Origin of the breed
According to one of the largest experts on Central European breeds, Max von Stefanitz, the Kuvach or Kavvach appeared on the territory of Hungary with the hordes of the Huns from the southern Russian steppes. According to another version, the ancestors of the Kuvasz were brought to the Carpathians by the Magyars.
The breed gained popularity in the 15th century. thanks to Matt I. The Kuvasz faithfully guarded the royal person. Hungarian kuvas appeared at the exhibition for the first time in 1863 in Germany and only 23 years later in Hungary. Despite the impressive age of the breed, it was officially recognized by the FCI only in the 30s of the 20th century.
After World War II, the Kuvasz population numbered only about 30 breeding individuals. In Russia, the Hungarian Kuvasz was presented for the first time at an exhibition in Moscow in 2007. In our country, Kuvasz dogs are little known, but in European countries, the USA and in their homeland, these majestic dogs are extremely popular.
Origin story
Like the Commanders, another Hungarian breed, the Kuvasz most likely came to the territory of the Carpathian Basin in the distant times of the Great Migration. There is still debate about the origin of these dogs. Some believe that the ancestors of kuvasz come from Tibet, while others see in it similarities with the Turkish akbash. In the surviving references to Hungarian dogs, notes about Kuvasz and Commander are constantly intertwined, but the authors note that some dogs have short hair, while others have long hair. Apparently, these two breeds are closest relatives, which then split into two independent lines.
The breed was popularized by the passion for white short-haired dogs of the Hungarian King Matthias I. Kuvasz dogs were bred at court and used as guard and hunting dogs. The medium length of their coat allowed them to become more versatile than commanders.
The Hungarian Kuvasz was first shown as a separate breed in 1863. People became interested in dogs and needed guards and shepherds. The Second World War caused significant damage to the breed, after which the Kuvasz population numbered about 30 breeding individuals. The Hungarian Kuvasz was recognized by the International Canine Association in 1954.
In Russia, Hungarian kuvasz is known only to connoisseurs and specialists. The breed was first introduced to the general public in 2007.
Video about the Hungarian Kuvasz dog breed:
Description
Kuvasz is a very large breed, males reach 70 - 76 cm at the withers and weigh 45 - 52 kg. Bitches are smaller, 65-70 cm at the withers, weigh 32-41 kg. Although larger specimens are not uncommon, in general Kuvasz appear to be less clumsy than other large breeds and much more agile.
The Kuvasz's muzzle is closer to that of retrievers than to the guard dogs of the mastiff group. It is considered a decoration of the dog and is given special attention at the show. The muzzle is long, wide, with a black nose. It is located on a wedge-shaped head. Some dogs may have long facial skin, but wrinkles should not form. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown, the darker the better. The ears are v-shaped, with slightly rounded tips.
The coat is double, the undercoat is soft, the outer coat is hard. In some dogs it is straight, in others it may be wavy. The hair is shorter on the face, ears, paws and front of the paws. On the rest of the body it is of medium length, forms panties on the hind legs, is slightly longer on the tail, and has a noticeable mane on the chest and neck.
Actual coat length varies throughout the year as most dogs shed in the summer and grow their coat in the fall.
Kuvasz should only be one color - white. Coat markings or shades are not allowed. Some dogs may be ivory-colored, but this is not desirable. The color of the skin under the coat should be slightly gray or black.
This is a working breed and should look the part. The body is muscular and slender, the tail is long and usually carried low. If the dog is excited, it raises it to body level.
Appearance
The Hungarian Kuvasz is a strong, strong dog with thick, slightly wavy white coat. Her appearance radiates strength and nobility, her physique is proportional, her skeleton is strong without signs of coarseness. The type of constitution is dry, strong. The format is close to square. The external tirelessness of the kuvasz testifies to its endurance and efficiency.
