The Kuvasz

The Hungarian Kuvasz has the Turkish word for "protector" as its name and its country of origin is most likely Tibet, yet this breed was used for many centuries in Hungary as a herding dog and flock protector. Herding dogs generally are used to herd cattle or sheep from one spot to another, while flock protectors are strictly used to guard the flocks and fend off predators. The Kuvasz is unusual in that it performs both of these functions admirably and was also used as a boar hunter.

Today the breed is used in both North and South America as a flock guardian. and sometimes more rarely as a family pet. It is a dog that can be quite formidable and is highly prized as a breed that will ward off coyotes and even cougars when it functions as a flock guard. Sometimes the breed is confused with the Great Pyrenees but there are considerable differences. The Great Pyrenees can have some biscuit coloring while the Kuvasz is always white. The Great Pyrenees has double dew claws on the rear feet. The Kuvasz never has dew claws on the rear, let alone double ones. The Great Pyr has a soft deep muzzle almost as deep as it is broad, while the Kuvasz has a longer narrower muzzle. Both dogs perform the function of a flock guardian quite well, but the Great Pyr seems to be a dog that is more able to accept integration into a household as a pet.

The Kuvasz is 28-30 inches tall and can weigh up to 115 pounds. The coat may be slightly wavy and is long and double. The coat is generally flat (does not "stand off" from the body) and is about two to four inches long all over with the exception of the muzzle and the front of the legs. The ears are dropped and slant forwards. The Kuvasz is a handsome dog and has a very strong instinct for protection.

The Kuvasz Club of America advises new owners that the Kuvasz often is "impervious" to pain. This is a typical trait of dogs which are bred for predator attack, especially in the neck and chest, which usually has thicker skin and coat in that area so teeth will not grip easily. The Kuvasz therefore will not pay attention to electric fences and needs to be kept in a tight enclosure. Furthermore this is not a breed that should be allowed to play off leash in dog parks.

As a family member the Kuvasz must be exposed as a young dog to any children that will be part of its family. As it grows it will begin to think of his human family as part of his flock and will be a great watchdog, however care must be taken to introduce this breed to obedience early on because it must learn that the owner is the dominant pack leader or it will take over the position and can be extremely loyal to the extent of being threatening to visitors. If properly trained and socialized, especially to children, the dog will accept the introduction of strangers. It is highly important to socialize any dog to children and strange situations while it is young, taking any dog to obedience classes and exposing it to crowds and urban environments will help the dog to accept new and different situations in any case, but for a Kuvasz that has such strong guardian instincts it is an absolute necessity to provide such early socialization. Kuvasz which are going to be used primarily as country dogs and flock guardians are trained up in a manner which will expose them to the the cattle or sheep which become their flock, often they are turned out with the flock and simply grow up with the animals an outdoors on the farm, where they will then function as nature intended them to.

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Dogs" article category.

People interested in the above article "The Kuvasz" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

Designer Dog Beds

We all know that you love your pooch, there's no question about it. The two of you have been together for years and have an incredibly special bond. Every morning as the sun comes up; your pet is there to greet you, eagerly waiting for a pat on the head. Doesn’t your dog deserve the best? After all he is part of your family. Give your favorite pet a comfortable place to rest—how about designer dog beds!

Effective Ways To Stop Puppy Biting

When your four legged bundle of joy is starting to see your hands or clothes as his favorite chew toys, you obviously need to find effective ways on how to stop puppy biting. But one cannot completely eradicate the behavior without understanding why puppies tend to bite.

Tips on Training Your Puppy Not to Bite

Let's say you brought your puppy outside to help him potty. The dog suddenly nips you at the ankles. You try to bring him back inside for some quiet time and to make him rethink what he did. When you pet him, his teeth clamp on your fingers. What is going on? The first fact you need to know is that your dog will keep on acting this way until he is taught that biting hurts.

Leptospirosis In Dogs - Symptoms and Treatment

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal disease that can attack your dog in any stage of his life. The symptoms of the disease are depression, fever, dehydration, jaundice and abdominal pain. The disease damages your dogs liver and kidneys, sometimes resulting in renal failure and death.

House Training your Dogs and Baby Puppies

Young puppies aged three months and below do not yet have much bladder control and reflexes. It all gets interesting since the poor things usually know they need to go pee or potty only at the moment they really have to! It is the extreme and rare occasion that a puppy can will learn and actually tell its owner beforehand.

Housebreaking Aids for the New Puppy

Housebreaking training is an activity that needs plenty of effort and patience. It begins the moment the puppy arrives home. Those responsible for training the newcomer will notice that it relieves itself close to some six times a day. A good time to bring the dog outside is after promptly after each meal, given that a full stomach applies pressure on the colon and bladder.

The Canine Distemper Disease and How to Prevent It

I am sure we all want to protect our pets from disease and one common disease, called Canine Distemper is a worldwide problem and young puppies, in particular are the most susceptible and the most likely to die from the disease.