Kuvasz - Appearance & Grooming
Dog Breeds
Introduction
Appearance & Grooming of the Kuvasz Dog Breed: The average Kuvasz stands 26 to 30 inches high at the shoulders and weighs between 70 and 115 pounds (the females are smaller and lighter than the males). Their thick coat should be brushed on a daily basis, but their coat naturally repels dirt.
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Appearance
The Kuvasz is a large, stately sheepdog with a thick, white coat and handsome head. The head is considered to be the most beautiful part of the Kuvasz and proper proportions are important. The length of head measured from tip of nose to occiput should be slightly less than half the height of the dog at the withers. The width should be half the length of the head. There is a well-defined but not abrupt stop. The muzzle tapers slightly and ends with a black nose and black lips. Teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The ears are V-shaped and pendant while the eyes are almond-shaped, very dark and expressive. The Kuvasz is a muscular dog but should not be bulky – despite his size, the Kuvasz is an agile dog. The tail is carried low, with the natural length reaching at least to the hocks. It hangs down resting on the body, the end but slightly lifted. When the dog is alert or excited, he may raise the tail to the level of the loin, the tip slightly curved up.
Size and Weight
The ideal height for a Kuvasz is 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder for males and 26 to 28 inches for females. Males weigh in from 100 to 115 pounds and females weigh slightly less, from 70 to 90 pounds.
Coat and Color
The thick double coat of the Kuvasz is white, but the skin of the dog is gray or black. In the show ring, the darker the skin, the better. The undercoat is fine, while the topcoat is slightly coarse. The hair may be wavy or straight. The head, muzzle, ears, and paws have short, smooth hair while the neck has a thick mane of hair, as is the chest. The front of the forelegs, elbows, and hind legs are also smooth and short, while the backs of the forelegs are feathered. The body and thighs are covered with medium-length hair and the back of the legs and tail have hair that can be four to six inches in length.
Grooming Needs
The coat of the Kuvasz needs to be brushed several times a week with a grooming rake, slicker brush or pin brush in order to prevents mats. A large tooth comb and conditioning spray should be used to work mats loose from the hair. In the spring and fall, the Kuvasz will shed heavily, so brushing should occur daily. The coat is naturally odorless and repels both water and dirt, so baths only need to occur a few times per year. Over-bathing a Kuvasz will strip the coat of its protective oils and will actually cause the dog to become more dirty.
Check the ears on a regular basis for signs of wax buildup, irritation or infection. Clean the ears with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-approved cleanser; never use a cotton swab in a dog's ear canal. Teeth should be brushed on a weekly basis to prevent tartar buildup, promote gum health and keep bad breath at bay. Trim nails monthly if the dog does not wear the toenails down naturally outdoors.
Pictures
Temperament & Personality