Kuvasz
- Height at the withers
- 66 to 76 cm
- Weight
- 37 to 62 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- Hungary
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A large, powerful Hungarian livestock guardian dog with a dense white double coat, a noble bearing and a fiercely loyal, protective temperament.
History and origins
An ancient Hungarian breed of Asian origin that arrived in the Carpathian Basin with the Magyar tribes. A formidable livestock guardian, it was also the guard dog of the kings and nobility of Hungary, prized for its loyalty and courage.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Osteochondrosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Well, 4 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Kuvasz FAQ
How big does the Kuvasz get?
The Kuvasz stands 66 to 76 cm at the withers and weighs 37 to 62 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Kuvasz shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Kuvasz live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Kuvasz need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Kuvasz good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Kuvasz live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as osteochondrosis.
