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Kuvasz Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Kuvasz so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank157
Reviews3
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Kuvasz dog profile picture
OriginHungary flagHungary
Other Names
What other names does the Kuvasz have?
Hungarian Kuvasz
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the Kuvasz Breed

Kuvasz Size and Weight

Size
Is a Kuvasz small, medium or large dog?

How big do Kuvasz get?

What is the average size of a Kuvasz?

Giant
Weight
How much does the Kuvasz weigh? How much should a Kuvasz weight? What is the normal weight of a Kuvasz? How much does a full-grown Kuvasz weight?
Male: 106-137 pounds (48-62 kg), Female: 82-110 pounds (37-50 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Kuvasz?
Male: 121 pounds (40 kg), Female: 96 pounds (48,5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Kuvasz? Kuvasz height:
Male: 28-30 inches (71-76 cm), Female: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Kuvasz?
Male: 29 inches (73.5 cm), Female: 27 inches (68.5 cm)

Kuvasz Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Kuvasz puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Kuvasz in the United States? How much money is a Kuvasz?

Where to buy a Kuvasz with a good pedigree?

$500-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Kuvasz, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Kuvasz for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Kuvasz gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Kuvasz? How many Kuvasz are there in the world?
Frequent: The Kuvasz is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Kuvasz Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Kuvasz? Is the Kuvasz breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Kuvasz ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Kuvasz dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Kuvasz?
A slightly harder to train than average. Kuvasz dogs aren't famous for their trainability. This breed needs more time and repetition to obey. It's challenging to teach them new commands, but not impossible.
Watchdog Ability
Is Kuvasz good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Kuvasz dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Kuvasz dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Kuvasz dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Kuvasz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Kuvasz can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Kuvasz will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Kuvasz Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Kuvasz have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IndependentClownishProtectiveIntelligentPatientLoyalFearlessFaithfulBraveDependableSelf-Confident
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Kuvasz sensitivity:
Sensitive: Kuvasz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Kuvasz a good family dog?
Average: Kuvasz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Hungarian Kuvasz need? Kuvasz social needs:
Kuvasz dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Kuvasz to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Kuvasz roam?
Kuvasz dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Kuvasz have high prey drive?
Their prey drive is low. Kuvasz dogs don't have an impulse to catch or chase small animals.

Kuvasz Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Kuvaszs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Kuvasz dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Hungarian Kuvasz bark?
Average: The Kuvasz barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Kuvasz good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Kuvasz in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Kuvasz breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Kuvasz indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Kuvasz Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Kuvasz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Kuvasz be left alone? How long can you leave a Kuvasz alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Kuvasz Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Kuvasz has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Kuvasz? How much bite force does a Kuvasz have? How strong is a Kuvasz bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Kuvasz bite force: The Strongest. The Kuvasz bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Kuvasz measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Kuvasz dogs is impressive, and their Kuvasz bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Kuvasz PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Kuvasz bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Kuvasz puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Kuvasz bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Hungarian Kuvasz? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Kuvasz? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Kuvasz has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Kuvasz do?
Kuvasz dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Kuvasz dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Kuvasz Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Kuvasz dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Kuvaszs are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Kuvasz breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Kuvasz breed? Most common health risks of Kuvasz:
Hip Dysplasia BloatEye DiseasesThyroid DisorderHypertrophic OsteodystrophyOsteochondrosis
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Kuvasz breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Kuvasz see the vet?
Rare
The Kuvasz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Kuvasz dogs live? How old can a Kuvasz be? What is the age limit of the Kuvasz? How many years can the oldest Kuvasz live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Kuvasz?

How long is the lifespan of a Kuvasz?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Kuvasz: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Kuvasz Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Kuvasz have? What is the activity level of the Kuvasz?
Kuvasz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Kuvasz need? How much exercise do Kuvasz dogs require per day?

Do Kuvasz dogs need a lot of exercises?

Kuvasz dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Kuvasz breed need?
Kuvasz dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Kuvasz Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Kuvasz need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Kuvasz breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Kuvasz? How much food should I feed my Kuvasz?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Kuvasz risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Kuvasz's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Kuvasz weight regularly.

Kuvasz Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Kuvasz have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseWavyDoubleCoarser TopcoatModerately HarshSlightly StiffFiner Downy Undercoat
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Kuvasz coats?
White
Grooming
How to groom the Kuvasz and how often? How often should I take my Kuvasz to the groomer?
Effortless: The Kuvasz requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Kuvasz is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Kuvasz dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Hungarian Kuvasz? Do Kuvasz dogs shed a lot?
Kuvasz dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Kuvasz breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Kuvasz need a bath? How often should you give a Kuvasz a bath? Can I bathe my Kuvasz every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Kuvasz breed hypoallergenic?
No
Kuvasz dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Kuvasz has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Kuvasz drool?
The Kuvasz is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Kuvasz Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Kuvasz dogs get along with other pets? Are Kuvasz dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Kuvasz dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Kuvasz temperament with other people:
Kuvasz dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Kuvasz dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Kuvasz temperament with children:
Kuvasz dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Kuvasz dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Kuvasz breed live with a cat?
Kuvasz dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Kuvasz good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Kuvasz dogs get along with other dogs?
Kuvasz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Kuvasz breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Kuvasz breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Kuvasz dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Kuvasz dogs good office canines? Do Kuvasz dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Kuvasz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Kuvasz dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Hungarian Kuvasz temperament with senior people? Are Kuvasz dogs good for elderly owners?
Kuvaszs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Kuvasz As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Kuvasz be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Kuvasz is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Kuvasz be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Kuvasz be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Kuvasz is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Kuvasz be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Kuvasz is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Kuvasz be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Kuvasz is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Kuvasz be a boat dog?

Not really

Kuvasz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Kuvasz be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Kuvasz breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Kuvasz dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Kuvasz Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Kuvasz pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Kuvasz breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Kuvasz: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Kuvasz have in a litter? How many puppies can the Kuvasz breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Kuvasz have? How many puppies can a Kuvasz give birth to?
8-12 puppies

Kuvasz Recognition

AKC Group
Is Kuvasz recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Is Kuvasz recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.

Kuvasz Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Health Issues: Kuvaszs are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Kuvasz requires minimal grooming.
  • Stinkiness: The Kuvasz has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Watchdog Ability: Kuvasz dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthiness: Kuvasz dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Child Friendly: Kuvasz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Kuvaszs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Trainability: A slightly harder to train than average.
  • Hypoallergenic: Kuvasz dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Kuvasz breed.
  • Shedding Level: Kuvasz dogs shed above average.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Kuvasz's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Office Friendly: Kuvasz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Kuvasz dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Rate The Kuvasz Breed

Kuvasz Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • FRANK J

    Mar 13, 2024, 1:03:51 AM:

    HE IS NOW 5, HOW IS HE DOING

  • john edwards

    Dec 31, 2020, 7:39:12 PM:

    we have a two year old rescue pulls and wines and barks in car and in thewoods lunges at squirells we are retired can yoy help regards john

  • M

    Aug 6, 2020, 5:51:36 AM: