• General Characteristics
• Temperament
• Suitability as a Companion Dog

• Need and Use of Livestock Guard Dogs
• Kuvasz as Livestock Protectors
• The Working Kuvasz: Anecdotal Records
• Characteristics of an Effective Livestock Guardian
• Obtaining a Kuvasz for Livestock Protection
• Training a Livestock Guardian

• Selecting and Raising a Kuvasz
• Outdoors or Indoors?
• Training and Socialization Requirements
• Care and Feeding
• Grooming and Coat Care Requirements
• Exercise Requirements

What is the Kuvasz? What does the breed look like? What is their temperament? What is their heritage? What kind of work were they bred for? Are they still capable working dogs? Do they make good companion and family dogs? Who should own a Kuvasz? These and other questions will be addressed throughout this paper. Read on and find out more about the beautiful Kuvasz, the armed guard of nobility, devoted companion and a respected member of the ancient livestock guarding group.

The Kuvasz (Kuvaszok, plural) is a large, white dog of great facial beauty, with luxuriant, medium-length coat and pleasing, athletic overall proportions. The thick double coat is typically quite wavy with crests and swirls, although the degree of waviness may vary considerably among individuals. The coat is thicker and longer around the neck and chest where it forms a ruff or mane, which is more prominent on the males. The back of the front legs is well "feathered" and the back of the thighs and tail are covered with thick hair 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) long. The well-plumed tail is usually carried low to the level of the hock unless excited, when the tail will curl up to the level of the loin. The colour of the coat is always white in colour with no markings and is self-cleaning, requiring minimal care, aside from brushing. The skin is darkly pigmented, with dark brown eyes, black nose, lips and pads with dark nails. The eyelids and lips are tight, without any droopiness. Triangular drop ears frame an intelligent face. The males are larger than the females and are ideally 71 - 75 cm (28-29.5 inches) at the withers and weigh 40-52 kg. Females range in size from 66 - 70 cm (26-27.5 inches) at the withers and weigh from 30 - 42 kg. Large males may occasionally reach 80 cm (31.5 inches) and tip the scales at 62 kg. In fact the Hungarian and FCI Standards call for heavier dogs, with the males ranging from 48-62 kg, and the females ranging from 37 - 50 kg.

The Kuvasz is not a massive dog, nor does it possess heavy bone and heavy muscle. The Great Pyrenees is, by comparison, a stockier and heavier dog. Rather, the Kuvasz should convey the impression of being lean and lithe, without any exaggeration, possessing steely muscle capable of great endurance and remarkable agility for such a large dog. Kuvaszok, in good condition, are able to trot for 25 to 30 kms at even speed without any effort. Appendix 1 provides a complete description of the Kuvasz, according to the Canadian Kennel Club's official breed standard and the Hungarian/Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) Standards.

The Kuvasz impresses the eye with strength and activity, combined with lightfootedness. Adults convey an unmistakable sense of self-confidence and regalness, or nobility of bearing. Pal Sarkany and Imre Ocsag (1987), in their book "Hungarian Dog Breeds", state the following: "the shape of the body, the attractive, lean structure of the Kuvasz is explained by the hard work required of them all through the centuries. They had to win the fight with the wolf, so they had to excel their enemy in agility and speed". Valerie Eastman (1993), editor of the Kuvasz Fanciers of America, states: "when I see a true Hungarian Kuvasz, I see a formidable fearless guard dog rugged as a wolf, as hard and beautiful as a rough diamond". The Kuvasz is a hardy, natural breed that thrives in the cold and tolerates the heat.

