The Kuvasz (plural, Kuvaszok) is believed to have originated in Tibet.
As the breed spread westward into Europe, it came to be known by the Turkish
name of "kawasz" meaning "armed guard of the nobility."
A dog reserved for the nobility and known throughout Europe during the Middle
Ages, the breed as it is known today was developed in Hungary, particularly
in the kennels of King Matthias I who reigned in Hungary from 1458 to 1490.
The breed has been known in the United States since the 1920s. It is believed
that the modern Kuvasz is smaller than the original dogs that came out of
Tibet.
The Kuvasz is a spirited dog with keen intelligence and courage. He is a
very sensitive animal. Polite to accepted strangers, he is always ready
to protect his family, especially the children.
The head of the Kuvasz from nose to occiput (top of the skull) is slightly
less than half the height of the dog at the withers. The width of the head
is half of the length. The eyes are almond shaped and set well apart. The
ears are v-shaped and set between the level of the eye and the top of the
head. When pulled forward, they cover the eye. The widest part of the ear,
when folded downward, is level to the eye. It hangs close to the cheek.
The forehead is raised slightly above the plane of the muzzle. The inside
of the mouth is preferably black. The nose is large and black. The lips
are black. The bit is scissors. The neck is muscular and of medium length.
The back is of medium length, straight, firm and broad. The chest is deep
and reaches almost to the elbow. The legs are medium boned, straight and
well muscled. The tail length is to the hock. The tail is carried low in
repose but is elevated to the level of the loin when the dog is excited.
The tip will curl up slightly. The coat is white. It is a double coat with
a fine undercoat and a medium coarse outer coat that may range from wavy
to straight. Shorter coat exists on the head, forelegs and hind legs below
the thighs. Heavier, longer coat exists on the mane, backs of the legs,
body and tail. Average height is between 26 and 30 inches. Average weight
is between 75 and 115 pounds.