Kuvasz

also known as Hungarian Kuvasz

Pros History


The Kuvasz is a large, muscular dog breed that originated in Hungary. They were originally bred to guard sheep and cattle, and were known for their strength, courage, and loyalty. The breed's name "Kuvasz" comes from the old Turkic word "kawasz" which means "armed guard of the nobility".

The Kuvasz's history can be traced back to the 15th century, when they were used by Hungarian nobility to protect their estates. The breed was highly valued for its ability to protect livestock from predators such as wolves and bears. They were also used as hunting dogs and for personal protection. The breed is believed to have been developed by the Magyar people, an ethnic group from Hungary, who were nomadic herders and warriors.

During World War II, the Kuvasz population decreased greatly due to the war. After the war, the breed was almost extinct in Hungary, but a breeding program was established to revive the breed. The breed was imported to the United States in the 1930s and gained popularity as a family pet and watchdog.

The breed is recognized by major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Kennel Club (UK), and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Breed Information


Type

Is Kuvasz a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Kuvasz name? How do you say Kuvaszs?

KOO-vahz

Purpose

What were Kuvaszs originally used for?

guarding

Lifespan

How Long Do Kuvaszs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Kuvasz? How long can Kuvaszs live?

10-12 years

The average Kuvasz lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Kuvasz Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Kuvasz?

What is the average height of a Kuvasz? How big is a Purebred Kuvasz height? Kuvasz dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 28-30 inches (71.1 - 76.2 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm) 28.0 inches (71.1 cm) 29.0 inches (73.7 cm)
Female 26-28 inches (66 - 71.1 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) 27.0 inches (68.6 cm) 27.0 inches (68.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Kuvasz? How much should Kuvaszs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 100-115 pounds (45 - 52 kg) 87.5 pounds (40 kg) 100.0 pounds (45 kg) 107.5 pounds (49 kg)
Female 70-90 pounds (32 - 41 kg) 60.0 pounds (27 kg) 70.0 pounds (32 kg) 80.0 pounds (36 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Kuvaszs get fat easily?

The Kuvasz is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Kuvaszs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Kuvasz is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Kuvasz personality? What are Kuvasz dogs best known for?

Clownish
Intelligent
Patient
Independent
Loyal
Protective
Brave
Fearless
Self-Confident
Faithful
Dependable

Shedding Level

Are Kuvaszs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Kuvasz Shed?

Kuvasz dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Kuvasz. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Kuvasz dog?

The Kuvasz dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Kuvaszs come from?

Tibet

Ancestry

What are Kuvaszs descended from?

shepherding dog

Date of Birth

When were Kuvaszs first bred? How old is the Kuvasz breed?

1300s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Kuvasz?

Working (AKC:1931)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Kuvasz Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Kuvasz eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Kuvasz nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Kuvasz coat be naturally?

White

Coat Length

How long is a Kuvaszs coat?

The coat of a Kuvasz falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Kuvasz Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Kuvasz?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Kuvasz have in a litter? How many puppies can a Kuvasz have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Kuvasz can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Kuvasz dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Kuvasz Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Kuvaszs have a lot of health problems?

The Kuvasz breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Kuvasz?

Hip Dysplasia
Congenital Heart Defect

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Kuvaszs?

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Kuvasz breed?

Hip
Heart
Skeletal
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Kuvasz Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Kuvaszs have a lot of energy?

Kuvaszs are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Kuvaszs need socialization? How social are Kuvaszs?

Kuvaszs have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Kuvaszs get?

The Kuvasz needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Kuvasz have? Do Kuvaszs sleep a lot?

Kuvaszs dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Kuvasz drool a lot?

The Kuvasz is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Kuvasz, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Kuvaszs tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Kuvaszs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Kuvaszs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Kuvasz running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Kuvasz dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Kuvasz? How much energy does a Kuvasz have?

Medium

Kuvaszs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Kuvasz walk each week? How many miles should a Kuvasz walk every week?

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Kuvasz, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Kuvasz should exercise a day? How much activity does a Kuvasz need?

60 minutes

In general most Kuvaszs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Kuvasz?

The Kuvasz is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Kuvasz?

Weekly

Kuvasz should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Kuvaszs?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Kuvasz eat?

3 cups

For an average 100-115 pound (45 - 52 kg) Kuvasz feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Kuvasz Cost Daily?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Kuvasz is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Kuvasz Cost Per Month?

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Kuvasz is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Kuvasz Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Kuvasz?

Kuvaszs has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Kuvasz is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Kuvasz dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Kuvasz dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Kuvasz do well in apartments? Are Kuvaszs good indoor dogs?

The Kuvasz is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Kuvaszs good with kids? Are Kuvaszs good around children?

Kuvaszs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Kuvaszs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Kuvaszs good with cats? How friendly Kuvaszs are toward cats?

Kuvaszs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Kuvasz dogs get along with other dogs? Are Kuvaszs OK with other dogs?

Kuvaszs are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Kuvasz dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Kuvaszs friendly with strangers?

Kuvaszs are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Kuvaszs are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Kuvaszs will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Kuvaszs like to play? Are Kuvaszs playful?

Kuvaszs have an average level of playfulness. The Kuvaszs, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Kuvasz easily trained?

Kuvasz may require more time, repetition and patience to learn commands than other breeds, and can be challenging to teach new things, but with patience and consistency, they can be trained.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Protective
    Kuvaszok are protective of their family, making them a good choice for homes with children.
  • Intelligence
    Kuvaszok are intelligent dogs that can excel in a variety of tasks.
  • Lack of odor
    The Kuvasz has a minimal likelihood of having a bad smell.
  • Energetic
    Kuvaszok are energetic dogs that enjoy being active and playing.
  • Loyalty
    Kuvaszok are known for their loyalty and strong bond with their owners.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Kuvaszs may find an office setting too stressful.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Kuvaszs may not be suitable for those with allergies due to their potential to cause allergic reactions.
  • Shedding
    Kuvasz dogs are characterized by heavy shedding.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    The Kuvasz's weight can become an issue if not kept in check.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Apartment living may not provide enough space for a Kuvasz dog.
  • Exercise Needs
    Kuvaszok require a significant amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.