Kuvasz - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large

Height: 66 - 75 cm (26 - 29 inches)

Weight: 30 - 52 kg (66 - 115 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Demanding

Temperament: Trainable & wary of strangers

Country of Origin: Hungary

AKC Group: Working

Other Names: Hungarian Kuvasz

Temperament:

The Kuvasz is spirited, intelligent, determined, patient, devoted, courageous and curious. The Kuvasz is always ready to guard and protect it's family even to the point of self-sacrifice. They can be distrustful of strangers and have strong protective instincts towards children. Kuvasz can get along with other dogs and household pets, but should be socialized during puupyhood to avoid any difficulties once they are fully grown. These large dogs make loyal and protective guard dogs for any family.

Grooming:

The Kuvasz needs a regular brush (several times weekly) to keep the coat looking healthy. The coat sheds in warm weather and extra grooming is needed during this time to remove the dead hairs.

Exercise:

These large dogs need a considerable amount of space and exercise. The Kuvasz enjoys long walks and needs a large (fenced off) backyard in which to can roam freely.

History:

It is believed that these large, white dogs arrived in Hungary in the 1100s with the Kumans (nomadic Turkish shepherds). The Kuvasz is a guard dog and was originally used to protect livestock such as horses, sheep and cattle. This breed was first mentioned in the 1600s and the name comes from the Turkish words ""kavas"" or ""kawasz"", which means armed guard.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Well-proportioned, solid and strong.

Color: White.

Coat: Short, straight or wavy, weather resistant and double-coated. The coat forms an abundant mane around the neck and chest.

Tail: Carried low and hanging down when at rest with the end slightly lifted. When active the tail may be elevated to the level of the loin with the tip slightly curved up. Ideally there should not be much difference in the carriage of the tail when the dog is active or at rest.

Ears: Rather small, V-shaped, set high and pendent.

Body: The back is straight, broad and of medium length with a deep chest. The ribs are well-sprung and almost reach to the elbows. When viewed side-on the forechest protrudes slightly in front of the shoulders and the croup is muscular and slightly sloping. The stomach is tucked up and the brisket is deep and well developed.

Additional Comments:

* Although the Kuvasz has a white coat, the skin is generally dark. The darker the pigmentation in the skin, the better.

* The Kuvasz is usually gentle and patient with it's own family's children, but may not be trustworthy with others. To prevent accidental injury, this dog should not be left unsupervised with small children and their friends.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/kuvasz/