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Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
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Slovac Cuvac
| Other Names | Slovak Cuvac, Slovensky Cuvac, Slovakian Chuvach, Tatransky Cuvac, Slovensky Kuvac, Slovak tschuvatsch |
| Country of Origin | Slovakia |
| Weight | 66 - 99 lbs. (30 - 45 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 22 - 27.5 in. (50 - 70 cm) |
| Coat | The fur is dense and rich, centre parting at the ridge is not allowed. Covering hair, which is constituted by hair with 5-15 cm length, completely covers the shorter, dense and soft undercoat. Male dogs have collar around the neck. |
| Colour | The fur is pure white. A yellowish tinge by ears is permissible, but not desirable. The eyes are brown. Muzzle, lips edges and eyelids, like the paw pads, are black. |
| Litter Size | 6 - 8 puppies |
| Life Span | 11 - 13 years |
| Origin & History | Slovak sheep farming has a very old tradition. The 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 for 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 its center, until the abolition of serfdom, was Košice. The members of this shepherd military system did their service on mountain meadows with their companions - the hearty white dog called the Slovak Cuvac. A good watchdog, guard, shepherd and companion, the dog proved itself also in watching cattle, turkeys, and other domestic animals - as well as its master's household. Holiday makers and visitors to the mountains and spas took to this breed and began to carry it to the lowlands.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. 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 Dr. Antonin Hruza, in cooperation with the veterinary school of Brno. 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. |
| Personality | The Slovac Cuvac is a powerful, calm, loyal flock guardian. It is a fearless defender of its territory and "pack," whether it is humans or animals. These dogs have been known to be dramatically affectionate with members of their own family, but reserved with and even suspicious of strangers. They are wonderful with children in their own family. The Cuvac is a natural guardian of its family, especially of the children. This breed can be stubborn with an independent nature, which must be overcome with proper training, along with a firm, confident, consistent pack leader. It has been said that once a Cuvac has learned something, it never forgets it. This breed requires a dominant owner and someone who understands the instincts of flock guardians. This is not a breed for the average pet owner. |
Care Requirements
| Health | There are no known breed-specific health concerns. |
| Grooming | The Slovac Cuvac is a very heavy seasonal shedder. The dense undercoat is like wool and requires vigorous brushing and bathing in the spring. Brush frequently to cut back on unwanted loose hair. |
| Exercise | The Cuvac needs vigorous daily exercise. If it is not actively working as a flock guardian, it needs to be taken on a daily, long brisk walk or jog. Exercising should help with chewing or digging problems—in hopes that it will tire the dog out. |
| Other Considerations | The Slovensky Cuvac is not recommended for apartment life. These dogs will do best on a farm or a ranch. They are fairly active indoors and do best with at least a large yard. They do best in a large family with children, a lot of space and livestock to care for. |
