Alternative Names: kuvaszok, Hungarian Kuvasz
Country of Origin: Hungary
History: The kuvasz is an ancient breed that is believed to have arrived in Hungary from Tibet during the 13th century. The breed was developed as a hunter, flock guardian, and companion and became popular with nobility. King Matthias I is said to have kept kuvaszok as bodyguards. The breeds name means “armed guard of nobility” in Turkish and “archer” in Arabic. It continues to be used as a working dog in Hungary and elsewhere.
Physical Description: This is a large, muscular, rectangular dog. The long head has a sloping forehead and slanted dark brown eyes. The nose is large and black and the V shaped drop ears are small. The neck, shoulders, and hindquarters are muscular and the chest is deep. The long tail is set low. There is a double undercoat and long, coarse outer coat. It may be wavy or straight but is shorter on the ears, muzzle, lower legs, and feet. There is a ruff at the neck and feathers on the back of the legs and tail. The coat is white.
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Temperament: The kuvasz is a spirited, sensitive breed, gentle and devoted to family and wary but polite with strangers. It is intelligent and curious and can be independent. Usually good with children, it is protective and can misinterpret benign interactions such as rough play between friends.
Activity Level: High
Best Owner: The kuvasz does best with an active, dog-experienced family in a rural or suburban home.
Special Needs: Exercise, fenced yard, grooming, leashed, positive training, socialization, supervision with children
Possible Health Concerns: deafness, eye disorders, hip dysplasia, and other orthopedic problems, thyroid problems, von Willebrands disease
