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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
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Kuvasz known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Hungarian Kuvasz
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Kuvasz? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the Kuvasz Breed

Kuvasz Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Kuvasz? Learn how big the Kuvasz breed typically grows.
Giant
Weight Statistics
How much does a Kuvasz weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Kuvasz breed.
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 Range
How much does a Kuvasz puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Kuvasz costs.
$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

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Kuvasz? Discover the Kuvasz's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
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.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Kuvasz? Learn about the Kuvasz's trainability and response to training methods.
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 Rating
How good is a Kuvasz as a watchdog? Learn about the Kuvasz's alertness and guarding instincts.
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.
Territorial Protection
Is a Kuvasz protective of its territory? Learn about the Kuvasz's guarding instincts and behavior.
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

Personality Traits
What personality does a Kuvasz have? Learn about characteristic Kuvasz temperament and behavior traits.
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

Barking Frequency
Does a Kuvasz bark a lot? Learn about typical Kuvasz vocalization patterns and triggers.
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.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Kuvasz? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Kuvasz 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.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Kuvasz live in an apartment? Learn about the Kuvasz's suitability for apartment living.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Kuvasz to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Kuvasz's flexibility to new situations.
Average: Kuvasz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Kuvasz be left alone? Learn about the Kuvasz's tolerance to solitude.
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 Risk Assessment
What is a Kuvasz biting potential? Learn about the Kuvasz's bite risk factors.

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.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Kuvasz mouthy? Learn about the Kuvasz's tendency to use mouth during play.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Kuvasz bite? Learn about the Kuvasz's bite force measured in PSI.

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.

Kuvasz Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Kuvasz live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Kuvasz breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Kuvasz: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Kuvasz handle different weather? Learn about the Kuvasz's climate adaptability.
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.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Kuvasz? Discover typical conditions affecting the Kuvasz breed.
Kuvaszs are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Kuvasz need vet visits? Learn about the Kuvasz's veterinary care requirements.
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.
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

Kuvasz Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Kuvasz? Understand daily activity needs of the Kuvasz breed.
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

Obesity Tendency
Is a Kuvasz prone to weight gain? Learn about the Kuvasz's obesity risks.
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.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Kuvasz need daily? Learn about the Kuvasz's feeding requirements.
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals

Kuvasz Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Kuvasz hypoallergenic? Learn about the Kuvasz's suitability for allergy sufferers.
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.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Kuvasz come in? Discover all possible Kuvasz color variations.
White
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Kuvasz need? Learn about Kuvasz coat maintenance requirements.
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.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Kuvasz drool a lot? Learn about the Kuvasz's drooling habits.
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.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Kuvasz smell bad? Learn about the Kuvasz's natural odor levels.

Low 🔽

The Kuvasz has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Kuvasz have? Learn about the Kuvasz's fur characteristics.
DenseWavyDoubleCoarser TopcoatModerately HarshSlightly StiffFiner Downy Undercoat
Bathing Needs
How often does a Kuvasz need baths? Learn about the Kuvasz's bathing requirements.
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.

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.

Kuvasz Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Kuvasz good with children? Learn about the Kuvasz's behavior around kids of different ages.
Kuvasz dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Kuvasz get along with other pets? Discover the Kuvasz's compatibility with other animals.
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.
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 Capability
Can a Kuvasz be a service dog? Learn about the Kuvasz's service work potential.

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 Work Suitability
Is a Kuvasz good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Kuvasz's therapy work aptitude.

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.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Kuvasz good at detection work? Learn about the Kuvasz's scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Can a Kuvasz do search and rescue? Learn about the Kuvasz's SAR capabilities.

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.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Kuvasz good on boats? Learn about the Kuvasz's maritime capabilities.

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.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Kuvasz pull carts? Learn about the Kuvasz's drafting abilities.

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.

Military Service Background
Was a Kuvasz used in military service? Learn about the Kuvasz's military history.

Not really

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

Kuvasz Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Kuvasz usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
8-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Kuvasz pregnant? Learn about the Kuvasz's gestation period.

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.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Kuvasz have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

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.

Kuvasz Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Kuvasz in? Learn about the Kuvasz's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Kuvasz in? Learn about the Kuvasz's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.

Kuvasz Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Health Concerns: Kuvaszs are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming Requirements: Effortless: The Kuvasz requires minimal grooming.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Kuvasz has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Watchdog Rating: Kuvasz dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Kuvasz dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Child Compatibility: Kuvasz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Kuvaszs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Training Difficulty: A slightly harder to train than average.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Kuvasz dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Kuvasz breed.
  • Shedding Level: Kuvasz dogs shed above average.
  • Obesity Tendency: 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: