Kuvasz vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison

Kuvasz vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed ComparisonKuvasz is originated from Hungary but Flat-Coated Retriever is originated from United Kingdom. Kuvasz may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Flat-Coated Retriever. Kuvasz may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than Flat-Coated Retriever. Both Kuvasz and Flat-Coated Retriever has almost same life span. Both Kuvasz and Flat-Coated Retriever has same litter size. Both Kuvasz and Flat-Coated Retriever requires Moderate maintenance.

History

kuvasz - historyThe Kuvasz is an ancient dog breed from Hungary. It is believed that the dog is the oldest of the ancient Hungarian dog breeds, and in fact a fossilized skeleton dating back to the 9th century, and almost identical to the modern Kuvasz, was found near Keszthely.

During the 15th century the Kuvasz became very sought after, being found in royal courts. Puppies were given as royal gifts. Later the popularity of the breed waned and then it was found in its traditional role of guarding livestock.

As Kuvasz numbers dwindled, breeding efforts were started but it is believed that other large dogs such as the Great Pyrenees were used with the Kuvasz to continue with the breeding programs.

In 1884, the first Hungarian standard for the breed was written. It was in 1966 that the Kuvasz Club of America was established.

flat coated retriever - historyThe Flat-Coated Retriever traces its heritage to 19th century England. A popular gamekeepers’ dog, the actual descendants of the breed are not entirely known. Like so many well-established breeds, there are many lines of thought about the breed line. There is an unverified line of ancestry that includes the St. Johns Water Dog – an extinct breed from North America. Another story has Canadian sailors bringing their Newfoundlands to England and mixing them with Colliers and Setters. This story has more truth to it and it took 20 years to establish the final breed type.

The breed was originally a retriever with two purposes – to retrieve the hunters’ bounty on land and on water.

The Flat-Coated Retriever was then introduced to the United States as a gun dog. By 1873 it was a “stable type” and in 1915 the AKC recognized the breed. After this, their popularity grew quickly until the American public fell in love with the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. Then the Flat-Coated Retriever’s numbers and popularity fell. The irony was that both the Golden and the Labrador credited the Flat-Coated Retriever as an ancestor. The survival of the breed was questionable following World War Two. They were brought back by a specific breeding program in the 1960’s.

Breeders in the ‘60s made sure they bred for both show dogs and companion animals. The Flat-Coated Retriever survived and is less popular than other retrievers, but he has his fans. The breed is more popular in the United Kingdom than it is in the United States in part because of Best in Show wins at Crufts

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Hungary
United Kingdom
Height Male:
65 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
59 - 61 cm
23 - 25 inches
Height Female:
65 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
56 - 59 cm
22 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 52 kg
77 - 115 pounds
27 - 36 kg
59 - 80 pounds
Weight Female:
35 - 52 kg
77 - 115 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
8 - 10 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hungarian Kuvasz
Flatcoat, flatt, Flattie Flatte (Sweden)
Colors Available:
White
liver and yellow (blonde, black
Coat:
Medium length to long, wavy or straight
double, glossy and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

kuvasz puppy - descriptionThe beautiful Kuvasz is a large, muscled dog standing at 65 – 76cm in height and weighing 35 – 52kg. He has a double coat of dense white hair which can be straight or wavy.

It is natural for the dog to lose most of the long coat during the Summer months. In other words this dog has a seasonal coat.

The nose is black, the eyes brown and alert, the ears are of medium length and floppy and the tail is carried long and low.

Temperament:

The Kuvasz is an intelligent dog who will benefit from training and socialization. It is always wise to have large dogs like this trained because just his size can cause problems if he isn’t obedient.

He is also described as a clownish type of dog which means he’ll entertain and amuse you. Certainly he is playful as a puppy but he calms down quite a bit as he grows into maturity. He is independent, and those who have owned such a dog report that he can be loving and loyal with his human family, wanting to guard and protect them. Others will say that he tended to be aloof, even with his human family.

Used as working dogs, the Kuvasz has learned to be independent and they will need a firm, strong owner who is also fair with them, otherwise they just do their own thing. They’re active dogs and because of their size they won’t suit city living where there is a tiny garden.

flat coated retriever puppy - descriptionThe Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight and strong topline with unique head, strong jaws, a long muzzle and small ears. His eyes are dark brown almonds with a friendly and intelligent expression. He has an arched neck and a moderately long tail. The Flat-Coated Retriever is more of an athlete, lighter and certainly more elegant than any other type or breed of retriever.

Characteristics

kuvasz dog - characteristicsKuvasz are guarding dogs, they’re intelligent and loyal, making them excellent family dogs with the right training and socialization.

They’re able to get on well with other pets in the home as well as children. He is a beautiful dog and another bonus is that he isn’t particularly high maintenance.