The head is open, not lumpy. It is the shape of the head that distinguishes the Kuvasz from other related breeds; it is lean, dry, and in males it is coarser and denser. The top of the skull is wide with a pronounced longitudinal groove and nuchal crest. The stop is weakly expressed. The nose is long and wide. The nose is well defined and black in color. The bridge of the nose is straight, without a hump. The lips are dry, pigmented, and fit tightly to strong jaws. The dental formula is complete. The bite is correct, scissor-shaped. The eyes are medium in size, almond-shaped, dark brown in color, somewhat narrow and oblique. The eyelids fit tightly to the eyeball and are pigmented. The ears are set low, deflected at the base, shaped like the letter “V”, never unfolded or straightened.
The neck is short, muscular, set at an angle of 25-30 degrees relative to the horizon. The body is rectangular. The withers rise noticeably above the back. The back is wide, of medium length. The loin is strong and short. Croup with significant coat, which gives the impression of excessive development. The chest is wide and full. The chest bone protrudes slightly. The bottom line is somewhat tightened. The tail is set low, directed downwards, the tip may be curved upward. When excited, it rises to the level of the back. The front legs are straight, parallel, and moderately wide. The hind legs are parallel, located at an average distance. The placement of the limbs described in the standard is of great importance. Paws are oval.
The skin is well pigmented, gray, dry. The coat is wavy and of medium hardness, with a tendency to mat. The undercoat is softer than the guard. On the head, ears, on the front and inside of the limbs, as well as on the paws, the hair is short, straight, and thick. It forms a collar on the neck, and is twisted into curls on the hips, forearms and body. The length of the fur along the body reaches 12 cm.
The tail is well-furred along its entire length, the coat can reach 15 cm.
The color is exclusively white, whitish ivory is allowed.
The nose, eyelids, lips should be well pigmented, the pads black or dark gray, pink spots are allowed on the gums and palate.
Kuvasz breed colors
Want to know what kind of wool a Kuvasz has? It is truly beautiful - slightly wavy, soft due to the thick undercoat and moderately long (10-15 cm). This dog is sometimes confused with the commander, but seeing the two of them side by side, all doubts disappear, since the commander’s coat is somewhat reminiscent of dreadlocks, while our hero’s is much shorter and straighter. The wool will be beautiful, naturally, with proper and careful care. There are only two color variations and it is difficult for a non-professional to distinguish them by eye - these are pure white and milky or ivory. At the same time, the lips and fingertips are black.
Kuvasz mating
By 12 months, the Kuvasz has a fully formed body. Mating too early can lead to psychological stress. Basically, bitches of this breed are good mothers. On average, there are 6-8 puppies in a litter. Birth weight can range from 450 to 680 grams. In principle, the female is ready to meet a male and for her first heat, but you can’t breed so early!
The ideal days for mating are considered to be from 11 to 15 from the start of estrus. It is best to breed a female by the age of 2, just like males. Under no circumstances should males be bred before two years of age. Early sexual activity will not improve the health of either the dog or the offspring.
- Before mating, animals need to be given a good walk, but should not be fed. It is better to introduce dogs on neutral territory so that they can get to know each other and run around, and then lead them to the male dog’s territory.
- Matings should always be carried out only in the territory of the dog. Actually, an act of love can also happen during dating, so don’t interfere with the process.
So, you're in male territory. Most likely, no intervention will be required, and the bitch, having played enough with the male, will allow a persistent suitor to mount.
If one of the partners for mating is small in relation to the other, then you can place a pillow under the hind legs or, if the bitch is shorter, place her belly on a bent knee. This advice is more relevant for small breeds. Just don’t try to bend the bitch’s paws so that the dog can reach her.
After ejaculation, mating occurs. The male can be on the bitch or stand with his back to her. The animals will figure it out on their own. However, if the lady tries to break free or lie down, do not allow her, hold her back a little. Also try not to scare the dogs.
It happens that after mating, mating does not occur and the male immediately loses interest in the female.
Be sure to carry out a control mating after 24-48 hours.
Care
These oriental dogs are absolutely unpretentious in care and maintenance.
