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Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a dog breed of ancient Hungarian origin that was used to guard livestock, but has been increasingly found in homes as a pet over the last seventy years.
The Kuvasz is a large dog with a dense coat which is usually white in color and can range from wavy to straight in texture. Although the fur is white, the Kuvasz's skin pigmentation should be dark and the nose should be black. The eyes should have an almond shape. Females usually weigh between 35-50 kg (75-90 pounds) while males weigh between 50-70 kg (100-115 pounds) with a medium bone structure. The head should be half as wide as it is long with the eyes set slightly below the plane of the muzzle. The stop (where the muzzle raises to the crown of the head) should be defined but not abrupt. The precise standard varies by country. (See the Breed Standards for a more precise description.) To a casual observer, the Kuvasz may appear similar to a Slovak Cuvac, Great Pyrenees, Akbash, a Maremma Sheepdog, Samoyed or a white Poodle and Labrador Retriever mix.
The Kuvasz is a very intelligent dog and is often described as having a clownish sense of humor which can last throughout their adolescence and occasionally into adulthood. They are intensely loyal yet patient pets who appreciate attention but may also be somewhat aloof or independent, particularly with strangers. In keeping with their origins as a livestock guardian, Kuvasz are known to be fierce protectors of their families. This breed was bred for centuries to think on its own initiative without instruction. Given their intelligence, constant awareness of their surroundings, as well as their size and strength, they can be quite impressive in the role of guardian.
Kuvasz are not recommended for novices and those who do not have time to train and socialize them properly. An adolescent Kuvasz should be able to learn basic obedience commands and consistently respond to them; however the instinctive need to investigate strangers and protect its owner may cause the Kuvasz to act independently when off leash and ignore the calls of a frustrated handler.
The combination of intelligence, independence and protectiveness make obedience training and socialization necessities. They require an experienced dog handler/trainer since their independent personalities can make training a difficult task which can wear on the patience of even experienced owners.
A potential owner should refrain from purchasing a Kuvasz if barking will be a problem at the home. While not all Kuvasz are prone to barking, many of them fulfill their guardian role by vocally warning off potential threats, both real and imagined. On the other hand, many of these qualities make the Kuvasz excellent guardians for sheep or large estates. The Kuvasz needs special, very close connection to his owner.
Some of the content on this page was originally published on Wikipedia
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