The Kuvasz: Hungary’s ancient guardian dog on the brink of extinction
The Kuvasz, one of Hungary’s oldest livestock guardian dog breeds—its fate intertwined with that of the Hungarian people since the time of the Great Migrations—is now teetering on the brink of extinction.
A brief history of an ancient breed
The Kuvasz has its origins on the Asian steppes and arrived in the Carpathian Basin alongside the migrating Hungarians. Its name means “protector” or “guardian”. In the Middle Ages, the breed was used not only to guard flocks but also for hunting—particularly bear and wolf. During the reign of King Matthias, Kuvasz dogs were held in especially high esteem; the king often gifted Kuvasz puppies to members of the nobility. Hungarian writer Dezső Kosztolányi had a profound bond with the breed, describing his own Kuvasz, named Hattyú, in a poem:
“Stand at the border, faithfully, old symbol,
in a false world, stand true,
stretch across the threshold like a forbidding statue,
guardian of my kind, wise Hungarian Kuvasz.”
— Dezső Kosztolányi: My Dog Hattyú
The current crisis: Alarming numbers
The population of Kuvasz dogs has plummeted in recent decades. According to the Hunnia Kuvasz Breeders’ and Cultural Association, only a few hundred puppies are born each year—and that is no exaggeration. Some sources report that no more than 180 registered Kuvasz puppies are born annually. Saving the breed will require not only the dedication of breeders but also the support of society as a whole.
The Kuvasz’s decline may partly be attributed to its size—it is a large dog that requires plenty of space and exercise, making it significantly more expensive to keep than smaller, apartment-friendly breeds. Urbanisation and changing trends in dog ownership—such as increased interest in lapdog breeds—have further marginalised this ancient working dog, whose true calling lies in freedom and purpose.
A young law student fights for the Kuvasz
Attila Bak, a law student at the University of Debrecen, has devoted himself to saving the Kuvasz. Since 2019, he has been seriously involved in breeding the dogs, with his Kuvasz line already earning accolades at prestigious domestic and international competitions. Attila places strong emphasis on preserving genetic diversity. To that end, he travelled to Transylvania in search of working Kuvasz dogs still employed in their original role.
These dogs, which have even confronted bears, could inject new vitality into the Hungarian gene pool. His goal was to identify bloodlines that still carry the Kuvasz’s authentic instincts.
“Heading to Transylvania! Out there in the mountains, Kuvasz dogs are still used for what God meant them to do—guard and protect.” – quoted by haon.hu, attributed to breeder Attila Bak.
The nature and care of the Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is a large, powerful breed with white fur and excellent guarding instincts. Intelligent and loyal, yet independent, the Kuvasz requires an experienced owner. It is not an aggressive breed but will firmly protect its territory and family. With proper training and socialisation, it can become a balanced and reliable companion.
What can we do to save the Kuvasz?
Responsible breeding and promotion of the breed are crucial for the Kuvasz’s survival. Through the “Kuvasz-Őr” programme, registered puppies are provided to farmers so the dogs can return to their original roles. Society also has a role to play: recognising and appreciating the breed’s value is essential to ensure its continued existence.
The Kuvasz is not just a dog breed—it is a part of Hungary’s cultural heritage. Its preservation is a shared responsibility, to ensure this loyal and courageous companion does not vanish into history.
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