While the Kuvasz (or Kuvaszok) dog breed may not be well known in the United States, their reputation as a fantastic animal is well known throughout their homeland of Hungary. It doesn’t surprise us one bit why those in the “know” might be interested in learning a little more about these dogs so that if they ever get the opportunity to own one, they’ll know it’s a good idea.
After all…
Every “type” of dog out there will have its unique personality and traits that may make it perfect for one family and incompatible for another! The last thing that we want to have happen here at IndulgeYourPet is for the “right” dog to end up in the “wrong” house. So, without further ado, let’s learn more about the Hungarian Kuvasz so that you can decide if they will be right for you!
Hungarian Kuvasz Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Hungary
Original Purpose: Guardian, large game hunter
Height: 26 to 30 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Working group
Life Span: 8 to 10 years
Origin of the Kuvasz Dog Breed
Like most “ancient” dog breeds, there tend to be several competing theories about the true origin of their existence. Still, in the case of the Kuvasz, most experts seem to agree that they “probably” originated in Tibet thousands of years ago and were brought to Hungary by the Magyar Tribes who invaded Hungary over 1000 years ago. At least, that seems like the most probable origin of the Kuvasz dog breed. We know that by the 15th century, the Kuvasz dog breed was highly respected and valued in Hungary. King Mathias ruled Hungary in the 15th century and was primarily responsible for the development of the modern-day Kuvasz that we all know today.
During this time…
The noble elite first used these dogs as large game-hunting animals and defenders of large estates. Over time, these dogs eventually made their way into the hands of the “common folk,” where they began to take on roles including helping around the farm and managing livestock. Unfortunately, as the need for large game hunters and farm animals declined, Kuvasz’s popularity decreased. This, coupled with the start of the First and Second World Wars, which decimated many domesticated animals throughout the European continent during the first half of the 19th century, significantly reduced the number of Kuvasz worldwide, nearly causing the breed to go extinct entirely.
The good news is that enough of these animals survived, allowing the breed to regain strength and numbers, ultimately leading to their “official” recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1935.
Physical Characteristics
The Kuvasz is a large breed. He can reach up to 30 inches at the shoulder level and weighs up to 115 pounds. He has a very muscular physique and moves around with speed and elegance, which is only made more impressive by the fact that in addition to all of this strength, these guys are also blessed with fantastic stamina, to boot!
That said, it’s fair to say that…
The Kuvasz are most recognizable by their white fur. White fur consists of a medium-coarse texture that can be wavy or straight. And since they come from an environment that can get quite cold, these big guys are blessed with a thick double coat that protects them against the harsh winter cold of Hungary and makes them capable of working outdoors. A comprehensive double skin must be brushed at least 2 or 3 times weekly.
Temperament and Personality
The Kuvaszok puppies are fun and playful but get severe as they age. These dogs are always calm and gentle but aggressive when needed. The Kuvasz is a detached, independent dog who doesn’t mess around. You have to supervise him with children and take him on long walks as he is a very active dog and hates it when he doesn’t get enough exercise.
He is a dog that demands respect…
The Kuvasz is respectful, but only as long as he gets respected in return. He is gentle with his human family and kind and generous to the children. But he likes to be left alone. He is a warrior, after all, and not a toy dog. These guys will fight for you and protect your family if and when you’re under attack. He is brave, courageous, and loyal and will follow you anywhere.
Socialization and Training
The training and socialization of the Kuvasz puppy should begin as soon as possible. This early socialization ensures that Kuvasz is comfortable around strangers and is not unnecessarily aggressive towards them.
Potential Health Concerns
Like most purebred dogs, the Kuvasz dog breed can be susceptible to certain genetic medical conditions that you will want to be aware of before adopting a Kuvasz puppy or Kuvasz rescue dog. This is why we only recommend that folks adopt an animal from a responsible dog breed or a reputable rescue center so that they don’t end up adopting a sick animal or supporting an industry that is taking advantage of their animals. That said, when considering adopting a Kuvasz, you’ll want to ask about whether or not the dog you are considering has any family history of:
This way, you’ll know your dog’s “risk” level for developing any of these conditions later in life. And while many of these conditions may not be life-threatening, they can become quite expensive, particularly if they become recurring issues. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now, will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
