Hungarian Kuvasz

The Hungarian Kuvasz is one of the ancient breeds in Hungary along with the Komondor and the Pumi. The origins of the breed sprouted in Tibet. Around 1,200 years ago, the dogs came along with the invading Magyar tribes to Hungary. Its name ‘Kuvasz’ is thought to be a corruption of the Turkish word ‘kawasz,’ which means ‘armed guard of the nobility.’

During the fifteenth century, the Hungarian Kuvasz became highly esteemed guard dogs in Hungary. It was all thanks to King Matthias, who was very smitten with the breed. The Hungarian Kuvasz’s prowess for hunting large games, such as wolves and bears, and guarding the king and livestock made him an indispensable companion of King Matthias.

The king was especially fond of the Hungarian Kuvasz that he would take the dog with him wherever he goes. In his estate at Siebenbuergen, he made countless big kennels that would house hundreds of his beloved dogs. Sometimes he would gift a Hungarian Kuvasz puppy to a visiting noble. The Prince of Wallachia, Vlad Dracula, or famously known as Vlad the Impaler even received two puppies as a wedding present from the king. Because of this, the breed became associated with royalty and swiftly rise to the ranks of popularity.

Unfortunately, after the death of King Matthias, the Hungarian Kuvasz’s fame diminished greatly. However, the dog was still used by farmers and horsemen to safeguard their livestock. Breeders made an effort in standardising the Hungarian Kuvasz in the late 1800s. When the 1920s and 1930s came around, the breed was back in the spotlight. This time, he is not only renowned in Hungary but also in Western Europe. The breed's fame shot down tremendously to the point of extinction during World War II. Food became scarce and funds slowly dwindled, resulting in the cutback of numerous kennels, whilst others simply stopped breeding. After the war ended, only around thirty Hungarian Kuvasz were found in Hungary.

There were a few breeders who continued to sell puppies and dogs for food and cigarette. However, since the Hungarian Kuvasz has a big appetite, only a few people wanted them. In 1956, the living conditions in Hungary gradually improved with the help of the Hungarian Revolution. The breed slowly climbed their way up to the popularity ladder once again.

The Hungarian Kuvasz is a majestic large dog breed with a slightly long, sturdy, and heavy build. He has almond-shaped eyes, droopy V-shaped ears, and a sharp black nose. His long tail is fuzzy with its tip slightly curving upwards.

Although he has a hefty body, the Hungarian Kuvasz carries himself with power and grace. He seems to glide as he trots or runs. Due to his effortless gait, he can cover fifteen miles without exhaustion.

The breed's most eye-catching feature is its thick white coat, which can be straight, curly, or wavy in texture. The sole purpose of his beautiful fur is not merely for fashion but shepherds to easily distinguish the dog apart from wolves. The Hungarian Kuvasz has a double coat made up of guard hair and fine undercoat to protect him from the cold.

The Hungarian Kuvasz is a moderate shedder, but his coat is easy to care for. It only requires brushing at least once a week. Note that he sheds seasonally, which often occurs during spring and fall. It is best to brush him preferably once every two to three days. Bathing should only be done if he gets very dirty or smelly, as frequent brushing can damage his fur and skin.

Be sure to check his nails every other week. Once they get considerably long, trim them to prevent cracking or splitting. Examine and clean his ears regularly too to prevent ear infections. Tooth brushing should be a part of his daily routine.

The Hungarian Kuvasz is a great companion for children too. He is sweet and mellow with them despite their mischievous antics. However, supervision is required when your child is playing with other children. The dog might misunderstand the other children’s playfulness as aggression and his protective instincts might take over. If you have a Hungarian Kuvasz puppy, you need to keep an eye on him when playing with children as well. He is extremely playful and rambunctious that he might accidentally knock them over.

Training a Hungarian Kuvasz can be a challenging task because of his love for independence. However, he is an intelligent dog that can quickly learn new commands and tricks with the right training method. Just make sure to have lots of patience, firmness, and consistency during training. Using positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage and motivate him.

• Canine hip dysplasia
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus
• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
• von Willebrand's disease

The Hungarian Kuvasz is an energetic dog that requires a sufficient amount of space where he could run about and play. Thus, a spacious house with a big backyard is necessary if you plan to keep him as your companion. Daily exercise is required to expend his energy and prevent him from getting bored. Make sure to walk him at least thirty minutes to one hour daily.

Large dog breeds like the Hungarian Kuvasz are prone to joint problems if excessively exercised. Moderate his activities and prevent them from becoming repetitive and strenuous as it can strain his muscles and joints.

Taking care of a dog is no walk in the park. There are many things to consider before getting one, including your financial situation. Be sure that you are fully capable of shouldering this responsibility for your puppy to live a happy and healthy life.

Purchasing a Hungarian Kuvasz may cost you between £400 to £800. Dog food, not including dog treats, can reach £55 a month,£660 yearly. Initial necessities such as a crate, dog bed, collar, ID tag and lead will cost you £150 to £200. Veterinary costs including vaccinations cost on average of £100 and regular check-ups cost an average of £30 each time, plus £50 for an annual booster. If you avail of pet insurance, it will add an extra £50 to £120 to your monthly expenses depending on the insurance package you chose.