Hungarian Kuvasz

Bred as a guarding breed for centuries, the Kuvasz is naturally protective of his home and loved ones and is suspicious of strangers. He is gentle and loyal to his family but needs a home where the owners are experienced with guarding breeds and where his specialist needs can be met.

The Hungarian Kuvasz dog breed is an ancient breed. Indeed, archaeologists have found the skeleton of a similar type of dog in Hungary dating back to the 9th century. Used by the nomadic Magyar to protect their flocks, the Kuvasz worked in sometimes harsh conditions, in the mountain regions of the country. In the 15th century, the breed became fashionable among the nobility, due to its popularity with King Matthias Corvinus, who gave Kuvasz pups as royal gifts, but the breed's chief role, throughout its history, has been as a hardworking flock guard.

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Kuvasz is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.

The Kuvasz enjoys nothing better than patrolling his property's boundaries and being alert to any 'threats'. He needs a very large, well-fenced garden, and will also need to be taken out for an hour's daily exercise, too.

Health and common issues

The Kuvasz dog breed is generally a healthy and robust breed, but as with many breeds, they can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

Best family dog breeds

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.