Dog Breeds 101: Kuvasz

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The Kuvasz is a large working dog that is always white with no markings. Don’t be fooled by its sweet and harmless expression, this is a fearless and powerful guardian that will do everything to protect its family. These dogs are intensely loyal to their owners but somewhat aloof towards unfamiliar people. Due to their size, they should not be kept in apartments or a house without a yard. They need lots of room to move around comfortably both indoors and outdoors. However, this a breed that is prone to overheat easily, so exercise sessions should be kept short especially during summer months. [1] [2]

The breed has an average life span of 10 to 12 years. The Kuvasz can grow up to 30 inches tall at the withers and can weigh anywhere between 71 to 115 pounds. The coat is heavy and dense and can range from wavy to straight. It is considered to be a healthy breed but can be prone to develop bone problems. [1]

There are two theories explaining the origin of the breed’s name: first, it is said to be derived from the Turkish word kawasz which means bodyguard and the other theory suggests that the name comes from the Summerian word ku assa, referring to a dog that guarded horses. Coming from Hungary, the Kuvasz (plural Kuvaszok) is related to the Komodor and the Puli. The Kuvaszok were often trained to hunt large game and protect large estates. King Matthias Corvinus I, who reigned in Hungary from 1458 to 1490, owned a couple of Kuvaszok. There was a time when the king was threatened with plots of assassination and couldn’t even trust his family. He always kept his dogs nearby, taking them wherever he went, even to his sleeping chambers. He also gave the dogs to visiting nobles and one royalty which received such gift as the famous Vlad Dracula, the Prince of Wallachia. After the death of King Matthias, the Kuvaszok declined in popularity among the nobles but was still kept in farms to protect livestock. [2][3]