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Breed profile

Kuvasz

A large white Hungarian guardian. Devoted to its own family, suspicious of everyone else, and inclined to make its own decisions.

Head-and-shoulders profile of a white female Kuvasz looking out beside wooden shutters
A Kuvasz keeps a watchful eye on her territory.Photo: Memenkeke / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
35–52 kg77–115 lb
Height
66–76 cm26–30 in
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Group
Pastoral / Working
Origin
Hungary
Popularity
#179 USNot ranked in UK · 2025

Known for: WatchdogsCold climates

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Protective, Loyal, Independent, Reserved.

Health problems to know about

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
  • Hypothyroidism

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

A daily walk plus room to run in a securely fenced space. Brush once or twice a week, more during the two heavy moults. Socialise widely and early, and keep growing puppies off hard exercise.

A good fit for

Experienced owners with space and solid fencing, rural homes, people who want a serious guardian.

Probably not ideal for

First-time owners, flats, homes with lots of visiting children or dogs, anyone wanting an obedient dog.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Hungarian Kuvasz
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Kuvasz
  3. American Kennel Club: Kuvasz
  4. Wikipedia: Kuvasz

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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