Hungarian Kuvasz is an ancient herding breed of dogs. Its four-legged representatives are distinguished by enviable endurance, strength, large size and excellent working qualities. Purebred Hungarian Kuvasz is an excellent livestock guard. Today we will take a closer look at this unique breed and learn how to properly care for it.
Characteristic
Dogs of this famous breed are very popular today. Their relevance is due not only to the attractive appearance, but also high intelligence. Kuvas has everything on his point of view. It is a mobile and active animal that cannot sit in one place for a long time.
Kuvasas are characterized by a proportional body structure, due to which they can easily cope with the solution of any tasks assigned to them.
Many people at first sight fall in love with these beautiful shaggy healthy people, however, buying a puppy of Hungarian kuvasa follows only after a detailed acquaintance with all its characteristics and features. Let us consider in detail the description of the representatives of this breed.
- Adults in weight can reach 62 kgif we are talking about a dog. Bitches lighter - their average weight is 50 kg. The lower boundaries are 48 and 37 kg, respectively.
- Beautiful purebred dogs at the withers have an average height of 73 cm.
- Purebred Kuvaszy have a head characteristic only for them - it is large, bony, but there are no bumps on it. The nose is black, the eyes are almond-shaped, the shade of the iris is usually dark.
- The bite of the crochet must be correct. The jaws are well developed and are very strong. The chewing muscles are strong, and the teeth are white and large, set straight.
- Ears from Thoroughbred Hungarian Kuvasz will always be sharp, having an average size. At the very base, they are slightly raised, and at the ends are slightly lowered along the muzzle.
- These dogs differ remarkably developed croup. They have a developed and pronounced musculature. The jaw chest is large and strong, the brisket in this area is well protruded.
- A stomach in a healthy pedigree will not hang down. He should always be trim, neat. However, to notice this because of the dense wool cover is rarely possible.
- The paws of the hucasses are strong, have large and tight joints, they are characterized by correct angles. In moments of hasty movement, the elbows of a Hungarian dog never turn out, so the pet moves evenly and measured.
- The skin of these dogs is almost invisible, on the other hand, a thick and dense undercoat with a dark gray shade is clearly visible.
- The tail is set low and looks down, but its tip is raised. When the animal is at rest, it reaches the hock joints. The tail may rise, but it is not flush with the back.
Hungarian Kuvasz is truly different chic woolen cover. It is wavy and soft. There is a solid and fluffy undercoat. The length of the coat is moderate - 10-15 cm.
Often, representatives of this breed are confused with the commander, but if you look at two different animals standing next to each other, any doubts will dissolve. The commander has a wool similar to dreadlocks, but for quasa it is neater, short and straight.
The coat of the Hungarian kuvas will be neat and soft if you provide her with competent care from the owners. Coat color is limited to several standard options:
- pure white;
- milk;
- a touch of ivory.
Lips and paw pads of kuvas have a characteristic black color.
Advantages and disadvantages
Hungarian kuvas, like a dog of any other breed, has its strengths and weaknesses. Before buying such a puppy, you should consider all the features of the pet.
Consider the advantages of the breed.
- Amazing combination of serenity and severity in the nature of these dogs can be attributed to their serious advantage. Such a pet will be balanced and calm, but at the right moment he is able to demonstrate the opposite traits of character.
- Kuvaszy are independent animals, but this does not affect the level of their obedience. Properly educated pet will listen to its owner and execute all commands.
- Hungarian kuvasov considered one of the most loyal dogs. They remain faithful to their man throughout their lives, but strangers are treated with caution and with the utmost seriousness.
- Kuvasso distinguished restraint and endurance.
- Representatives of this famous breed they can not only obey their master well, but also make their own decisions easily.
- Many people give birth to such dogs, falling in love with their beautiful appearance.
The disadvantages of the Hungarian Kuvasz following.
- Average degree of aggressiveness - This is one of the most significant features that repel breeders from acquiring a puppy of this breed. Uncontrollable anger from kuvas usually does not emanate, but this does not negate the fact that dogs of this breed need competent education and training so that they can keep their emotions under control.
- White coat color - Another parameter of the breed, which is attributed to its shortcomings. For such wool cover requires serious care, which not all breeders are ready to provide.
- Hungarian kuvas needs the right upbringing, but it is often given with great difficulty. It is difficult to train and train this pet to beginner breeders, therefore this breed is rarely suitable for beginners.
- Kuvasz cannot be called a big fan of children. With them, the dog does not always get along.
- Extra aggression pets can show in the address of not only strangers, but also other dogs. This can be a big problem while walking. You always need to keep the kuvas on a leash and not disregard it so that he does not get involved in a fight with another pet.
- By cons, many people attribute the fact that with such a dog you have to walk a lot, taking up her active games with impressive physical exertion. That is why Hungarian kuvasa is not recommended for people who are not energetic and highly active.