The Canadian Book of the Dog (published by the Canadian Kennel Club) describe the temperament of the Kuvasz as follows: "Temperamentally, the Kuvasz is an intelligent dog with a great deal of independence of spirit. He has been used for centuries as a guardian and has very strongly developed protective instincts". The American Kennel Club further describes the temperament of the Kuvasz as: "a spirited dog of keen intelligence, determination, courage and curiosity. Very sensitive to praise and blame. Primarily a one-family dog. Devoted, gentle and patient without being overly demonstrative. Always ready to protect loved ones to the point of self-sacrifice. Extremely strong instinct to protect children. Polite to accepted strangers, but rather suspicious and very discriminating in making new friends. Unexcelled guard, possessing ability to act on his own initiative at just the right moment without instruction. Bold, courageous and fearless. Untiring ability to work and cover rough terrain for long periods of time. Has good scent and has been used to hunt game".

The temperament of the Kuvasz is that of the livestock guard, or flock guardian, of which he is an ancient member. This is not a dog for everyone. They need a firm, but loving owner whom has experience with dogs. Their beautiful looks and soft, gentle expression camouflages an extremely well developed guardian instinct. Their soft facial expression may look like a retriever, but a retriever the breed is not. The breed is first and foremost a guard and they have been selectively bred as such throughout the centuries and millennia of their development. Accordingly, they should be given the care and respect of a guardian. This means that you need to be aware of potentially threatening situations that could trigger the guarding instinct, rather than being surprised by your dog's reaction to various events (e.g. the postman, delivery man, or someone shearing sheep that he has been guarding). They are however, very gentle towards their family and are affectionate and very protective of small children and animals within their family circle.

The breed is primarily a one family dog and is naturally suspicious of strangers, as befits a guardian. They are very discriminating in making friends. They will, with appropriate encouragement, accept the friends of their family and once friendship has been attained, it will never be forgotten. The nature of the Kuvasz has been well described by the Hungarian proverb: "The friend of his master is his friend - his master's enemy is his enemy". With a devoted guard in the home, it is advisable to bring the dog to strangers as an introduction, rather than strangers to the dog. Extensive socialization will make your dog reliable and trustworthy among non-threatening strangers. Insufficient socialization can result in aggressiveness towards strangers and create an unnecessary liability to the owners.

The Kuvasz is very intelligent and independent in spirit. As a livestock guardian, they are expected to work independent of man and must depend upon their own intelligence to deal with situations of all types. This is a definite asset for the working dog, but can be frustrating for the companion dog owner expecting the dog to fawn upon his or her every move. This is not a robot, and your dog will present challenges for the obedience advocate. If you want a dog that will obey your every wish, the Kuvasz may not be for you. There are several other breeds that are better candidates and will be happier in such a relationship. They are intelligent and very sensitive to praise and blame. They can be trained for a variety of tasks, but quickly bore of repetitive exercises. They do not tolerate heavy-handed training techniques, but respond well to praise. In general, praise, and encouragement, coupled with earned respect, will give you a companion of tremendous devotion.

It is believed that the protective nature of the Kuvasz is an extension of highly developed maternal or paternal instincts, formed from the development of strong "family" bonds, coupled with a strong sense of territorial defensiveness. Threats to their family, or property, will arouse well-developed protective instincts.

The Kuvasz. and other "livestock guards", have been selectively bred for many centuries for strong defensive and protective instincts against threats, while selecting against high active aggression and prey drives that stimulate the chase and bite behaviours. The livestock guards were bred for one purpose - to protect livestock, not to herd, chase or otherwise worry, or frighten stock. They are expected to be calm around livestock and only become excited when there is a potential threat. They are courageous in the sense that they will stand up to any foe, animal or human, in the defense of their "extended family and territory". They are not, or should not be, indiscriminately aggressive.

Herding dogs, in contrast, have highly developed prey drives that make them instinctively want to chase sheep (or other livestock) that break from the flock. The biting and seizing aspect of the prey drive has been selectively inhibited. That high prey drive makes these breeds also ideal for fetching a ball, frisbees, or other "chase" sports. Hunting breeds, retrievers, and terriers all possess high prey drives. Other working breeds, such as German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, have a balance of high prey drive with both active (fighting drive) and reactive (defensive) aggression, making them highly suitable to Schutzhund and French Ring Sport activities, as well as police and military work. The Kuvasz's independence, subdued prey drive, and need for bonding probably make them less suitable for these sports than the traditional personal protection dogs (Dobermans, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Rottweilers, etc.). However, this is conjecture, since I'm not aware of any of our breed used for such "sports". If you are interested in these sports, I would recommend the preceding breeds, or others, over the Kuvasz or other livestock guardians. Kuvasz are not trained guards, but rather are natural guardians.

