Dog Breed Guide

Kuvasz

Profile

Size

Large

Country of origin

Hungary

Origin

Ancient

Bred for

Livestock guardian, Watchdog

Height

male 71 - 76cm (28 - 30in), female 66 - 70cm (26 - 28in)

Weight

male 48 - 62kg (106 - 137lb), female 37 - 50kg (82 - 110lb)

Life span

10 - 12 years

A large dog with a pure white, slightly wavy double coat that contrasts beautifully with its black nose and eye rims. The white coat is said to have helped shepherds tell their dogs apart from wolves in the dark.

The Kuvasz is a natural guardian, deeply loving and loyal to its family but very wary of strangers and unfamiliar animals. It is independent, sizes up situations and acts on its own, and does not simply follow orders, so patient training from an experienced owner and thorough socialization from puppyhood are essential.

It needs lots of exercise and settles down best with a large yard or long daily walks. The white coat tends to shed dirt easily, but it sheds a lot of hair and needs frequent brushing.

Good to know

King Matthias I of Hungary, who reigned in the 15th century, is known for his love of the Kuvasz. Fearing assassination, the king is said to have trusted his Kuvaszok more than his human guards and kept them by his side at all times.

There are several theories about the name. A well-known one says it comes from a Turkish word meaning "armed guard of the nobility."

In World War II, the breed's instinct to defend its master and home to the end cost it dearly, as many dogs were killed by invading soldiers. When the war ended, fewer than 30 Kuvaszok are thought to have remained in Hungary, and by one account only about 12. Enthusiasts rebuilt the breed from those few dogs.