Talk:Kuvasz

redraft

I did a substantial redraft of the page in order to clean it up a bit and also try to flesh out the discussions concerning the origin of the breed's name and its history generally. Please feel free to add and to correct any typos. Not sure about the picture request. This was brought up previously and a different wikipedian said it wasn't needed, however a picture of a dog standing and at a better resolution might be helpful. croll 02:20, 17 January 2007 (UTC)

Introduction

Are the Kuvaszok also known as the Hungarian Sheepdog? They're not really a sheepdog -- they're a livestock guardian and are not often found in the role of a herding animal. More importantly, the term Hungarian Sheepdog seems to arise more with respect to the Puli and Komondor (particularly the Puli). I'm thinking of deleting this reference but would appreciate comments. croll 21:37, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

Removed "Hungarian Sheepdog" reference but happy to see it put back in if someone can show it's accurate. croll 19:40, 17 November 2006 (UTC)

They are actually known as 'Juhasz Kutya' , translating into Shepherds dog, not sheep dog. The term Juhasz Kutya is used for both Kommondor and Kuvasz.Horsemount 22:07, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Citation Needed

Someone (very rightly) added a citation needed mark on the issue of the breed's origins. I've looked and have had trouble finding one, however I thought I read somewhere that the Kuvasz Club of America has stricken references to Szumeria from its literature precisely because this theory has been debunked. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a source for that, either, and I could be wrong. croll 14:47, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

Fixed -- I think. croll 15:20, 7 August 2007 (UTC)

History

Could someone explain the relevance of the Bouvier des Flandres to this article? Where they in Hungary as well, or is this just a reference to a breed that suffered a similar ordeal during World War II? croll 14:33, 7 August 2007 (UTC)

• So far, this hasn't been explained. Not only that, but the reference to the Soviet's role in the near-extermination of the breed has now been twice removed despite the fact that it is cited. Per the cited source, "Advancing Nazi and Russian armies shot Kuvaszok who impeded their movements by protecting their families and property, and countless other dogs died from starvation in the postwar food shortages. When Hungarian fanciers sought to salvage their historic breed, only twelve surviving Kuvasz could be found. Another small population of Kuvaszok existed in Germany. Cut off from Hungarian influence, German breeders suffered considerable confusion about correct Kuvasz type and began breeding Kuvaszok whose appearance differed vastly from the Hungarian population." For the record, someone else originally added the Soviet reference (not me) but it does appear to be true. Please don't remove it again without discussion. croll 00:16, 25 September 2007 (UTC)
• Also, what relevance does the 2nd SS Division Das Reich have to this article or the near-extermination of the Kuvasz, or has this been referenced merely because that Division invaded Hungary? croll 00:05, 25 September 2007 (UTC)
  • Removed the reference to the 2nd Division due to lack of a citing reference or explanation of relevance to the Kuvasz, but I'm happy to see it put back in if it's relevant and can be cited. croll 23:48, 8 November 2007 (UTC)

External Links

I removed the link to the "Danish Kuvasz Page" as it is primarily a page in a foreign language, which is prohibited under WP:EL. There is some English content, but mostly not. Also, the page appears to be more about a specific dog rather than the breed generally. After further development and more English content, it may be worth putting back in but not right now. croll 15:18, 16 March 2007 (UTC)

Photos of puppies would be nice

In dog breed articles, it's usually a good idea to try and include a photo of an adult animal and a puppy so readers can see the two different stages of developement. I don't have any such photos but if other editors do, please add one. It wouldn't hurt to add even more such as a young pup, say about weaning age and then another young dog at say 3 to 4 months or even 6 months of age. Just a suggestion.LiPollis (talk) 01:23, 11 April 2008 (UTC)

Kuvasz KOO-vahss

"The Kuvasz (pronounced KOO-vahss; in Hungarian language the plural is Kuvaszok, pronounced KOO-vah-sock)" from http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Kuvasz Cuvtixo (talk) 02:56, 1 February 2009 (UTC) The present pronunciation is tagged with IPA(International Phonetic Alphabet). I'm not sure its entirely accurate, but its presence contradicts the request for a an IPA pronunciation. Strange that an IPA entry would use only conventional Roman letters. Cuvtixo (talk) 03:12, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

kuvasz all adout them

Appearance

The Kuvasz is a large dog with a dense coat which is usually white in color and can range from wavy to straight in texture. Although the fur is white, the Kuvasz’s skin pigmentation should be dark and the nose should be black. The eyes should have an almond shape. Females usually weigh between 35–50 kg (75-90 pounds) while males weigh between 50–70 kg (100-115 pounds) with a medium bone structure. The head should be half as wide as it is long with the eyes set slightly below the plane of the muzzle. The stop (where the muzzle raises to the crown of the head) should be defined but not abrupt. The precise standard varies by country. (See the Breed Standards for a more precise description.) To a casual observer, the Kuvasz may appear similar to a Slovak Cuvac, Great Pyrenees, Akbash, a Maremma Sheepdog, Samoyed or a white Poodle and Labrador Retriever mix.

