This month's featured breed:
The Kuvasz
(Reprinted from the Kuvasz Club of America.
For more information, please contact the club at www.kuvasz.com/
Kuvasz History
The Kuvasc is an ancient breed, among the oldest of all breeds. The Kuvasz (plural Kuvaszok) is recognized by the American Kennel Club and is a member of the Working Group.
While scholars differ on the detail, the origins of the Kuvasz are traced back as far as the cradle of civilization in Mesepotamia and the steppes of the Ural mountains in western Asia.
It was in Hungary, however, that the breed achieved its present appearance. The Kuvasz is a guarding dog, originally used for protecting livestock such as horses, sheep and cattle.
During World War II, the breed was almost driven to extinction in Hungary. No doubt the large white dogs, protecting their families and farms, were a problem to invading forces. Some letters of the time suggest the dogs were hunted by occupying troops. Ironically, at the same time, officers were known to have taken Kuvasz home with them.
After the war, a factory owner wanted Kuvasz to guard his property. A search of the country found less than 30 dogs remaining. Thanks to his efforts, and the efforts of other dedicated breeders in Hungary and other parts of Europe, the Kuvasz was re-populated in Hungary.
Kuvasz were first shown at a dog show in 1883. Count d'Esterházy, a strong supporter of the breed, displayed two Kuvaszok in Vienna in that year. The first Hungarian standard for the breed was written in 1885, and the first Kuvasz registered in the USA appears in the stud books of August 1931.
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CH Rike von Waldfried
1st AKC Champion 1936
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The Kuvasz Club of America (KCA) was established in 1966, and granted status as the official breed club in America by the American Kennel Club in 1993.
Kuvasz Description
Kuvasz have a white, medium coarse, double coat : A soft undercoat, and a longer outer coat which can range from almost straight to wavy (not curly). At least some undulation in the coat should be apparent, although consideration needs to be given to recently washed dogs where washing and drying can relax waves to almost straight.
Their pigment is black, THE DARKER THE BETTER, and eyes are an almond shaped dark brown. There are no alterations on a Kuvasz — no taildocking, earcropping, etc. Paws are round and tight like a cat.
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The Kuvasz is only slightly longer in body than he is tall. The wedge shaped head is considered to be the most beautiful characteristic of the Kuvasz.
The Kuvasz is a medium boned dog, and moves with a strong, but light-footed gait. As the gait increases in speed, a Kuvasz single tracks, like a wolf.
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Males are generally 28-30 inches at the shoulder, and weigh 100-115 pounds. Females stand approximately 26-28 inches and weigh 70-90 pounds. While there is no maximum size for a Kuvasz, structural balance and proper movement is imperative.
The Kuvasz is a very intelligent, assertive dog, combining great strength with quickness and speed that is often unexpected in a dog of its size. A Kuvasz is unwavering in its loyalty and devotion to its family, be they people or animals. There is no threat he will not face in protecting those he loves. He is independent in nature, and is discriminating with strangers. He makes his own judgments about who he will consider his acquaintances. This often leads to comments about "aloofness", which seems to add to his noble demeanor.
Socialization & Training
You must have the time for early obedience training and socialization with the puppy, and you will have to be an active participant in the process. This socialization and training is an absolute. If you can not commit the time for this, then this is not the breed for you. Spending the time early on will bring the joys of a wonderful loving companion who will also be your best protector.
Socialization begins at birth, and continues past maturity. Socialization will not train out the Kuvasz's innate protectiveness, but it will help him to discriminate between something that is simply new or unusual, and a threat. Socialization requires your taking the puppy to places where he can gain exposure to the world and the different situations he will experience in his life with you. HAVING HIM MEET NEW PEOPLE, AND EXPERIENCE NOVEL SITUATIONS, BOTH IN AND OUT OF THE HOME, IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Without socialization, the Kuvasz will tend to consider things outside his immediate family and everyday surroundings as all potential threats; including infrequent visitors.
Puppy kindergarten, obedience classes, the mall, or even a walk down different streets, are examples of places to take your dog. Be sure your puppy has all his vaccination and immunization shots before venturing out (usually about 12-15 weeks of age).
Never let others reprimand your puppy or dog. This is not a breed that considers just any person proper to mete out discipline. This applies to a trainer, as well. Remember that the Kuvasz was bred to act independently to fulfill his purpose. He does not accept things blindly, and that includes who he should obey. Perhaps, because of this, the Kuvasz has a great sense of "justice".... discipline from those he respects is accepted, if for just reasons. Unfairly applied, it generates resentment. He respects the concept of the Alpha leader(s), but the position must be earned.
A Kuvasz is best trained through a process of "teaching." This earns the respect of the dog, and through that his obedience. Perhaps the Kuvasz's purpose and history gives insight into the most effective training methods. A Kuvasz could not be deterred in his efforts by simple force or even seeming superior strength. If not, then how could he drive off predators such as wolves or bears? So training methods based primarily on the physical will challenge the dog, but do little to truly train him. Methods using positive reinforcement, or inducive training, are excellent for this breed. While simple physical force is not a useful general training method, it is important that the owners are always firm and consistent.
It's important to remember that while the Kuvasz is a large strong dog, and strong-willed, he is sensitive to neglect or unfair treatment. Tying, beating, teasing, or repeated harsh punishment is unnecessary and deplorable; a Kuvasz will ultimately respond to this behavior in an aggressive manner.
A Kuvasz that is harshly treated, or beaten, will not remain a trusted companion to you — just as you were not to him.
His is not a spirit that will be broken and he will never forget those who impose such treatment on him. It is this strength of spirit that makes a Kuvasz such a unique companion to those who earn his loyalty.
Kuvasz & Kids
Kuvasz who have had experience with children are extremely gentle and considerate. As with any dog, it would be unfair to expect a Kuvasz who has not been around children to suddenly understand these "Little People" who act differently and often move quickly and unexpectedly. It is essential that the children do not abuse or torment the dog. "Teasing" is not OK. This is not a breed for children who do not treat animals with kindness and compassion.
It may be misleading when "children" are generalized. Kuvasz may be fine with "their" children, but need to be closely supervised with "other" children. They will protect "their" children from others, ALL OTHERS. They may well take on smaller children as "theirs" almost upon meeting them. But the screams of delight of active children hard at play could be misunderstood by the dog as a reaction to threat or danger. This is especially true of a younger or inexperienced dog. It is best to put the dog in another room or outside away from the children during that kind of play time.
Fiction and folklore tell us to anticipate the perfect picture of dog protecting child. The Kuvasz is, above all, a protector. But confusion for the dog can occur depending on the circumstances. The damage that could take place is not worth the perfect image, for either dog or child. For this reason — with ANY dog — infants and toddlers must ALWAYS be closely supervised.
www.kuvasz.com
Kuvasz Club of America
Other featured breeds:
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Labrador
