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Kuvasz |
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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. |
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General Information |
Group(s):
Working, Guardian, Herding |
Height: 26-29.5 inches |
Weight: 66-93 pounds |
Longevity: 10-12 |
Colors: white with gray pigmented skin and black pigment (around eyes, nose, lips) |
Coat type: thick, harsh outer coat and thick undercoat, some wave |
Recognized Registries: FCI, AKC, NCA, CKC (Canadian Kennel Club), UKC and others |
Overall Appearance: |
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Personaility - Behavior - Training |
Energy Level: moderate |
General Nature: |
aloof to strangers, noble in demeanor, unwavering loyal, suspicious of those it doesn't know well, intelligent |
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with Children: Very protective of |
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with other pets: Protective of those it considers its charge, highly suspicious of all others |
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with dogs: Variable |
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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. |
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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. |
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Adoption Information |
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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) |
Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
http://www.kuvasz.info/kuvaszquestionsforbreeders.htm - Article "Questions to Ask Breeders" from a very informative private Kuvasz site
How long have you had Kuvaszok?
Why do you have Kuvasz (show, performance, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of an Kuvasz?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you sent your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Kuvasz?
How would you describe the ideal Kuvasz home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training a Kuvasz?
How do you assist or help Kuvaszok in need of rescue? |
Web Sites: http://www.kuvasz.com/rescue/rescue.htm - Kuvasz Club of America Rescue Information |
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Other Resources |
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