As is common with many other large-breed dogs, he will have a shorter lifespan than what you’d get with a smaller dog breed, but if you feed him high quality food, exercise him and involve him in your activities, this large dog can become a wonderful friend and protector for you.

Children friendliness

flat coated retriever dog - characteristicsThe Flat-Coated Retriever is great with children. Just be careful they don’t knock over small children in their enthusiasm.

Special talents

They are confident great family dogs. They are “thinking dogs” and need something to work for or they will work for themselves. They can be clowns.

Adaptability

They are adaptable although their size might preclude small locations without yards.

Learning ability

Smart, thinking all the time, they are very trainable. However, they are considered the “Peter Pan” of dogs – they never grow up.

Health Problems

kuvasz puppies - health problemsThe large Kuvasz is a healthy dog breed that with good care can reach 12–14 years of age. Being the large dog that he is, he may well be prone to bone and joint problems. It is why good nutrition is so important for this dog - feeding him the best food with vitamins and minerals.

You know the saying ...you are what you eat... and this applies to dogs too. Good food can help to ward off serious illnesses. Big dogs like this often have to contend with hip dysplasia which can be both painful and debilitating as well as eye diseases.

Entropion:

This is where the eyelid of the dog rolls inwards, causing irritation and pain for the dog. There is also Ectropion, where the eyelid rolls outwards.If you see your pet has a red eye which is watery and which has pus, visit your vet. Entropion surgery will correct and repair and condition.

flat coated retriever puppies - health problemsFlat-Coated Retrievers have their share of health concerns from dysplasia to cancer. The breeds problems include:

  1. Hip Dysplasia – not very common
  2. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – can result in blindness
  3. Glaucoma - an eye disease that can result in blindness
  4. Epilepsy – very rare but still seen
  5. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and volvulus) – fatal if not treated immediately

Cancers

Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Malignant Histiocytosis, and Fibrosarcoma. Studies show that about half of all Flat-Coated Retrievers die of cancer.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

kuvasz dogs - caringThe coat may be fairly long and thick but it doesn’t require any special kind of grooming. A good brush twice a week will be adequate and will help with getting rid of stubborn knots and matting.

He is a seasonal shedder and this frequent brushing will make sure the coat remains groomed and shiny.

General Care:

The Kuvasz is a hardy breed who just loves the outdoors. He is a dog that doesn’t do well in the heat. Make absolutely sure that he has a cool, sheltered spot where he can lie down. Ensure that there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.

Diet:

There is quite a bit of conflict and controversy regarding nutrition in dogs. The idea is to keep it simple. If you buy a commercially manufactured dog food, check the ingredients on the packaging.

You want to be sure your pet is getting vitamins and minerals in instead of preservatives, fillers and colorants. Try and give him some home made food too such as some chicken, brown rice or pasta and some vegetables. You can mix this into his dry kibble occasionally with a little bit of raw meat too when you have.

Avoid feeding your dog things such as chocolates, nuts, onions, sweets and chips.

Feeding the puppy

flat coated retriever dogs - caringHe will be a medium size dog. Feed puppies 3-4 times a day about a 1/8 cup of high-quality food. Feed a puppy food designed for medium size dogs or specifically for retrievers.

Feeding the adult

Feed 2 times a day about !/2 cups of dry food per meal. Do not overfeed. They have a tendency to be obese.

Points for Good Health

Maintain a healthy weight and avoid exercise before and after meals. The good news is dysplasia and epilepsy are rare in the breed.

Games and Exercises

They are very energetic and need good exercise. Long walks and a yard to run in. Remember they are hunting dogs and will chase to retrieve things so don’t let them off leash outside your yard. They will excel at agility, tracking. Rally, obedience, swimming, hunting, and jogging. They make great therapy dogs.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  3. Labrador Husky vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  4. Mackenzie River Husky vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyredoodle vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  6. Lurcher vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  7. Maremma Sheepdog vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  8. Sarplaninac vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  9. Mountain View Cur vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  10. Native American Indian Dog vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  11. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  12. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  13. Mucuchies vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  14. Shepherd Husky vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  15. Slovak Cuvac vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  16. Southern Hound vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  17. Taigan vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  18. St. John's Water Dog vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  19. Tornjak vs Kuvasz - Breed Comparison
  20. Kuvasz vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  21. Kuvasz vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  22. Kuvasz vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  23. Kuvasz vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  24. Kuvasz vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  25. Kuvasz vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  26. French Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  27. Flat-Coated Retriever vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  28. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  29. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  30. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  31. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  32. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  36. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  37. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  38. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  39. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  40. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  41. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  43. Slovakian Hound vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  44. Small Munsterlander vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  46. Kooikerhondje vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds