This is a large, powerful, noble-looking breed. Adult males are 71-75cm in height and weigh 40-52kg and adult females are 66-70cm tall and weigh 30-42kg. The thick double coat is pure white and the skin has patches of grey.
Bred as a guarding breed for centuries, the Kuvasz is naturally protective of his home and loved ones and is suspicious of strangers. He is gentle and loyal to his family but needs a home where the owners are experienced with guarding breeds and where his specialist needs can be met.
The Hungarian Kuvasz dog breed is an ancient breed. Indeed, archaeologists have found the skeleton of a similar type of dog in Hungary dating back to the 9th century. Used by the nomadic Magyar to protect their flocks, the Kuvasz worked in sometimes harsh conditions, in the mountain regions of the country. In the 15th century, the breed became fashionable among the nobility, due to its popularity with King Matthias Corvinus, who gave Kuvasz pups as royal gifts, but the breed's chief role, throughout its history, has been as a hardworking flock guard.
The Kuvasz dog breed is generally a healthy and robust breed, but as with many breeds, they can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.
The Kuvasz enjoys nothing better than patrolling his property's boundaries and being alert to any 'threats'. He needs a very large, well-fenced garden, and will also need to be taken out for an hour's daily exercise, too.
Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Kuvasz is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.
The Kuvasz dog's coat consists of a woolly undercoat and a coarse top coat. There is a 'mane' of longer, thicker hair around the neck, and longer hair on the backs of the legs and on the tail (up to 15cm in length). The coat should be brushed a couple of times a week, but daily brushing is recommended when the coat sheds, to control the vast quantity of lost hair.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
