Kuvasz Background & History

The Kuvasz is one of the most ancient Hungarian breeds that is still around today. Ever since the 15th century, Kuvaszs have been used as guard dogs, whether it be for local farmers or affluent nobility.

In fact, King Matthias felt very protected while having his trusted Kuvasz at his side, and eventually acquired several others to watch over his estate. This king played a major role in the population of the Kuvasz breed, which eventually led to their reputation as being a companion only for the rich and royalty.

After the Hungarian Revolution, this breed struggled to stay in existence. They would have been completely wiped out if it wasn’t for several breeders who wanted to preserve these useful guard dogs. Within the following years, the Kuvasz breed made its way to the United States and became a registered breed by the AKC in the late 1900’s.

Kuvasz Personality Traits

Courageous, determined, and independent are the main characteristics of the Kuvasz breed. They have a strong instinct to protect and will do whatever they can to keep their family out of harm’s way. Along with their defensive qualities, they also tend to be hesitant towards strangers.  

Their bold personalities may be hard to control when it comes time to training. They are very intelligent, but without firm guidance, they will do as they please. While the Kuvasz breed may not be for everyone, they can be a fantastic family dog with a well-suited owner.

Kuvasz Training

Although intelligent, the Kuvasz can be a difficult breed to train and require a strict training process. They are fiercely independent, turning them stubborn if they are forced to do something that they do not want to do.

If you are trying to train a Kuvasz, then the best advice is to start your pup young. Socialize this breed as early on as possible so they become familiar with different people, places, experiences, and sounds. With a little extra patience and consistency, you can have a well-trained Kuvasz in no time at all.

Kuvasz Exercise Needs

Kuvaszs are massive dogs and need a lot of physical activity on a daily basis to keep them happy and healthy. When it comes to their environment, they do not do well in apartments – they should have plenty of space to run and play in a fenced in yard.

Keep in mind that they will also need a long walk or run for at least on hour every day. If they do not get their necessary exercise, they will turn destructive and develop bad behaviors around the home.

Kuvasz Lifespan

The average lifespan for the Kuvasz is between 10 and 12 years old.

Kuvasz Breed Popularity

Although well known in their home country, the Kuvasz is still fairly unpopular in the United States today. As of right now, the AKC has ranked the Kuvasz as the 165th most popular dog in the U.S. out of 202 registered breeds.

Kuvasz Feeding

Kuvasz dogs should be fed between 3 to 4 cups of high-quality food a day, split into two equal meals. Keep in mind that their weight, age, activity level, and metabolism should all be taken into account when creating a proper feeding regimen. Consult your veterinarian for further assistance and recommendations.

Kuvasz Grooming

The dense, white coat of the Kuvasz should be brushed weekly to prevent matting and to keep it at its best. During heavy shedding periods, they should be brushed every couple of days to mitigate the issue.

For the most part, Kuvaszs are fairly clean and odorless and do not require frequent bathing unless they have gotten into something messy. Along with their regular coat grooming, their teeth should be brushed weekly to rid any bacteria or tartar buildup that may be lurking.

Are Kuvaszs Good with kids?

The Kuvasz’s gentle and calming demeanor make them a great companion for children. However, if the dog is still a puppy, they may be too rambunctious and overbearing for a small toddler. It is also crucial to supervise any interactions between a Kuvasz and a child, especially if other friends are present.

Kuvasz Health Problems

The Kuvasz is generally healthy, however, they are still prone to several health complications. These may include:

Hip Dysplasia: Just like with most large dog breeds, canine hip dysplasia is a common health condition that can affect your Kuvasz. This degenerative issue occurs when the hip socket and thighbone do not fit together how they should. This causes the surrounding joints to rub and grind against each other, causing pain, lameness and even arthritis.

Bloat: Bloat in dogs occurs when the stomach fills with air or gas, then twists out of place. Once the stomach is twisted and extended, it will put extra pressure on nearby organs, and also restrict the body from belching or vomiting to rid the excess air. This cuts off the blood flow to the heart, which will then result in shock or death.

Von Willebrand’s Disease: Von Willebrand’s Disease in dogs occurs when the blood is not able to clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: Kuvasz Club of America 

Rescue: Kuvasz Rescue