Keep in mind that while a Kuvasz will seem to grow quickly, in spite of his size he not reach physical maturity until after he is two years old. Bones, muscles, tendons will all be developing during those early years. As will his personality. A one year old Kuvasz at 60 or more pounds is still a teenage in mind and body.

Frequent bathing is not necessary because the Kuvasz is odorless and his coat naturally repels dirt and water. Weekly brushing with a pin brush is all that is necessary to maintain his coat. Cutting excess fur between his toes and filing his toe nails as needed is all that is necessary to protect his paws. Brushing your dogs' teeth, hard biscuits and rawhide chews help to limit tartar buildup and gum disease. Real bones are not safe for any dog. These bones are cooked, they are generally more brittle, and can splinter, causing potentially life threatening harm to a dog. Given the strength of the Kuvasz, splintering is even more likely than some smaller breeds.

Brushing the teeth, as part of normal grooming, may seem to be an amusing idea. It is also a very good one. It removes tartar and helps to prevent problems with gum disease and the "breath" that goes with it, especially in the older dog. You might want to check with your vet for more detailed suggestions. Electric tooth brushes, and normal toothpaste's are NOT recommended!!!!!!!

It is also useful to accustom your Kuvasz to teeth brushing as a puppy, making it just another part of grooming. Suddenly starting this with an older dog might be looked upon by the dog as very odd activity! You might want to explain it to inexperienced house guests as well.

Always provide your dog with immunization protection and scheduled booster shots throughout its life. The Kuvasz is relatively free from many genetic diseases. However as in most larger breeds, Hip Dysplasia continues to require careful monitoring by breeders. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, that can generally be determined by 2 years of age (when most larger dogs have finished their skeletal growth). Other disorders that have infrequently occurred are thyroid dysfunction, deafness, eye problems and rare instances of inherited or acquired von Willebrand's Disease.

EXERCISE

Kuvasz puppies are unsuitable for apartment or condo life. They are in general too active for such a confining lifestyle, and must have a fenced in area to let off steam. A solid five or six foot fence is a necessity. An occasional romp through the park will not satisfy them; unleashing them in a park is definitely NOT advisable.

A Kuvasz by nature does not allow discomfort/pain to interfere with its duties. Living in the pastures with its flock, it survives all weather, and drives off all forms of predators. Products such as "invisible fencing" will not stop a determined Kuvasz. Strong, properly maintained perimeter fencing is the only viable option. Chaining or tying out this breed is not recommended. The Kuvasz moves freely by nature, and such restriction will cause frustration and ultimately inappropriate aggression.

While Kuvasz enjoy the outdoors and lots of exercise, unlimited or extreme exercise is not good for the young growing pup. The Kuvasz puppy has a rapidly growing skeletal structure. While he is certainly not delicate, there is a risk of lifelong damage from excessive or hard play /exercise during formative growth. Hard play with more mature dogs is not advisable for the same reasons: it often pushes the puppy past what he would normally do on his own. This does not mean the puppy should be isolated, but play should be monitored. Running on slippery floors and repeatedly climbing stairs should also be avoided. The dog's larger size does not mean maturity. Bones and tendons that are not fully formed, without mature muscle to protect them, are subject to damage by excessive or repeated stress; much as they would be in a growing child.