One of the oldest dog breeds of Hungarian descent, the Slovakian Kuvasz has roots as far back as the 15th century. They were originally bred to be a guard dog for nobility. As such, the watch dog mentality of this breed has followed it throughout the centuries to this day.
The Kuvasz is a large, medium-boned dog breed that has a double coat with a dense undercoat and a wavy outer coat. They shed a lot and need weekly brushing. This large breed has a thick, white coat with tapered muzzle and black nose. With a tail carried low, this muscular dog typically grows 28 to 30 inches tall for males, weighing between 100 and 115 pounds. Females grow 26 to 28 inches, weighing between 70 and 90 pounds.
Personality
The Kuvasz is a large, protective dog that is sweet and loyal towards its family. It has moderate exercise needs, which can be met in the form of long walks or short runs. It likes being outdoors and vigorous play. It can get domineering. It’s friendly towards children but perhaps not playful enough. It’s also likely to protect the children in its adopted family from other children. It can get aggressive towards other dogs and strangers. One of the oldest dog breeds of Hungarian descent, the Slovakian Kuvasz was a favorite guard dog for the noble classes. This breed quietly sits by when in the presence of new people or animals, checking them out before reacting. Are they a threat or will they cause no harm? Because they’re very protective of their property and family, they will fend off any unwanted intruders who threaten the peace or safety of the household. They tolerate pain and discomfort well, making them perfect pets for kids who want to jump on them and play. This dog is a large one, with an imposing presence. They like to be the dominant one in any relationship; therefore, owners must make it known early on who the leader is. Consistency is required to raise an obedient Kuvasz, with firm yet kind training through positive reinforcement. These dogs crave socialization so owners should take care to get them playing with other dogs on a regular basis.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Sheep herding |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Cold |
| Group: | Working |
| Life Span: | 8-10 Years |
| Nicknames: | Slovakian Kovasz, Hungarian Kuvasz, Ku Assa |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Kuvasz Build Information
The Kuvasz is a large, medium-boned dog breed that has a double coat with a dense undercoat and a wavy outer coat. They shed a lot and need weekly brushing. This large breed has a thick, white coat with tapered muzzle and black nose. With a tail carried low, this muscular dog typically grows 28 to 30 inches tall for males, weighing between 100 and 115 pounds. Females grow 26 to 28 inches, weighing between 70 and 90 pounds.
| Size: | Giant |
| Length (Male): | 27-33 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Kuvasz is a large, protective dog that is sweet and loyal towards its family. It has moderate exercise needs, which can be met in the form of long walks or short runs. It likes being outdoors and vigorous play. It can get domineering. It’s friendly towards children but perhaps not playful enough. It’s also likely to protect the children in its adopted family from other children. It can get aggressive towards other dogs and strangers. One of the oldest dog breeds of Hungarian descent, the Slovakian Kuvasz was a favorite guard dog for the noble classes. This breed quietly sits by when in the presence of new people or animals, checking them out before reacting. Are they a threat or will they cause no harm? Because they’re very protective of their property and family, they will fend off any unwanted intruders who threaten the peace or safety of the household. They tolerate pain and discomfort well, making them perfect pets for kids who want to jump on them and play. This dog is a large one, with an imposing presence. They like to be the dominant one in any relationship; therefore, owners must make it known early on who the leader is. Consistency is required to raise an obedient Kuvasz, with firm yet kind training through positive reinforcement. These dogs crave socialization so owners should take care to get them playing with other dogs on a regular basis.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
The Kuvasz requires a high level of grooming to keep its shedding from getting out of control. Owners should brush out their dog’s coat several times each week, using anything from a grooming rake to slicker brush to pin brush so matting does not occur. The use of a conditioning spray is encouraged as well. Brush every day during peak shedding season in spring and fall. Bathing only needs to occur a few times a year, as over-doing it on the shampoo can strip the coat of necessary oils. Nails should be trimmed each month.
| Colors: | White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Kuvasz Common Health Conditions
Common health concerns for this breed include congenital deafness, cataracts, ligament injuries, hip dysplasia, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, hypothyroidism and retinal disease.
Kuvasz Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The year 1931 is the year the very first Kuvasz was entered in the American Kennel Club Stud Book. The Slovakian Kovasz is also known as the Hungarian Kuvasz and Ku Assa. The life expectancy of a Kuvasz is between 10 and 12 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
