Kuvasz dog breed

Kuvasz dog breed

The Kuvasz (pronounced KOO-vahss; plural Kuvaszok, pronounced KOO-vah-sock) is a dog breed of ancient Hungarian origin. Mention of the breed can be found in old Hungarian texts. It has historically been used to guard livestock, but has been increasingly found in homes as a pet over the last seventy years.

The word, contrary to some theories, is probably not of Sumerian origin. It most likely comes from the Turkic word kavas meaning guard or soldier. A related theory posits that the word may have originated freom the ancient farmers of Russia, the Chuvash, who nurtured the breed for generations and contributed many words to the Hungarian language. The Sumerian-origin theory hypothesizes that the name comes from the Sumerian phrase Ku Assa, meaning dog of the horse, and that the Hungarian word kutya, meaning dog, is also derived from ancient Sumerian.

Appearance
Kuvaszok are large dogs with dense coats which are usually white in color and can range from wavy to straight in texture. Although the fur is white, the Kuvasz’s skin pigmentation should be dark and the nose should be black while the eyes should have an almond shape. They are larger than the average Labrador Retriever. Females usually weigh between 75-90 pounds (35-40 kg) while males weigh between 100-115 pounds (45-52 kg) with a medium bone structure. Their facial features are very similar to those of a Golden Retriever. The head should be half as wide as it is long with the eyes set slightly below the plane of the muzzle. The stop (where the muzzle raises to the crown of the head) should be defined but not abrupt. (See the Breed Standards for a more precise description.)

The Kuvasz’s appearance is as functional as it is beautiful. As a livestock guardian, the white color is an essential breed criterium as it has historically helped shepards to distinguish his dogs from wolves when he had to defend his sheep/cattle during night attacks of wolves. This standard varies according to the country. Further, there is some debate in the United States concerning the appropriateness of "cream" colored coats and whether the coat should be straight or wavy in texture.

Temperament
The Kuvasz can be a fiercely loyal and patient pet who appreciates attention but may also be somewhat aloof or independent, particularly with strangers. Kuvaszok are known to be fierce protectors of their families, which is in keeping with their origins as a guardian of livestock. Given their intelligence, awareness of their surroundings, as well as their size and strength, they can be quite impressive in this role.

They are also said to be incredibly intelligent, and to possess a clownish sense of humor which lasts throughout their adolescence and occasionally into adulthood.  Given their protective nature and their natural strength, training and socialization is a necessity. Despite their intelligence, they should not be perceived as easily trained. Their independent streak can make training a difficult task which can wear on the patience of even experienced owners. As a result, they are not recommended for novices or those who do not have time to train and socialize them properly.

The Kuvasz has also been described as a notorious barker, while others describe their own Kuvaszok as quiet. Ultimately, the question of barking seems to depend on the individual dog but it remains a good rule of thumb for a potential owner to refrain from buying a Kuvasz if barking will be a problem at the home.

Grooming
The Kuvasz's stiff, dense coat, growing up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length, does not require any special grooming. It needs to be brushed once a week or, better still, every two or three days. For standard grooming purposes, use of a grooming rake or a pin-brush with rounded pins is recommended. To remove stubborn knots, use a curry comb or a large-toothed comb. During the spring and autumn the Kuvasz moults (also known as shedding), and he will lose copious amounts of hair very quickly. Frequent brushing is therefore needed to keep his coat tidy. A Kuvasz should not smell or have an odor; such is usually a sign of illness or a poor diet.

Health
Although generally a healthy and robust breed which can be expected to live approximately 12-14 years, the Kuvaszok are prone to developmental bone problems.  Accordingly, owners should take care to provide proper nutrition to their Kuvasz puppy and avoid subjecting the puppy to rough play. As with many large breeds, hip dysplasia (a painful and potentially debilitating condition) is not uncommon. Good genetics and proper nutrition as a puppy are key to avoiding these complications.

As for nutrition, a puppy should not be fed a diet high in calories or protein. The Kuvasz has a very efficient metabolism and is predisposed to rapid growth -- vitamin supplements are not necessary and, in fact, should be avoided.  Cooked bones should never be given to a Kuvasz or any other dog. The cooking process renders the bone brittle and prone to splintering, which can injure the dog's mouth or (even worse) digestive tract.

History
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. With them came the Kuvasz, which primarily served as a livestock guardian. Later, during the 15th Century, the Kuvasz became a highly prized animal and could be found in the royal court of King Matthias. Kuvaszok puppies were given to visiting dignitaries as a royal gift, and the King was said to have trusted his dogs more than his own councilors. After the king's death, the popularity of the breed waned but it was still frequently found in its traditional role of protecting livestock.

In World War II, the dog was almost driven to extinction in Hungary as they were killed for guarding their families from Nazi (and then Soviet) soldiers. It has been suggested that they were hunted at the time, yet some officers were known to take Kuvaszok home with them.  Others perished after the war from food shortages and starvation. After the War, it was revealed that there were less than thirty of the dogs left in Hungary. Since then, due to many dedicated breeders, Kuvaszok have repopulated Hungary. However, as a result of this near extinction, the genetic pool available to breeders was severely restricted and many were forced to use other breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, to continue their programs. This problem is particularly acute in countries outside of Europe where Kuvaszok populations are limited.

References
Hódosi, József, ed. A Kuvasz. Hungaria Kuvasz Klub, 1996. English Translation by International Kuvasz Book Project.

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Kuvasz dog breed