About The Breed
Originating in Hungary, the ancient dog breed of Kuvasz made its way into North America only recently. They have been a well hidden secret which only now, is coming to the surface!
These striking dogs have dark brown eyes, black noses and black pigmented skin that contrasts beautifully with their thick white wavy coat. The coat itself is unique as it has the ability to shed off all dirt and muck that farm life can bring. The occasional brushing is all that is needed for grooming. Their average weight ranges between 82 - 110 lb for a female, and between 106 - 137 lb for a male.
Since we are a family owned farm with children, temperament has always been an extremely important aspect of the breed to us. Like all responsible Kuvasz breeders in Canada, we have bred our dogs first and foremost, to have a kind disposition. These dogs were designed to protect and guard those whom they love, a job they do to the fullest.
Tracy with Sokka
Peter biking with Desna
History of the Breed
The Kuvasz breed can be traced back 7,000 years to ancient Sumeria and Scythia, and is considered one of the oldest breeds in the world. It is believed that Kuvaszok accompanied the Magyars (Hungarians) as guardian dogs when they left Scythia and conquered the Carpathian Basin (circa 895-907 AD).
Kuvasz were the favourite guardian dog of King Matthias Corvinus, the king of Hungary and Croatia from 1458 - 1490, and it was said that he trusted his dogs more than any of his advisors or guardsmen.
Unfortunately the Kuvasz breed’s fiercely loyal and protective reputation was almost its undoing during World War II. German and Soviet soldiers would actively hunt them down and kill them, although a few dogs were also stolen for the soldiers’ own families. It is only thanks to dedicated breeders that this distinguished breed was not lost.
Kuvasz, the Ideal Farm Dog
Kuvasz have been guarding families, livestock, farms and villages for millenia, and thus have fearless, self-assured and family loving temperaments. This makes them ideal as both livestock guardian dogs and as family companions on the farm.
Kuvasz will protect whatever they consider to be their territory or possession. This includes your house, livestock, truck, tractor, children, tool shed, barbeque, shop equipment, etc... Whatever is on that 5-1000 acre property belongs to them. No one will get up your laneway without the dog letting you know. No predator will step onto the property without the dog letting you know, and no unwanted visitors will creep in during the night or day without that dog letting everyone know. Keeping this in mind, remember that these are not attack dogs. They are not vicious and will not purposely charge to kill a predator, but they will kill vermin such as rodents. Their main point of aggression is in their manner and voice. They bark, growl, snarl and show their teeth, but they will not attack unless absolutely necessary. The voice alone is enough to send any predator running. Once the predators have learned there are Kuvasz on property, they tend to stay away.
