Kuvasz

The Kuvasz is Hungary's white livestock guardian — a large, self-directed flock dog that was also kept at the medieval Hungarian court.

History

It has guarded sheep and cattle in Hungary for a thousand years, and under King Matthias in the fifteenth century it was kept as a royal guard dog, reportedly trusted more than the courtiers. The breed was devastated in the Second World War, when the dogs defended their homes against soldiers and were shot for it; a few dozen survived.

Temperament

The breed is known for being fiercely loyal to its own family, deeply suspicious of strangers, and entirely willing to make its own decisions. It is a guardian, not an obedience dog.

Care and training

It needs space, secure boundaries, early socialising and an experienced owner who understands that a flock guardian negotiates rather than obeys. The thick white coat sheds heavily.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia and, in a fast-growing giant breed, developmental bone conditions in puppyhood. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.