Kuvaszok can make wonderful companions for the right families. Their devotion to their family is extreme. As stated in The New Dog Encyclopedia (1970): "His big heart is given freely and completely to those he loves, returning to his masters undying fidelity for such affections as are tendered him. Taken away from his home - the family which he has accepted - the mature dog may have difficulty transferring his affection to others. Consequently, some have been known to die of heartbreak". Such devotion should not be taken lightly, and is deserving of a family that is committed to returning the same level of devotion, guidance and affection for the lifetime of their dog.

The question is: "are you the right kind of owner"? An awareness of what the dog is and what it isn't must be understood before choosing a breed such as the Kuvasz. Be honest and introspective in terms of what you want and what you are prepared for in a dog. Any dog is a responsibility. A guarding dog is an even greater responsibility. You should be prepared to make a commitment for the lifetime of the dog.

Do you expect your dog to play with the kids for hours, playing ball and retrieving sticks, frisbees, etc.? Do you want a water dog? If yes, then the Kuvasz is not the dog for you! Kuvaszok adore their own "kids" but are not natural retrievers, nor are they water dogs. My dog might chase the ball the first time and with encouragement, bring it back to me. Throw it again and he will stand there in bewilderment and then lay down. Afterall, he retrieved it once and yet I still threw it away.

Obviously, I didn't want it. If you want a dog that will retrieve and play for hours, get a retriever or a herding dog, or some other breed.

Do you have an open door policy with neighbours, friends and children coming in and out of the house and yard endlessly without supervision? Again, the Kuvasz, or perhaps any guardian breed, may not be for you. Remember, this is a guard dog and guard he will do - his property, house, family and any other animals that are part of his family. He needs to be formally introduced to casual guests that are not a part of the "family circle" and supervised until he knows that everything is all right. A dog that loves every stranger is not a guard. Accordingly, Kuvasz and other guardian breeds, are aloof and somewhat distrustful of strangers. He can't be expected to discriminate between an unwelcomed stranger and an acquaintance, unless you are there. Socialization will help, but he is and always will be, a guard. If you want a dog that will love everybody, perhaps a guarding breed is not what you really want.

If you are willing to provide a secured fenced area for your dog, socialize your dog around other people (and other dogs) from early puppyhood, satisfy its exercise needs and integrate it into all of your family life, you will have an uncommonly devoted and reliable companion. As an adult, the Kuvasz is quite reserved and dignified, being an integral part of the family but "not in your face"! You will feel his presence, but he will not be demanding, constantly seeking attention as many other breeds do. He exudes independence and self-confidence, even when in your home. He will, however, sound the alarm when anyone comes around and shows a great deal of good sense as a guardian. He does not show indiscriminate, uncontrollable aggression as do some of the personal protection dogs. He is quick to settle down once he understands there is no real threat. His protective instincts can however become aroused from a real threat (without any training) and he is well equipped to deal with any threat. The reality though, is that for many of us, real threats seldom occur. Most of the time your dog will display absolute gentleness with its family and friends and leave you wondering whether it has a protective bone in its body. That same dog can and will display man-stopping (and predator-stopping) ferocity and intensity if its extended family is seriously threatened. A good guard dog knows when to protect and when not to. Socialization will not diminish his effectiveness as a guard, but it will make a world of difference in his and your lifestyle! A well-socialized dog can be confidently taken anywhere, including the veterinarian, and guests will be welcomed to your home. Your dog will be a source of great pride. An unsocialized dog, in contrast, can be a liability and turn you into a hermit!

This applies to virtually all breeds and is even further heightened in the guarding breeds.