As with many livestock guardian dogs, the color of the Kuvasz's coat serves a functional purpose and is an essential breed criterion. Shepherds purposefully bred the Kuvasz to have a light colored coat so that it would be easier for the shepherd to distinguish the Kuvasz from wolves that would prey on the livestock during the night. The Komondor, a cousin of the Kuvasz, has a white coat for the same reason. Traditionally, the Hungarian Kuvasz's coat could be either white or cream colored with a wavy texture. However, there is some debate, particularly in the United States, concerning the appropriateness of "cream" colored coats in show-quality dogs and whether the coat should be straight or wavy in texture.[1] Since washing and brushing out a coat, as done for shows in the US also causes the coat to appear straight, the debate may be circular. Straighter coats may also have appeared as the result of breeding programs that developed after World War II, when the breeding lines in Hungary were isolated from the rest of the world as a result of Soviet occupation (see History, below). By hungarian standard the straight coat is not acceptable. There must be special twirls in the coat. [edit] Temperament

The Kuvasz is a very intelligent dog and is often described as having a clownish sense of humor which can last throughout their adolescence and occasionally into adulthood.[2] They are intensely loyal yet patient pets who appreciate attention but may also be somewhat aloof or independent, particularly with strangers. In keeping with their origins as a livestock guardian, Kuvasz are known to be fierce protectors of their families. They rank 42nd in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs. They require an experienced dog handler/trainer. Given their intelligence, constant awareness of their surroundings, as well as their size and strength, they can be quite impressive in this role. A Kuvasz should be courageous, disciplined and stable, while hyperactivity, nervousness and shyness are to be faulted.

The combination of intelligence, independence and protectiveness make obedience training and socialization necessities. Furthermore, despite their intelligence, they should not be perceived as easily trained. Their independent personalities can make training a difficult task which can wear on the patience of even experienced owners. As a result, they are not recommended for novices and those who do not have time to train and socialize them properly. An adolescent Kuvasz should be able to learn basic obedience commands and consistently respond to them; however the instinctive need to investigate strangers and protect its owner may cause the Kuvasz to act independently when off leash and ignore the calls of a frustrated handler. Finally, a potential owner should refrain from purchasing a Kuvasz if barking will be a problem at the home. While not all Kuvasz are prone to barking, many of them fulfill their guardian role by vocally warning off potential threats, both real and imagined. On the other hand, many of these qualities make the Kuvasz excellent guardians for sheep or large estates. The Kuvasz needs special, very close connection to his owner. [edit] History

Although regarded today as one of the Hungarian breeds, the Kuvasz' origins actually lay with a nomadic tribe and may have its true origins from Mesopotamia along with domestic sheep and goats. Around 2000 B.C., the Magyar tribes moved along the recently established trade routes of the steppes, gradually leading them to the Carpathian Basin in Hungary which they conquered in 896 A.D. With them came Kuvasz-type dogs, which primarily served as livestock guardians. In 1978, the fossilized skeleton of a 9th Century Kuvasz-type dog was discovered in Fenékpuszta near Keszthely, a discovery which was remarkable in that the morphology of the skeleton was almost identical to a modern Kuvasz. If accurate, such a discovery would mark the Kuvasz as among the oldest identifiable dog breeds as only a few breeds can be dated beyond the 9th Century.

After the Magyar settlement of the Carpathian Basin, the tribes converted to a more agrarian lifestyle and began to devote more resources towards animal husbandry. Whereas the Komondor was used in the lower elevations with drier climates, the Kuvasz was used in the wet pastures of the higher mountains and both were an integral part of the economy. Later, during the 15th Century, the Kuvasz became a highly prized animal and could be found in the royal court of King Matthias Corvinus. Kuvasz puppies were given to visiting dignitaries as a royal gift, and the King was said to have trusted his dogs more than his own councilors.[3] After the king's death, the popularity of the breed among the nobles waned but it was still frequently found in its traditional role of protecting livestock.

By the end of World War II, nearly all the Kuvasz in Hungary had been killed. The dogs had such a reputation for protecting their families that they were actively sought and killed by German and Soviet soldiers, while at the same time some German officers were known to take Kuvasz home with them.[4][5] After the Soviet invasion and the end of the war, the breed was nearly extinct in Hungary.[6] After the war, it was revealed that fewer than thirty Kuvasz were left in Hungary and some sources indicate the number may have been as few as twelve. Since then, due to many dedicated breeders, Kuvasz have repopulated Hungary. However, as a result of this near extinction, the genetic pool available to breeders was severely restricted and there is conjecture that some may have used other breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, to continue their programs.[7] The issue is further clouded by the need to use a classification of B pedigrees at the time to rebuild the breed. [edit] Possible origins of the breed name

The word most likely comes from the Turkic word kavas meaning guard or soldier or kuwasz meaning protector. A related theory posits that the word may have originated from the ancient farmers of Russia, the Chuvash, who nurtured the breed for generations and contributed many words to the Hungarian language. [edit] Grooming

