs. The large, white animals are imposing creatures. They are reliable and very alert, but are also considered individualists. The robust giant loves to be outdoors and to move around.
Characteristics
The Kuvasz is also known as the Hungarian Shepherd Dog. The animals are very large, with males reaching a shoulder height of up to 76 centimetres. Females reach a height of 70 centimeters at the withers. The weight of the Kuvasz is between 37 and 62 kilograms. They can live up to 13 years.
The coat is luxuriant with a dense undercoat. The wavy coat is white, the skin is slate gray and clearly pigmented. Ivory-colored fur also occurs. Head, ears and paws are short, dense and straight-haired.
A ruff of longer hair forms around the neck. This merges into a pronounced chest mane, especially in males.
Characteristic of the Kuvasz is the wedge-shaped head with a broad skull. The forehead is slightly protruding with a furrow in the middle. The slightly slanted, almond-shaped eyes are dark brown.
The teeth are strong, regular and well developed. The ears are V-shaped with rounded tips. They sit medium high on the skull and lie close to the head.
The body shape is also typical of the Kuvasz. The body has the shape of a horizontal rectangle. In terms of proportions, it deviates only slightly from a square. Overall, the body is athletic with well-developed muscles. The base of the tail is low. It continues in line with the slightly sloping croup. In length it reaches to the hock.
The Kuvasz is a typical guard dog. It is self-confident, fearless and strong in character. It shows pronounced territorial behavior. It defends people and objects in its care without compromise. He will even risk his life for them. The animals are intelligent and independent.
If trained incorrectly, the breed can become aggressive. Compatibility with other dogs is limited. Despite its size, the Kuvasz is very sensitive and always needs a place to retreat to. It is not a typical family dog. Nevertheless, they bond closely with people. The breed loves being outdoors and needs plenty of exercise.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.
Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.
Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.
Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.
Health & Care
The Kuvasz is undemanding to keep. It also has no special dietary requirements.
Nevertheless, the Kuvasz is not a dog for beginners. It needs very consistent training right from the start. You really have to get involved with a Kuvasz. They need a lot of attention and activity. Attending a dog school is a must. His sense of hierarchy is very pronounced. You must always show him who is the master of the house.
Exercise is also absolutely essential for the Kuvasz. Regular, long walks should be a matter of course.
The animals can be outside all year round. They need space and a city apartment is absolutely unsuitable. A large plot of land is best. Kovasz will guard this very reliably, even without being asked. Keeping them in a kennel or even on a chain, on the other hand, is unsuitable. The dog must be able to move around in its territory.
The Kuvasz always keeps his own head. As an individualist, he is not suited to absolute obedience. Even playing on command is not his thing.
Nevertheless, these sensitive animals always need to bond with their humans. They are loyal and reliable partners to them.
At the same time, it is important for the dogs to have a place to retreat to. This is especially true if children are part of the family. In general, good socialization is very important for Kuvasz from puppyhood onwards. The first one and a half years are particularly important here.
The coat needs grooming from time to time. Regular brushing is sufficient.
Suitable accessories
The Kuvasz is easy to keep and care for. These robust animals do not need many accessories. The collar must fit well and suit the size of the dog. It must not constrict the sensitive neck area. Collars made of plastic or leather are common.
Leashes are also available in these materials. A short leash of two to three meters in length is sufficient for everyday use. For longer walks, the lead can also be a little longer. Very long trailing leads are suitable for dog training.
Bowls for food and water must be the right size for the Kuvasz. A bowl holder or non-slip base is also practical. This prevents the bowls from slipping. Stainless steel is a popular material. It is easy to clean and very durable. Other materials for food bowls are plastic or ceramic.
A blanket, an appropriately sized basket or a dog bed is suitable as a retreat for the dog. Synthetic fibers are the material of choice here, as they are light and easy to clean.
Toys for the Kuvasz should not be too small. It must fit well in the muzzle. There are suitable options ranging from balls to ropes. The hardness of wood is important. Splinters from wood that is too soft can otherwise lead to injuries.
A coat brush is a must for this breed. It should not be too fine. Fur brush gloves are also practical.
The Kuvasz needs a suitably large box for transportation. These are available in metal and plastic. Metal crates are relatively heavy. It therefore makes sense to mount them securely in the trunk. However, there are also models with wheels.
Other accessories that are part of every dog's basic equipment: tick tweezers, claw clippers, mild dog shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs and a first aid kit. It's best to ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.
Origin & History
The Kuvasz was widespread throughout Eastern Europe. There it was used as a classic guard dog to protect flocks of sheep.
The breed is closely related to the Komondor. This is also an Eastern European guard dog with very old roots.
Both breeds have only been defined since 1905. The Kuvasz was officially recognized in 1954 and was already mentioned in Hungary in the 13th century. 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 Mastiff. Their affiliation with the Molosser has also been confirmed. They are massive and muscular.
The Kuvasz is a robust working dog and very primitive. It was discovered early on as a representative companion dog for the wealthy urban population. It was also often used as a guard dog.
Today, the role of companion dog is predominant. Due to its past, the breed is better prepared for this than many other guard dogs.
In Germany, the Kuvasz is still a rare dog. However, significantly more animals can be found in Eastern Europe.
