Description of Kuvasz dogs
The Kuvasz is a huge, well-proportioned white sheepdog with a very handsome head. The stop is well-defined, but not abrupt. 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. The medium-boned body is slightly longer than it is tall. The dog is muscular, but not bulky. He is light-footed and agile for his size. The lower abdomen is tucked up. 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. It forms 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 and can be as much as 4-6 inches (10-15 cm.) long. The tail, which is carried low, is raised when the dog is excited. The back of the legs are feathered. Dewclaws on the rear legs should be removed, but those on the front legs should be left natural. The breed, as a whole, is slow to anger,preferring instead to take their time and make up their own minds about everyone and every situation. However, when the situation warrants immediate action, he or she is ready to fight.
History
Kuvasz today is regarded as one of the Hungarian breeds, the Kuvasz's origins actually lay with a nomadic tribe and may have its true origins from Mesopotamia along with domestic sheep and goats. Around 2000 B.C., the Magyar tribes moved along the recently established trade routes of the steppes, gradually leading them to the Carpathian Basin in Hungary which they conquered in 896 A.D. Its name in Turkish means
"protector". Many of these dogs were trained to hunt big game such as bear and wild boar. The breed may have contributed to the development of several similar looking sheep guard dogs, such as the Polish Tatra Sheepdog, the Marema Sheepdog, the Great Pyrenees and the Anatolian Shepherd. Hungarian herdsmen took their cattle, along with their guard dogs, to sell in several foreign lands. Along the way, their dogs may have bred with local dogs. Some animals may have been left behind when their jobs were finished. By the end of the second World War, only about thirty Kuvasz remained in the world. The dedication of several breeders resulted in the resurrection of this noble breed. Today this beautiful dog serves primarily as a companion and home guardian, in addition to its historical flock-guarding role.
Dimension
Height: 26-30 inches (66-76cm.)
Weight: 70-115 pounds (32-52kg.)
Health
Prone to hip dysplasia and 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.
Care and grooming
Kuvasz has thick and medium coat which requires brushing weekly. The more you bathe this dog the more it will need to be bathed! Instead of bathing, the dog should be brushed frequently. Some people rub talcum powder or cornstarch into the coat and then brush it out again as a cleaning strategy. Check behind the ears for matting. In cold climates it will only shed seasonally, but in warmer climates, it will most likely shed all year around.
Life
About 10-12 years.
Litter size
7-8 puppies
| Kuvasz size | 4/5 |
| Kuvasz grooming requirement | 1/5 |
| Kuvasz energy level | 4/5 |
| Kuvasz exercise need | 4/5 |
| Kuvasz friendliness | 2/5 |
| Kuvasz as watch dog | 5/5 |
| Kuvasz protection | 1/5 |
| Kuvasz cold tolerance level | 3/5 |
| Kuvasz heat tolerance level | 3/5 |