Character traits
Initially, the Hungarian Kuvasz was taken out specifically for the protection and protection of livestock and human dwellings. These dogs have a pronounced sense of territoriality. They are always ready to rush to the defense of the owner and his property.
These particular character traits among the kuvases were welcomed for many years by nomads and herders. Animals with their harsh appearance and menacing barking frightened off thieves or thieves. Predators, too, were afraid of the kuvas, since, having such a force, the dogs could easily deal with them.
Such characteristics do not suggest that the Hungarian Kuvasz behaves aggressively towards absolutely everyone. A clever animal can independently and quickly assess the degree of threat.
If the kuvas considers that his master is in danger, he will be ready to fight and fight to the last.
Breeders claim that Kuvasu differ balanced nervous system and psyche. But this does not prevent again and again to appear different terrible stories about how unmanageable and inadequate they are.Unfortunately, in these "fairy tales" there is some truth. Kuvasz cannot be left without early socialization and proper upbringing at a professional level. The dog will treat all strangers with the utmost wariness and even arrange fights with other animals.
Owners should treat pets of this breed with tenderness and love. Kuvases respond in the same way. But from the rudeness and violence should be abandoned immediately, because such behavior on the part of the owner will lead to aggression and sharpness of the animal, which ultimately will lead to bad consequences.
Proud and smart Kuvaszy not forgive resentment. Only with proper and consistent upbringing can we expect that an excellent guard, watchman or devoted companion will come out of this pet.
You can not leave the Hungarian kuvas without constant communication. The dog must be in contact with his own kind, and with people in the environment. Thanks to such actions, the animal from the unsociable and incredulous grows into a friendly and sociable four-legged friend.
Attention from the owner is also incredibly important. A person should not forget about this pet, leaving him alone with him. If you ignore this rule, the nature of the pet can be badly spoiled.
Kuvas does not like monotonous work. Performances in public this dog also does not like.
Kuvasz can get along well on the same territory with other pets. It may even be cattle or a bird.
For children, dogs are peculiar. If an animal is familiar from an early age with a younger member of the family, then it will be treated with care and warmth. Otherwise, the pet will try to avoid the child. Hungarian Kuvasses are perceived as big children as equals.
Rules of maintenance and care
Dogs of the described breed need proper and conscientious care. Like most other workers individuals, kuvas is unpretentious and undemanding in matters of caring for them. Four-legged seamlessly transfers various climatic changes and weather changes. Pets have a good undercoat, which does not allow them to freeze at low temperatures.
For Hungarian kuvasov characterized by strong immunity. They are distinguished by excellent health.
Many breeders are frightened off by the white coat of dogs of this breed, because it requires constant and not very easy care, which can not be neglected, but this is not quite so. Frequent bath procedures wool does not require coats.
In conditions of free keeping the pet will decide when it is necessary to bathe. If an animal lives in a situation where its wool does not get dirty often, then experts advise it not more often 4-5 times a year — that will be enough. For washing, you should use only a special shampoo designed for dogs with long hair. It is advisable to buy high quality branded products.
Wool hair does not need constant trimming or haircuts. It will be necessary only to comb the animal. It will be necessary to do this every day, because the elegant snow-white fur coat of these pets is prone to the appearance of mats. She often falls down, which is why the pet's appearance suffers a lot.
2 times a year the dog molts. If the pet is kept in a residential environment, it becomes a big problem for the owners, because the light hair that has fallen out of it all the way hits the floor.
Thoroughbred Hungarian kuvasy differ strong bent claws. If the pet is kept in an open-air cage or other conditions where the claws are erased by themselves, then you will not have to resort to regular trimming. Care for dog claws is required in situations where the animal lives in urban environments. It is important to keep under control the length of the claws that are on the dewclaws of the paws, as they are capable of curling, causing injury to the limb.
Claws should be trimmed very carefully so as not to hurt the vessels.You can contact a specialist for such a service if you are afraid to do such procedures yourself.
It is important to monitor the degree of purity of the ears and teeth of the animal. It is important to teach a puppy to inspect and clean these areas from an early age. It is necessary to monitor the purity of the eyes of the pet. If in these areas were observed strange discharge or suppuration, it is better to immediately go to the veterinarian and show him the dog. It’s not worth wasting time, as well as making diagnoses yourself - this can lead to big pet health problems.
Hungarian kuvasu It is important to ensure optimum conditions. A large and strong pet should be allocated a spacious free territory. It is not recommended to keep it in a house or apartment. You can place the kuvasa in a well-equipped aviary. The latter should be spacious.
Allowed and free maintenance of such a fluffy healthy in the yard or on the local area. It is not necessary to plant on a chain of kuvass. If the dog does not have freedom in movement, it will suffer and yearn, and eventually it will fall ill at all.
With the Hungarian kuvasom have a lot of walking. Walking should be long and not lazy. Pet must be loaded with active games so that he can spend the accumulated energy. At walks should spend at least 2 hours a day, especially if the pet is contained in limited area conditions.
