COUNTRY: Hungary
WEIGHT: 110 pounds maximum
HEIGHT: 26 inches maximum
COAT: Wavy, medium length
COLOR: White to ivory
GROUP: Flock Guard
Many cynologists believe the Kuvasz was brought to Hungary by the Kumans, nomadic shepherds of Turkish origin in the 13th century. These dogs may have moved north with much earlier migrations, however. They are obviously part of the flock-guarding family, both as ancestors and descendants. Their similarity to the Ak-bash Dog is striking.
Kuvasz may have been derived from the Sum-erians, ancient Eastern people who originally fostered dogs of this type. Ku-assa, in Sumerian, is dog horse, indicating a dog that guarded and ran along beside horses and riders. The term ku-assa is found on a clay board at the site of Ak-kad in northern Mesopotamia, circa 3000 BC. Most of the migrating peoples who came from Asia to populate eastern Europe were horse-riding tribes whose wealth was in large herds of range cattle. Those who settled what is now Hungary brought their white guard dogs with them.
The breed savored a moment of splendor in the 15th century in the court of King Matyas (Mathias) I, who claimed to trust his Kuvasz dogs more than his fawning courtiers. This king used his Kuvaszok for hunting wild boar and as personal guardians. The breed was never an exclusivity with royalty, however, and aided herdsmen and peasants in protection. He is still seen frequently in Hungary today.
The Kuvasz has been bred and exhibited in the United States since the 1920s. He successfully patrols American ranches for predator control. The breed has never become recognized in Great Britain.
A typical flock guard in temperament, he is wary and suspicious of that which is not familiar. This is correct temperament for the breed— and the group—as a whole.
Owners should be responsible, with enough experience and knowledge to control the macho temperament. The Kuvasz will continue to test his owner's dominance. Once he has given his devotion, he will be a one-family dog and will protect that family from all intruders, including a new neighbor or the toll-taker. The Kuvasz has an intense loyalty to that which is his own and needs proper socialization and control to become a dependable companion dog as well. The thick, white coat is also demanding of attention.