Lofranco Kuvasz Kennels

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Kuvasz History

The Kuvasz (plural Kuvaszok) origin is Hungary. The Kuvasz was first recorded in Hungary in the ninth century. The first breed standard was written in Hungary in 1905. The first Kuvasz was registered in the USA in 1931. The Canadian Kennel Club registered its first Kuvasz in 1958. First All Breed Best in Show was a Hungarian import in 1977. The first Canadian Bred Best in Show was in 1987. There have been approximately 2000 Kuvaszok registered with the Canadian Kennel Club since 1986. The National Kuvasz Registry was established in 1978.
Famous Antique Sculpture - Approximately 1874

The Kuvasz is a large, pure white dog of great beauty, strength, and agility. His coat is a medium length double coat with a coarse, wavy guard coat and a thick, woolly undercoat. The head is considered to be the most attractive part of the Kuvasz. The eyes are dark almond shaped. The lips should be tight and show no flews. The Kuvasz has thick drop ears of a triangular shape with a gently rounded tip. The widest part is level with the eye, and when the ear is pulled over the face should just cover the eye. The average male is 28 to 29 1/2 inches at the withers and approximately 88 to 115 pounds. Females average 26 to 27 1/2 inches and approximately 66 to 93 pounds. You should be able to separate the dogs from bitches by appearance. He is a very hardy dog with great stamina and endurance; he loves the cold and tolerates the heat.

This is a dog for the firm, strong, and the devoted among really experienced dog owners with common sense. A Kuvasz that gets the least out of hand is not only a nuisance but potential menace. Kuvaszok are very intelligent and loyal yet independent and able to act on their own initiative. He is capable of being a little wiser than a man. He must be highly socialized to be a successful family member in today's society. He requires a safe fenced area to exercise, especially during the rapid growth period between three and ten months of age. Chaining a Kuvasz will usually result in a vicious, unapproachable animal.

The Kuvasz is what you train him to be. Training begins the first day he enters your home and continues until he is the well mannered dog you expect him to be. He should learn the meaning of the word " NO," and the best treat is a hug and always available. Firmness, gentleness, and positive reinforcement are the key to success with this tough but sensitive dog with his family. A puppy's temperament may be improved in the right home just as easily as it may be ruined in the wrong hands. So much depends on the owner. Certainly good breeding is essential, but by itself is not sufficient. You may want to consider an adult if raising a puppy seems too difficult because not everyone can properly raise a Kuvasz. Please support responsible ownership.

Kuvasz are good eaters and enjoy their food. Please DO NOT disturb at meal time. This is NOT the time to train your dog. Please let him eat in peace and train him later. Please do not make his food a big deal or the dog may become " food" aggressive. Toys will make some Kuvasz possessive aggressive and are not recommended for guard dogs. Please give treats that he can eat immediately, and feed him lots of good food.

For more than a thousand years, the Kuvasz has been a guardian, and his natural instinct to protect his family and friends is unsurpassed. He is a great dog but not the dog for everyone!