What to feed?
Concern about the health and longevity of Hungarian kuvas consists not only in daily walks and combing wool, but also in proper, balanced feeding. Dogs of the breed described are distinguished by well-developed muscles, they grow quickly and are active, so for normal development they need to make an optimal menu.
Kuvassov can not be called demanding gourmets. They are unpretentious in matters of feeding and will be fed and half of the portions, which consume large four-legged other breeds. But this does not mean that there is no need to pay proper attention to the diet of these pets.
In order for a pet to be healthy and live a long time, animal foods must be present in the foods it consumes. It can be:
- meat with bones;
- meat with cartilage;
- various fresh offal.
You should not give kouvas pork or lamb. These products are highly fat and poorly absorbed by the dog's body. To feed such a pet should be vegetables and cereals, greens.
In order for the skeleton of a purebred dog to feed on the necessary “building material,” it must definitely present fresh cottage cheese, dairy products and sea fish (river should not be given). Mature individuals need to give these products 1-2 times a week, and small puppies - more often.
Food from the table of the Hungarian kuvas, like most representatives of other breeds, is forbidden to feed. In no case should the dog be given fried, salted, marinated and rich treats. Sweets can cause great harm to the pet, so they can not be given even in small quantities. If the dog itself reaches for food containing sugar, then it must be removed to inaccessible places where it cannot reach and reach.
Many owners prefer to feed their thoroughbred pets ready-made dry food from reputable manufacturers. Such food makes it possible to significantly save free time, because a person does not have to cook a high-quality dish for a long time and select fresh, healthy foods for a dog. If you want to feed a four-legged companion with such feed, then you need to give preference Only premium and super premium products.
Many breeders recommend feeding Hungarian kuvas with fresh and natural, rather than ready-made, industrial products. This is explained by natural food is more familiar to animals of the described breed.
Training
Hungarian kuvasa can not be left without socialization and proper education. Experts say that dogs of this breed are easily trained and trained. They quickly learn new teams, because they have a sharp mind and ingenuity.
Sometimes the learning process of such a pet becomes slow. This must be taken into account. The owner, who deals with such a dog, must be well trained in patience and free time.
You can not break, shout at the dog or resort to physical punishment. Kuvasz will require the most respectful and persistent human impact.
Kuvasas, like most representatives of other large breeds, mature for a long time. For this reason, it is important to give due attention to the upbringing of the animal, until it is 2–3 years old. Difficult transitional period falls on the age of 1-1.5 years. At this time, it is necessary to bring the pet to designated areas where he can train and communicate. Socialization of a puppy, sufficient communication with people and other animals will do their work, and the beast will grow outgoing, intelligent.
Kuvaszy are versatile pets. Providing them with proper upbringing and dressing, they not only show the characteristics of a security guard at the genetic level, they also become excellent companions. The animal will execute commands with pleasure and great dedication. The best encouragement for a kuvas is the praise coming from the owner, but the pet also will not give up on various delicacies, of course.
As soon as the puppy is 2–3 months old, it’s necessary daily train. Classes should not be too tight, long and overloaded. The baby will need to teach to wear a collar and a leash. A puppy must master simple basic commands.
Regularly conducted exercises in a game form, will quickly lead to the expected result. Rumors of uncontrollability and inadequacy of the Hungarian kuvas represent the consequences of the irresponsibility of the owners in relation to the education of such an animal.
Useful tips and tricks
The content of the purebred Hungarian kuvasov should take into account some useful recommendations.
- Kuvas should pay a lot of attention. If you do not have enough free time, you should entrust the upbringing and training of the animal to the experts or give preference to another breed.
- These dogs from an early age need timely vaccination and deworming. Further, these procedures will be needed as needed.
- If you suspect that the pet is sick, he should immediately be taken to a veterinarian. Do not waste time and do not diagnose yourself. This can lead to sad consequences.
- If the dog suddenly starts behaving strangely and inadequately, does not respond to commands, demonstrates aggression and depression in behavior, this will not necessarily be indicative of her foul nature. Perhaps the pet lacks essential nutrients. It is worth revising his diet.
- There is no sense in teaching kuvasa since all the abilities of this breed are laid by nature.
- The females of this breed are ready to meet with a dog in the first estrus, However, it is impossible to knit knotas so early.
- Seriously restrict the freedom of kuvasa not. If you do not follow this recommendation, the animal will begin to yearn or fall ill.
- Kuvaszy are subject to various diseases. These include eye diseases (progressive retinal atrophy), hip joint dysplasia, and thyroid pathology. It is necessary to monitor the health of the pet and from time to time to visit the veterinarian to be aware of the status of quvas.
- Do not shout at the kuvassa, if he long masters new teams. This is a normal situation for this breed. Screams and physical impact will only ruin the relationship between you.
For a more detailed description of the breed of Kuvas, see the following video.