Life Span:	10-13 years, up to15.
Litter Size:	6-9 puppies, average 8 puppies
Group:	Pastoral, Working, Guardian Dogs
Recognized By:	CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC
Color:	White, cream or ivory.
Hair Length:	Medium
Size:	Extra Large
Shedding:	Heavy Shed
Male Height:	28-30 inches (71-76)
Male Weight:	100-115 pounds (45-52kg)
Female Height:	26-28 inches (66-71cm)
Female Weight:	70-90 pounds (32-41kg)
Living Area:	This is not an apartment dog at all. While they need space to run, a mid-sized yard should do for the first two years, since you want to keep them from doing any damage to those fast growing bones during that time. A very sturdy 6-foot fence is far more important that square footage in the early years. However, as your Kuvasz progresses toward adulthood, more time should be spent outdoors and wide spaces are essential for physical exercise as well as emotional well-being. Those who keep such dogs in the country may want to consider building a puppy paddock.

About this Breed

This very large, white, fluffy dog is one of several types of large herding and mountain dogs that have spread throughout Europe in the last few thousand years. In fact most pastoral regions in Europe and Western Asia seem to have their own breed, slightly different according to the requirements of climate and inclination. They are intelligent and hard working without fail. The Kuvasz is no exception. Bred to guard royal persons and property in the more rugged parts of modern day Hungary, they've been a sign of wealth and privilege since becoming the royal bodyguard during the Hungarian Renaissance. They are quite large, often exceeding 100 pounds, and take nearly 2 years to reach maturity. They are known for being independent and fiercely loyal, often to the point of self-sacrifice. They are very good with children but must be well socialized to keep them from viewing all visitors as strangers and enemies. The breed, as a whole, is slow to anger,preferring instead to take their time and make up their own minds about everyone and every situation. However, when the situation warrants immediate action, he or she is ready to fight. The Kuvasz is so large that it could easily kill an unarmed man or few, so it's a dog not to be trifled with. It is for this reason that a great many were shot by advancing armies during World War Two, since they actually did present a threat to the life and limb of anyone who wasn’t "theirs." They have a very triangular head with black skin and nose. Their ears are floppy and tend to frame the face. The gait should be easy and fluid, and they tend to trot like a wolf when they run. Kuvasz dogs and bitches alike require a great deal of exercise and should be considered a country dog. Though many are keeping them as companion animals rather than working animals, they take work very seriously. As your puppy grows up with your family, the work of keeping your "herd" safe will be a full time job. This will often involve a great deal of barking.