Ideally, a spacious enclosure is enough for them - an ideal habitat for these huge animals.
If the dog lives in an apartment, it is necessary to provide it with a long stay on the street.
As for the diet for these powerful dogs, it should be well-balanced and nutritious: Kuvasz spend a lot of energy when walking.
It is necessary that the menu includes high-quality meat, preferably with a bone, but the bone should not be sharp or tubular; Vegetables and foods high in calcium are also welcome.
Once a day, you can give Kuvasz dry food intended for large dogs.
It is better to wash Kuvasz cats when they get dirty, with a special shampoo for long hair, but you will have to comb these fluffies every day, as their amazing fur quickly becomes tangled.
Although some breeders stubbornly advise bathing Kuvasz cats once a month .
Unfortunately, Kuvasz sheds , so their thick fur can be scattered throughout the apartment.
Kuvasz dogs should not have their nails cut if they do not live in an apartment, and they should not have their tails docked, which some breeders still do.
Walk
If you have decided to get a dog, and your home is an apartment, you need to seriously think about whether the dog will be provided with the necessary level of activity.
After all, an ordinary apartment will hardly be a dog’s favorite place. In this case, the dog should be walked for at least two hours, active games such as agility are encouraged.
A dog's development stops at about 1-1.5 years
The best place for keeping would be a country house with a spacious enclosure and a yard, where the Kuvasz can frolic and, at the same time, protect its owners. The dog's enclosure should be spacious. It needs to be cleaned daily.
Diet of Hungarian Kuvasz
There are breeds of dogs that are somewhat reluctant to eat - they can be capricious and choose what to eat and what to refuse. So, the Hungarian Kuvasz definitely does not belong to such breeds. He is absolutely unpretentious in food, eats everything that is given to him and is content with a portion that is quite small for his size. Despite this, you need to carefully monitor what your pet eats so that it does not have health problems in the future. The basis of the kuvasz diet is protein - meat with a large amount of cartilage, which contains important substances for healthy joints. It is not recommended to give pork to your pet; it is difficult to digest. But beef and poultry are the best choices. The diet should also include carbohydrates in the form of cereals, greens, fruits and vegetables, fermented milk products, boiled boneless fish and beef bones to prevent tartar. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of choosing a natural diet for your dog, you can replace the food with balanced dog food. But remember, it must be of high quality so that the large dog’s body does not need anything. There must be clean, unrestricted water in the access area.
In Russia and the CIS countries, finding a purebred Kuvasz can be quite difficult, since the breed is not widespread and the puppy will have to be brought from other countries. The cost of a good Hungarian Kuvasz puppy reaches 100 thousand rubles or more. With a competent approach, proper upbringing and adequate maintenance, a dog can become not just a faithful comrade-in-arms, a vigilant watchman and companion, but also a true devoted friend.
Kuvasz food
Unpretentious in care, the white giants of the canine world are also undemanding when it comes to nutrition. It is enough to follow the general rules of feeding dogs, correlating the amount of food offered to the Kuvasz with the activity and conditions of the dog.
More and more owners of large dogs are coming to the conclusion that feeding ready-made food is much more convenient than the constant hassle of preparing fresh food, as well as purchasing ingredients. Premium class food balances all the necessary substances for large breeds, so the owner does not have to worry that the pet will suffer from a lack of anything. Among the popular foods for adult dogs we can recommend:
- "Brit."
- "4 paws"
- "ACANA".
Suitable food for puppies:
- "ACANA PAPPY LARGE BREED."
- "Josera Junior"
- Canned food "Eukanuba".
If the food is natural, then it should be taken into account that Kuvasz babies need the same products as any large and medium-sized puppy:
- dairy products;
- porridge with water and milk;
- minced meat and soft cartilage;
- boiled vegetables, as well as raw ones for teeth;
- boiled egg yolk;
- boiled fish without bones.
You can practically eliminate fermented milk products from the diet of an adult dog, giving them only once a week, as well as fish. But an adult will need a lot of lean meat (beef, chicken), and offal (kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, tripe). Kuvasz will not refuse a sugar pit, but it is important that there is no pork in the diet - it is not tolerated by the dogs’ body.
If a dog suddenly stops responding adequately to commands, becomes aggressive, depressed, then the reason is not always a deteriorated character. Perhaps she is lacking the necessary nutrients and there is reason to reconsider her diet.
Kuvasz training
The breed is highly trainable. Starting from 2-3 months, babies need short daily activities. The puppies are taught the simplest commands and techniques:
- getting used to the collar and leash;
- respond to name;
- commands “Sit”, “Lie down”, “Stand”, “Nearby”, “Place”, “Walk”, “Fu”, etc.
It can take quite a lot of time to study if you study irregularly from time to time. So regularity is the key to success. Lessons should be held in the form of a game with mandatory encouragement in the form of treats.
Feeding
Proper feeding is the key to good health for your pet. When preparing your kuvasz’s diet yourself, you need to carefully monitor the amount of energy-intensive nutrients.
They must be given in a certain proportion, which differs depending on the age of the dog.
Otherwise, if the diet is not balanced (this is especially important for puppies), pathologies of internal organs may develop and digestive system disorders may appear.
If this occurs in puppyhood, treatment as an adult is not possible.
Prepared feeds can also be used as food. They contain balanced nutrients and vitamins, so no supplements are needed.
Health and characteristic diseases
The Hungarian Kuvasz is a dog breed that has remained without significant human intervention. Thanks to this, many diseases characteristic of modified breeds are not familiar to these dogs. Kuvasz are the owners of excellent health without a tendency to inflammatory processes.
As dogs age, they may develop:
- hip dysplasia;
- eye pathologies (cataracts and glaucoma);
- degenerative changes in cartilage tissue.
Hormonal disorders are very rare. Daily examination by the owner of the ears, eyes, teeth and paws of his four-legged friend will help identify diseases in the early stages and avoid possible problems in the future. The average life expectancy of the Hungarian Kuvasz is from 10 to 16 years.
Features of character and behavior
Chow-chow (dog breed): description, character, how long they live
Kuvasz is a fearless dog that is ready to protect its owner or territory under any circumstances. If an animal is abused, it can turn from a proud, brave, loyal dog into a vicious one. Such situations are rare, but they do happen.
Note! The dog is noted for its great devotion to its owner and the people around him. Her behavior is always friendly, calm without aggression.
In characterizing this breed, dog handlers note that the dog’s temperament is rather moderate. He is sociable, but will never impose himself on a person. Treats strangers warily, without showing anger.
Choosing a puppy
If you really need a working dog, then it is better to take a puppy directly from Hungary. A dog with good qualities can be found in large cities of the CIS, but it will be very expensive. Kuvasz is a non-commercial breed, few dogs are bred, litters are rare, so puppies often have to wait and be booked in advance. In Hungary, sometimes there are advertisements for the sale of Kuvasz puppies without documents, but given the seriousness of the breed and the need to get a dog with a balanced psyche, such offers should not be considered.
As for gender differences, males can be more stubborn and independent, some try to dominate and require a strong hand, females are more flexible and family-oriented. Both do their jobs equally well. When choosing a puppy from a litter, pay attention to its compliance with the standard, habits and temperament. The baby should not show aggression or cowardice towards a person. It’s good if puppies have the opportunity to move freely in a spacious area. By 2.5-3 months, when they can be picked up, they must receive vaccinations according to age, a brand and a metric (puppy document of origin); in Europe, microchipping is also required.
