How to Groom a Kuvasz

The Kuvasz is a brave, smart and protective dog. People generally use this breed as livestock keepers and watchdogs. Although they are good at protecting, they may not be all that affectionate towards their owners and aren't good around children. They have a thick, full coat which demands lots of brushing and grooming. A full grooming is necessary every 4 to 6 weeks.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slicker brush
• Scissors
• Thinning shears

1. Brush once per week. Kuvaszs have a medium-length coat of thick hair which you must properly maintain. If you live in a cold climate, your dog may only shed once per year. If you live in a warmer climate, he will shed year-round.

2. Avoid bathing. The Kuvasz has a coat which naturally sheds dirt. Bathing them strips away the coat of the oil that performs this function. Try putting corn starch on the coat and brushing it in. This can help keep them looking clean without removing their skin oils.

3. Look behind the ears for any signs of matting.

4. Use scissors to get rid of any long hairs covering the anus. These can collect fecal matter and dirt. Keep this area well-groomed.

5. Remove clumped areas of the coat with thinning shears.

Tips & Warnings

• Kuvaszs have a life expectancy of about 10 to 12 years.
• These dogs are incredibly active and need lot of space. If bored, they may dig or potentially become destructive.
• Kuvaszs may be the ancestors of certain other herding dogs, such as the Anatolian Sheepdog, the Great Pyrenees, the Marema Sheepdog and the Polish Tatra Sheepdog.
• If you are buying the dog from a breeder, make sure the puppy's parents have hip clearance. These dogs are genetically disposed to hip dysplasia.
• Other health problems include osteochondritis dissecans (an inflammation of the joints which can lead to lameness), hypertrophic osteodystrophy, skin problems and allergic reactions.