The appearance of the breed Kuvasz expresses nobility and strength, it is a well-built dog. In the high-rise at the withers, it usually reaches 70 cm, and the weight is from 40 to 55 kg. Kuvasz has a strong bones and a muscular body. The skull is round in shape, and the head itself is large. To the nose of the nose, the muzzle narrows slightly. The edging of the eyes and lips is black, like the nose. The body of the dog is slightly stretched, with the chest deep, and the croup has a slight inclination. The tail is a continuation of the croup and reaches the hocks, down. Kuvasz has white color or ivory. His wool is lush and dense, slightly curly.
History of the breed
Kuvasz, or sometimes called Hungarian kuvas, is a typical Hungarian shepherd dog, is a relative of the long-haired dog from Italy, Spain and France. The Hungarian kuwas breed, like the Commander breed, gained great fame not only in Hungary, but also abroad. There is also the Polish Podgalyanska shepherd and the Czech Chuvash, who are the "brothers" of the Hungarian kuvas, which in turn are mostly distributed in the places of origin, and these are the foothills and the mountainous regions of Tatrania.
The Podgalyanskaya Shepherd dog is an indigenous breed, it's been quite recently that this breed has been cultivated. Officially FCI recognized it only in the late 60s of the twentieth century, brought it to the register under number 252. Podgalyansky sheepdog began to multiply in the thirties of the last century, which adversely affected the breed, as the number of "bad" specimens increased significantly, even mestizo; In addition, during World War II this breed also suffered great damage, however, like other European dogs, especially large breeds.
Known in Poland, the cynologist Smychinsky believes that the use of this breed in the middle of the last century as a service dog led to its appearance in large cities, badly affected the breed. The Podgalyanska Shepherd is designed to work with a herd that prefers to live in mountain areas, it should have been used that way. She does not tolerate life on the plain, and she is incredulous and spiteful. Although this breed is a watchdog, but not in the city; It is possible to use it in villages that are located in foothills or mountain areas. This breed is valuable, these dogs are very smart and beautiful, like all white big dogs, they are mobile, powerful and balanced. Difference from kuwas externally - these are more straight angles of hind limbs, as well as a more straight shoulder blade. In addition, they have a strongly developed withers, which according to the cynologist Smychinsky is a typical sign of dogs from mountain areas.
The Podhalian sheepdog is also close to the Czech "brother" - a Czech chuvash or a Czech Tatra dog. It is believed that the breed kuvas, like other shepherds breeds, is a descendant of the ancient Great Dane from Tibet and is in direct relationship with the commander.
According to one of the connoisseurs of Central European breeds from Germany, there appeared breeds of Kuvasz and Commander in Hungary together with the Huns that came from the South Russian steppes. At some time, trying to breed the breed with a local Hungarian dog, but it almost did not affect the original appearance of the kuvas, so even now its appearance is close to the ancestors. Initially, Kuvasz Hungarian was used to protect the herd from robbers and predator animals. But over time, these functions have changed. In the Middle Ages, these dogs were more of a personal guard of noble origin, just like a Pyrenean dog. If you translate from the Turkish word "kawasz", then it will mean "armed guard of the nobility," and in Arabic it means "archer".
This dog in the Middle Ages could only have royal persons or persons in a special situation with them, since the status of kuwas was very high, they played the role of a powerful defender of the nobility.
The breed standard was developed in Hungary. For Hungarians, this breed, like the commander and the sheepdog bullets, mudi and pumi, are a national treasure. However, they disposed of the inheritance quite well, all the breeds listed above, were recognized at the level of FCI and became common throughout the globe.
The most flourishing of the breed was observed in the 15th and 16th centuries of the last century. At that time in all major castles had pedigree books of this breed, similar to the Pyrenean dog in France. There is evidence that even King Mathiush, the first who ruled in the 15th century, did not appear without his kuvasis, there was at least one representative, and around the palace and inside kept several dogs at once-they trusted the dogs much more than the courtiers who betrayed very often. Usually one dog lay at the door of the chambers, during the period when the king worked on books. A fairly large pack of Kuvasz was specially trained and prepared for hunting in the bush. The king did a great deal to breed the pure breed of Kuvasz, his kennels had magnificent specimens of this breed. After the death of Matiush, the kuvases lost popularity and they were returned to the original case - the protection of the herds.
At the moment, Kuvasz is used as sentry, shepherd's, representative dogs.
Characteristic
These are guard dogs with an independent disposition. The incorruptibility of this breed has been preserved in modern dogs. Hungarian kuwas can be kept in an apartment, and he will get along not only with the owner, but also with his family. However, for him there is only one owner.
Care and training
It is an active and large dog and requires careful special care. Wool must often be cleaned and combed. Active and expansive character requires long walks in the open air. Many dogs of this breed ran uncontrollably from the owners, and so sometimes they have to walk on the fenced territory to prevent them from running away. It is desirable to educate these dogs from an early age. Training requires special attention and it needs to be done often on a leash, as it will educate the tolerant attitude to the leash, which will avoid later shoots.