kuvasz – kuvasz dog

kuvasz – kuvasz dog

The kuvasz is an ancient breed of a livestock dog of Hungarian origin. Mention of the breed can be found in old Hungarian texts. It has historically been used as a royal guard dog, or to guard livestock, but has been increasingly found in homes as a pet over the last seventy years.

The kuvasz dog is an intelligent and is often described as having a clownish sense of humor which can last throughout their adolescence and into adulthood.They are intensely loyal and patient pets who appreciate attention but may also be somewhat aloof or independent, as well as thoroughly cunning, particularly with strangers. They rank a low 42nd in Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs, but keep in mind that Coren’s criteria focus on how fast a dog can learn obedience “tricks”—a limited test of intelligence. The kuvasz breed is for experienced handlers only. The combination of intelligence, independence[citation needed] and protectiveness[citation needed] make obedience training and socialization absolute necessities.

They are strictly working dogs, bred for centuries to think independently and act without instruction, scanning and evaluating the environment and taking protective or deterrent action as needed. This was a vital trait in their solitary duties protecting livestock. That independence can make training a difficult task, wearing on the patience of even experienced owners. Kuvasz quickly understand what is being asked of them, but they have to respect a person as a trusted leader before they’ll obey commands.