Slovak cuvac

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Country of Origin: Slovakia
Weight: 85-105 lbs.
Height: 25-28 inches
Coat: Medium length - thick and wavy
Color: White
Registry: FCI and Slovensky Cuvac Club of America
Group: Livestock Guard Dog

Also known as Slovensky Cuvac, (Slovak Cuvac), (Slovakian Chuvach), (Tatransky Cuvac), (Slovensky Kuvac). A close relative of the Hungarian Kuvasz.

Slovak sheep farming has a very old tradition. Slovak cuvac together with mountain sheep, the Hucul horse and typical inhabitants of the mountains formed the fundamental economic preconditions for the utilization of pastures by way of breeding cattle. The inhabitants of the Slovak mountains were mostly free people who defended the frontiers and paid duties in sheep's cheese. The institution of these people was called "Valassky Opasok" and it's center, until the abolition of serfdom, was Kosice. The members of this shepherd military system did their service on mountain meadows with their companions - the hearty white dog called the Slovak Cuvac.

As a good watchdog, guard, shepherd and companion, the dog proved itself also in watching cattle, turkeys, and other domestic animals - as well as it's master's household. Holiday makers, visitors to the mountains and spas took to this breed and began to carry it to the lowlands.

This breed has been well documented as far back as the 17th century. However, as wolves slowly began to disappear from European mountains and modern herding practices were instituted, the Cuvac was faced with the prospect of being seen as a relic of the past. What few specimens were left in the 1950s were bred carelessly. Credit for reviving the breed and fixing characteristics is due to Dr. Antonin Hruza, in cooperation with the Veterinary School of Brno.

The breed name is spelled Cuvac in Slovakia, but the English and German spelling Tchouvatch reflects the pronunciation (chew-votch).

[edit] Information

The dog is known for it's hardy constitution, sturdy frame and shaggy white coat. His frame is massive, and his temperament is naturally lively, watchful, undaunted and alert. The frame of the Cuvac is moderately oblong on strong/high legs. Alertness and watchfulness gave him his name "chuvatch", derived from the Slovak word "to hear" (pocut).

The Slovensky Cuvac is used on sheep farms and mountain ridges as well as homes and frontiers. He is boundlessly loyal and stout hearted. He resists every enemy - bears and wolves included. According to the time honored shepherd's tradition, he is always bred in white to be discernible from the beasts of the night.

The registered breeding of the Slovensky Cuvac was established in Czechoslovakia by Professor Antonin Hruza from the Veterinary Faculty in Brno on June 4, 1929. The Club of the Breeders of Slovak Cuvac was established in 1933 and a written standard was established and approved in 1964 Dr. V. Kurz). The basic breeding material came from the vicinity of Liptovska Luzna, Kokava and Vychodna as well as from Rachov in the Carpathians.

The Cuvac is marvellous with children, yet with the Cuvac's stubborn, independent nature, proper training is a must as once they learn something, they never forget it. Their tremendous spped for their size and bulk is noteworthy and the Cuvac is a dog that requires adequate space and thus owners should have a good sized yard for exercise. These dogs thrive best in an environment of a large family, children and livestock to care for. Farms and ranches make the best homes. These dogs are natural animal guardians and children watchers - taking to this busy lifestyle with ease. They are gentle and loyal with their family and possessions. This handsome white livestock guard dog has diversified from slaying wolves or hunting big game to border patrol, search and rescue, to common, bourgeois house pet.

Regular grooming keeps the white coat clean and attractive, and furniture free of white "mohair". The annual shed of dense underwool requires vigorous brushing and bathing sessions in the Spring. The Slovak Cuvac is characterized as a leucistic mountain dog with a black muzzle, almond eyes, eye lids and lips. His nose is black during the warm months and the color of brown clay during the colder months of the year. It's estimated that there are approximately 2000 living dogs in the Slovak Republic, with approximately 96 (registered dogs since 1982 till 1996. The club had had noone, to continue, but now, in 2008 there are 14 new dogs registered even by FCI and at the moment we know about7 breeders in the USA. Slovensky Tchouvatch Dog Club of Amerika-STDCOA President Elisabeth Puisula, Katy TX (www.slovenskycuvac-usa.sampasite.com)