Education and training
Kuvasz does not need to be trained to protect; the instinct to protect is inherent in him at the genetic level and manifests itself already in puppyhood. However, it is necessary to introduce the little Kuvasz to the place and family from the very beginning. It is worth devoting a lot of time to the issue of dog socialization. Kuvasz cats who live on farms independently get to know other animals and people, birds, sounds and smells. Dogs that are kept in a limited area are deprived of this opportunity; their acquaintance with the outside world depends entirely on the owner. Versatile socialization allows you to raise a balanced, self-confident dog that clearly defines the boundaries of what is permitted, understands its responsibilities and fearlessly fulfills them. Kuvasz is a breed with average learning abilities and can be trained well with regular, short-term training.
Stories about the aggressiveness of Kuvasz dogs, as well as about their inadequacy, can well be called unfair to these noble dogs. Naturally, individuals that have not been brought up properly may behave inappropriately, but this is the merit of only the owner.
Like most other guard breeds, the Kuvasz does not have a pronounced fetch instinct and prefers to avoid monotonous work and public speaking. For him, the best way to expend energy is to do his job. For this reason, it is not recommended to teach kuvasz circus, useless tricks. At the same time, a puppy who has received attention in matters of upbringing and training grows into an obedient, controlled dog that unconditionally fulfills the owner’s requests.
Price
The price of a Hungarian Kuvasz puppy varies over a fairly wide range. In Russia and the CIS countries, kuvasz is a rarity, which allows breeders to maintain the cost at a high level: 35,000-50,000 rubles. In Hungary and neighboring countries, where the breed is more common, a puppy from working parents can be bought for 20,000-25,000 thousand rubles. Promising Kuvasz babies for exhibitions and breeding will cost 2-3 times more. It is not uncommon to find advertisements for the sale of puppies without a pedigree, at a symbolic price.
Pros and cons of the breed
The dog has the following advantages:
- devotion to the owner. The dog is ready to protect its owner;
- despite his stubborn character, he is trainable and has a developed intellect;
- has a positive attitude towards children;
- gets along easily with the animals he grew up with.
The Kuvasz has few disadvantages, one of them is its dislike for strange cats and dogs.
Hungarian kuvasz is not very common in Russia, but has won the hearts of many thanks to its character and snow-white appearance. By devoting enough time to the dog, the dog will become the most devoted creature and protector.
Nicknames and names
When purchasing a Kuvasz puppy from a kennel, please note that the documents include his name with the factory prefix. This is the official name of the dog assigned to the Kuvasz according to the breeding activities of the kennel and the international canine community. The owner can freely assign a pet name to the dog. But it will not appear in any document. The name for the Hungarian kuvasz is selected depending on personal preferences. You just have to remember that the sound of the dog will sound every day and several times a day. Therefore, the name should appeal not only to family members, but also, first of all, to the dog.
Description of the nature of the breed
The Hungarian Kuvasz is a reserved, calm and balanced dog. He is very vigilant and treats strangers with detachment and distrust. The breed is very active and requires a lot of physical activity. Able to make independent decisions, which is valuable for a security service, but is a negative trait when a dog lives in a family.
The pet is devoted to its owner and treats other family members calmly and reservedly , just like other pets. He doesn’t have much love for children, although he guards and protects them, like everyone he considers “his own.” He hardly participates in children's games, and avoids small children. The dog clearly divides people and animals into friends and foes; this division applies to livestock, poultry and territory.
Reviews from dog owners
Andrey. I was looking for a puppy for a long time, bought it in Orenburg, in a nursery. I needed a dog to guard a vineyard that was constantly being raided by local thieves. I bought a male dog, he grew up right on the farm, every day I walked around the territory with Dean. The very next year they were afraid to come closer than a hundred meters to my vineyard! One sight of a silent, white guard of an unknown breed sent those wishing to get hold of other people's goods for free into flight.
Michael. I read about Hungarian kuvasz on the Internet and wanted to buy such a miracle. They wrote that the dog is silent, loves children and completely obeys his owner. It turned out that Nemo is aggressive towards strangers, stubborn and willful, avoids children, and can drop a child while running past. Of course, he doesn’t bark, he guards the yard well, but he’s not particularly sociable. My wife complains that the yard is constantly littered with wool. Apparently, this breed needs will, not a country house.
