The Kuvasz breed profile is sponsored by www.PetWearUSA.com visit PetWear to custom design your Kuvasz' next designer dog collar, leash or more and then let PetWear hand make it and then ship for free!
Hungary developed two extraordinary dogs in an effort to protect their livestock. As these cultures were very separate, the two breeds are and have been totally separate for centuries, yet both claim exceptional ability, power and presence. The Kuvasz boasts a noble presence and lush but easy grooming coat. That might be the only thing easy about the Kuvasz as they are serious about their work and in a home that doesn't understand how to nurture and guide this powerful personality, mayhem may reign while the dog seeks to protect the family from every perceived danger. This is NOT the dog for a family looking for the easy going loving companion. This dog demands respect and knowledgable handling as well as a significant commitment of time to raise them into a solid companion.
aloof to strangers, noble in demeanor, unwavering loyal, suspicious of those it doesn't know well, intelligent
with Children: Very protective of
with other pets: Protective of those it considers its charge, highly suspicious of all others
with dogs: Variable
Socialization requirements: High
Ideal home characteristics: One that recognizes the complex personality and tendency to protect and ask questions later
Temperament Notes: Independent, noble, devoted, loyal without question to family and aloof to most others
Training requirement: Moderate to High: HEAVY socialization and basic manners along with ongoing and consistent reinforcement of previous lessons.
Trainer notes: The Kuvasz with its remarkable devotion to family is a great training partner as their goal in life is the attention and praise of their people. At the same time, their priority of protecting that same family can become a distraction if the dog is not socialized and comfortable in a wide variety of environments. As such, heavy socialization must be the focus during that critical maturation period (first 2 years or so). Once the socialization, confidence and trust are established, training the intelligent, powerful and devoted Kuvasz is not difficult be definitely a project to be approached with a goal of increasing the dog's trust rather than testing it. Keep training methods pleasant and fun.
Background Information
Year range of first recognition: Ancient
Country of Origin: Hungary
Original Function: Livestock Guardian
History: Originating in the Ural Mountains and Mesopotamia, the nomadic nature of livestock management eventually brought them to Hungary where natural selection due to the harsh life helped to develop a tough and specialized Livestock Guardian.
Adoption Information
Deviations from Standard:
Health Notes: Hip Dysplasia, OCD, CHD, eye problems, deafness, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, HOD, heart problems, kidney problems
Health Testing: OFA, thyroid panel, CERF, heart evaluation (on parents and pup)
DigitalDog received a poignant and interesting story from a young Kuvasz owner. As they purchased their puppy from a less than reputable breeder (a farmer) they have had many issues (including their own ignorance regarding the nature of their dog) but the story is reprinted here in our forum:
