Kuvasz Characteristics: The self-reliant and stoic Kuvasz is a breed of Giant dog classified as a member of the Working Dog Group (AKC:1931). The Kuvasz, is characterized by its powerful, muscular appearance with a large muzzle and determined expression. Other characteristics include dark brown, medium sized, almond-shaped, slanting eyes; short, V-shaped ears; a long, low set tail and a fluid, easy gait. The temperament of the Kuvasz can be described as Protective, Independent, Patient. The coat type of the Kuvasz is described as medium double coat in white coat color. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Kuvasz demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Hunting and Guard dog and is known by its nick name the "Dog of the Magyars". The origin of the Kuvasz dog breed was in Hungary where it was developed in ancient times. There are Limitations of ownership of the Kuvasz in some USA States. Fast Facts about the Kuvasz: The following facts provide fast information about the Kuvasz breed. Size: Giant *** Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:1931) *** Nick name: "Dog of the Magyars" *** Origin: Hungary *** Male Height: 28 - 30 inches (71 - 76 cm) *** Female Height: 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm) *** Male Weight: 100 - 115 pounds (45 - 52 kg) *** Female Weight: 70 - 90 pounds (32 - 41 kg) *** Coat Type: medium double coat *** Coat Colors: white coat color *** Litter Size: 6-8 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip Dysplasia *** Lifespan: 10-12 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Kuvasz Breed Group and Dog Type - Working Dog Group (AKC:1931): The Kuvasz is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Working Dog Group (AKC:1931). Other names for the Kuvasz: The Kuvasz is known by the nickname of the "Dog of the Magyars". Other names for this breed of dog include the Hungarian Kuvasz and Kuvaszok Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Kuvasz" derives from a combination of different words starting with the ancient Sumerian words "Ku", meaning dog, and "Assa" meaning "horse". Thus "Ku Assa", translated as the 'Dog of the Horse', which was eventually combined with the word 'kavas' in the Magyar language, meaning "guard". Kuvasz History and Origin: The country of origin of the Kuvasz breed was in Hungary during antiquity. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Sumerian people of Mesopotamia, that covered the eastern Mediterranean, corresponding to modern day Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria, dating back to 4,000 B.C. The Magyars of Hungary, believed to descendents of the Sumerians, took their ancient dogs with them when they entered Hungary and developed the Kuvasz to act as a guard dog and hunting dog. The massive, powerful, active Kuvasz was used to hunt dangerous predators such as the wolf, jackal and the bear. The Kuvasz ran alongside the horseback hunters who unleashed the ferocious dogs on the large game they hunted. During the Medieval era the Kuvasz was strongly favored by royalty. Matthias I (1443 – 1490) the King of Hungary and Croatia kept his Kuvasz dogs with him to guard and protect him at all times, he even used their fur as a hand towel. The Kuvasz was highly prized and were occasionally presented as royal gifts. King Matthias I gave the infamous Vlad Dracula (1431 - 1476) gifts of Kuvasz dogs as a gesture of goodwill when he released Vlad Dracula from after 12 years imprisonment in Hungary following his conversion to the Catholic religion. The elevated position of the Kuvasz declined and the breed was commonly used as a livestock guard dog. The ravages of WW1 (1914 - 1918) almost led to the extinction of the Kuvasz until it was saved by breeders who were determined to preserve the breed. The Kuvasz was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1931. Kuvasz Modern History: The modern history of the Kuvasz moved on and the breed is now used as a Watchdog, Guard Dog and as a military and police dog. This dog can be dangerous and there are therefore Limitations of ownership of the Kuvasz in some USA States. Kuvasz Height: The Kuvasz breed is classified as a Giant sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 28 - 30 inches (71 - 76 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 26 - 28 inches (66 - 71 cm). Kuvasz Weight: Not surprisingly for a Giant sized dog such as the Kuvasz, the weight of a male dog is 100 - 115 pounds (45 - 52 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 70 - 90 pounds (32 - 41 kg). Kuvasz Coat Type: The coat type of the Kuvasz is described as medium double coat. The medium coarse outer coat (guard coat) is ranges from being quite wavy to straight. The undercoat is thick, fine and wooly. Kuvasz Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include white coat color and, occasionally, an ivory color. Kuvasz Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Kuvasz is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Kuvasz is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Kuvasz Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 6-8 puppies. Kuvasz puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Kuvasz puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Kuvasz Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Self-reliant, Protective, Independent, Patient and Stoic. Kuvasz Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Kuvasz requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a fluid, easy gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Kuvasz Diet: A fully grown Kuvasz should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Kuvasz Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Kuvasz breed include Hip Dysplasia . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Kuvasz dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Kuvasz Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Kuvasz breed is 10-12 years. Kuvasz Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Kuvasz breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Kuvasz names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Pali *** Ron *** Hugo *** Gabor *** Andi *** Zoltan *** Geza *** Tibor *** Raka *** Barna. Kuvasz Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Kuvasz girl dog. Our top choice of good female Kuvasz names are Edina *** Zita *** Lili *** Adel *** Timi *** Kata *** Dorka *** Fanni *** Eszti *** Lora. Fast Facts about the Kuvasz: The following facts provide fast information about the Kuvasz breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:1931) *** Size: Giant *** Country of Origin: Hungary *** History / Date: Antiquity *** Male Height: 28 - 30 inches (71 - 76 cm) *** Male Weight: 100 - 115 pounds (45 - 52 kg) *** Coat Type: medium double coat *** Litter Size: 6-8 puppies *** Kuvasz Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Kuvasz Lifespan: 10-12 years *** | 