Description

The Kuvasz Hungarian kuvasz is a working dog of larger size, sturdily built, well balanced, neither lanky nor cobby. Kuvasz is white in color with no markings. Kuvasz impresses the eye with his strength and activity. A one-family dog he is extremely loyal, obedient, active and strong but is wary of strangers.

Size of Male: Height: 28-30 inches Weight: 100-115 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 26-28 inches Weight: 70-90 pounds

Temperament

The Kuvasz is an intelligent and curious dog. Kuvasz are bold, determined, brave and fearless. Kuvasz are also easy to housebreak. This livestock guardian is very territorial with strong protective instincts. It makes an excellent guard dog. It is an outstanding herder and defender of the flock against wolves. This is not a breed for everyone. His large size and strong protective instincts demand extra owner care and responsibility. He will fiercely defend his people and territory. The Kuvasz is devoted to his family, forming a strong bond with them, though the Kuvasz is a very independent breed and may even be stand-offish with his owners. If the dog is going to live with children, it is best, if possible, to select a Kuvasz pup from Kuvasz parents who love children. The Kuvasz is usually gentle and patient with his own family’s children, but may not be trustworthy with others. To prevent accidental injury, do not leave this dog unsupervised with small children and their friends. Individuals vary in sociability, but for the most part, the Kuvasz is quite reserved with and even suspicious of strangers. This breed must be extensively socialized early in life to combat his extremely protective personality. He should be trained firmly 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. All family members should be taught how to handle the dog. It is highly advisable to accustom the puppy to handling strangers, both for your veterinarian’s sake and if you wish to show the dog. Choose a puppy carefully – after seeing both parents, if possible. Some lines of Kuvasz are much more easy-going than others. Though puppies can easily accept other animals, adult Kuvasz are quite combative and 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. Be sure to supervise and teach your Kuvasz that the newcomers are part of the family. Do not leave the new dog alone with an adult Kuvasz until you are absolutely certain they will not fight. Male to male aggression is common. If you wish your Kuvasz to be a livestock guardian, special training is necessary. Consult an expert to learn how to train your dog. From the age of 6-7 weeks, the puppy should spend most of his time with the animals he will later be called upon to guard, so he can form a strong bond with them. The biggest key to training a Kuvasz is to understand the nature of the breed as an independent guardian. It is very important not to use harsh training methods. As an example, a police dog trainer would be exactly the wrong kind of trainer to use. A police dog type of temperament is not what the Kuvasz is. They make terrible police dogs because they are too independent. They judge, not you, what force is necessary in any situation, based on what they believe. That comes out of instinct, and then what they are “taught.” They are really remarkable judges of how forceful to be in a situation. You need to “teach” Kuvasz, you don’t “train” them. This does not mean physically forceful; you must understand that “impression” is what creates dominance. The same Kuvasz who will drive off a wolf, bear, etc., without hesitation, will stand by in the field, helping a ewe with a lambs delivery and making sure the lamb can find its mother. That is their nature.

Living Conditions

The Kuvasz is not recommended for apartment life. Kuvaszok are fairly active indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Do not leave Kuvasz alone in the backyard for long stretches of time, as they may become destructive. Vigorous exercise should help with this. Kuvasz should never be left outside all tied up, for this could lead to viciousness. It will do best in a large enclosed yard. It especially enjoys cold weather and can live outdoors in temperate to cold climates as long as it has a doghouse and fresh water, but will do best if allowed access to both the house and yard. The Kuvasz’s thick coat makes him very uncomfortable in warm weather or humid conditions; they should always have plenty of shade and fresh water.

Upkeep

The Kuvasz needs daily exercise and enjoys a long walk or good run in a safe area. Kuvasz especially enjoys cold weather and can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates. Kuvasz does best when allowed access to both house and yard. Its coat needs brushing one or two times weekly, more often during heavy shedding periods. Also the

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, Osteochondritis dissecans

Minor concerns: none

Life expectancy: 9 – 12 years