COUNTRY: Czechoslovakia
Weight
Male 36–44 kg (79–97 lbs)
Female 31–37 kg (68–81 lbs)
Height
Male 62–70 cm (25–28 in)
Female 59–65 cm (25–28 in)
Coat Medium length - thick and wavy
Color White
OTHER NAMES: Slovak Cuvac, Slovak Chuvach, Tatransky Cuvac, Slovak tschuvatsch
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Flock Guard
The Carpathian mountain chain originates in Rumania and skirts Hungary, filling much of eastern Czechoslovakia as it pushes north, ending in the Liptok Mountains of the High Tatra range in the southeastern corner of Poland. The great white guardian prototype followed the mountains northward. The Czechoslovakia flock guard could easily pass for a Kuvasz, a Rumanian Sheepdog or a Podhalanski. Their histories are undoubtably similar. The breed name is spelled Cuvac in Czechoslovakian, but the English and German spelling, Tchouvatch, reflects the pronunciation (chew-votch).
The breed has been well documented as far back as the 17th century. But as the wolves slowly disappeared from the European mountains and modern herding practices were instituted, the Cuvac also began to be a relic from the past. What few specimens were left in the 1950s were bred carelessly. Credit for reviving the breed and fixing characteristics is due Dr. Antonin Hruza, in cooperation with the Veterinary School of Brno. A written standard was established and approved in 1964.
Currently, a few breeders of the Cuvac are scattered throughout Czechoslovakia and other European countries, as well as the USA. The Cuvac is still quite rare, but at least fanciers are working to save the breed. An owner in Germany describes her dogs' marvelous temperaments with children. Yet she warns about the Cuvac's stubborn, independent nature which must be overcome with proper training. Once they have learned something, she says, they never forget it.
Their tremendous speed for their size and bulk is noteworthy. This is probably the origin of the Czech lore that says the Cuvac was the result of crossing a Greyhound and a wolf.
The Cuvac is a dog requiring adequate space, and thus owners should have a good-sized yard for exercise. These dogs thrive best in an environment of a large family, children and livestock to care for. Farms and ranches make the best homes. These dogs are natural animal guardians and children watchers, taking to this busy lifestyle like a junkfood junkie to a bowl of peanuts. They are gentle and loyal to their family and its possessions. This handsome white flock guard has diversified from slaying wolves or hunting big game to border patrol or search-and-rescue.
Regular grooming keeps the white coat clean and attractive—and furniture free from white "mohair." The annual shed of the dense under-wool requires vigorous brushing and bathing sessions in the spring.