The Kuvasz's stiff, dense coat, growing up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length, does not require any special grooming. It needs to be brushed once a week or, better still, every two or three days. For standard grooming purposes, use of a grooming rake or a pin-brush with rounded pins is recommended. To remove stubborn knots, use a curry comb or a large-toothed comb. During the spring and autumn the Kuvasz moults (also known as shedding), and he will lose copious amounts of hair very quickly. Frequent brushing is therefore needed to keep his coat tidy. A Kuvasz should not smell or have an odor; such is usually a sign of illness or a poor diet. [edit] Health

Although generally a healthy and robust breed which can be expected to live approximately 12–14 years, the Kuvasz are prone to developmental bone problems.[8] Accordingly, owners should take care to provide proper nutrition to their Kuvasz puppy and avoid subjecting the puppy to rough play. As with many large breeds, hip dysplasia, a painful and potentially debilitating condition, is not uncommon. Good genetics and proper nutrition as a puppy are key to avoiding these complications.

A Kuvasz puppy should not be fed a diet high in calories or protein as such diets have been associated with the development of orthopedic disorders later in life. The Kuvasz has a very efficient metabolism and is predisposed to rapid growth—vitamin supplements are not necessary and, in fact, should be avoided.[9] Cooked bones should never be given to a Kuvasz or any other dog because the cooking process renders the bone brittle and prone to splintering, which can cause serious injury to the dog's mouth and digestive tract. [edit] Gallery Kuvasz Prince Filhote 1.jpg

Kuvasz Prince Juninho Revista.jpg

Kuvasz Prince Juninho Rosto.jpg

Kuvasz Prince Napoelao 1.jpg Kuvasz Prince Napoelao 2.jpg

Kuvasz Prince Beethoven Premiacao.jpg

2-kuvasz.jpg [edit] Similar Breeds

   * Italian Abruzzese Sheepdog
   * French Great Pyrenees
   * Slovakian Cuvac
   * Turkish Akbash Dog
   * Polish Tatra Sheepdog

[edit] References

Hódosi, József, ed. A Kuvasz. Hungaria Kuvasz Klub, 1996. English Translation by International Kuvasz Book Project.

  1. ^ Open Letter from KFA Concerning Breed Standard
  2. ^ Kuvasz Description And History
  3. ^ DogBreedInfo.com Kuvasz Page
  4. ^ Kuvasz Club of America - Kuvasz History
  5. ^ http://www.kuvasz.info/kuvaszdescription.htm
  6. ^ K9Web.com Kuvasz FAQ
  7. ^ Kuvasz Fanciers Association - The Kuvasz
  8. ^ Kuvasz Club of America - Kuvasz Health
  9. ^ Kuvasz Club of America - Caring For Your Kuvasz

[edit] External links

   * Breed Clubs
         o Kuvasz Fanciers of America
         o Kuvasz Club of Canada
         o Kuvasz Club of America
         o Kuvasz Club of Canada
         o American Kuvasz Association
         o Kuvasz Information (includes extensive history)  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.117.230.180 (talk) 13:50, 25 October 2009 (UTC) 

kuvasz maremma pyrenees guardian dogs

Picking and owning a guardian dog

I owned Maremma / Pyrenees while my neighbor owned 3 kuvasz and the only differences we found were the potential for more aggressiveness in the kuvasz, and that may well have been to the difference in home position to the road and used it to protect pigs and house. My experience in picking them is waiting for the one that stays away, last one to come out as a pup. The younger you can get them the better, unless they are with the type of animal you will put them with. Things to understand about this bread is they DO NOT like change, if you move pens frequently it confuses them if an animal belongs in a certain place they like to keep them there . We found them to only get pushy if say the horses charged the fence the dogs would bark and run at them to stop the offense also if the pigs came in the yard the dogs used their size to push at the pig barking in the ear accelerating if the animal did not respond, nipping the ear until animal responded appropriately. Our guardian dog was loving and protective of the baby pigs, having as many as 10 babies of assorted sizes sleeping on and around the dog. They like to do a perimeter check daily so walking them on their boundaries is helpful to keeping them home. They can be very intimidating to people because the way they treat wayward animals is how they will treat people who appear to not belong in your property. Eg. when we had to move off the farm we were hesitant to lose our dogs so we had them in a big yard when people would loiter in front of our place they would run over barking put their shoulder against the person pushing until they moved on. This was frightening to people who did not understand the breed. In the end we had to give the dog away to a working farm .We had the same problem with the working retriever dogs that have a purpose do not like being dormant. If you want to have a guardian dog as a pet you MUST spend a lot of time with them initially so they understand their role in your family they guard what they perceive to be their pack so whatever you give them they belong to and they do not transfer owners easily. If they are the right mix with your need you will NEVER find a better dog. An interesting footnote about the breed is ,half way from Fort Saint John BC and Dawson Creek BC is a heard of sheep with 2 guardian dogs there is close to 100 sheep and no fence in the 7 years we have lived here the sheep have never been even close to the road or the neighbors fields. Melboden Melboden (talk) 17:12, 13 February 2010 (UTC)