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The Kuvasz, the sixth coin in the Hungarian Mint’s enormously popular “Hungarian Herding and Hunting Breeds” coin series, is scheduled to be issued on October 4. As with the preceding five issues, the 20,000 coins are expected to sell out quickly thanks to a combination of hobbyists representing coins and canines.
The 3,000-forint legal tender coin has the same technical specifications as the others: 34 mm, and 16 grams of a golden colored alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc, and a milled edge. It was designed by Zoltá, Tóth. The Kuvasz is portrayed on both sides of the coin, with a profile view of one on the front, and a pair herding on the back. It is struck in prooflike quality and will be available for $22.95 (five or more are $19.95 each).
These big, hairy dogs resembling fluffballs have a naturally sweet temperament and love to be around the people in their family, although they tend to be protective in the presence of strangers. Although having a Kuvasz may mean a lot more hair in your house, their personalities are said to make the cleanup worth it!
The Kuvasz is a very old breed originating in ancient Turkey and Tibet that is known in Hungary since the early Middle Ages. Original Kuvasz’s were much larger than the ones we see today. During the 14th century, only royalty were allowed to own them. They became popular with royals who enjoyed game hunting, as the dogs were great hunting companions. In the fifteenth century King Matthias Corvinus is believed to have kept large numbers of Kuvasz dogs at his court as guard dogs or hunting dogs, or sometimes as war dogs.
As time passed, the Kuvasz started to become more accepted for commoners to own. Farmers were big fans of the Kuvasz as they made excellent guardians for sheep and livestock. The breed continued to be used as a guard dog for livestock all throughout the 1900’s.
By the end of World War II, nearly all the Kuvasz dogs in Hungary had been killed. The dogs had such a reputation for protecting their families that they were actively sought and killed by German and Soviet soldiers, while at the same time some German officers took the dogs home with them. After the Soviet invasion and the end of the war, the breed was nearly extinct in Hungary. It was thought that fewer than thirty Kuvasz were left in Hungary, and It is possible it may have been as few as twelve. Since then, due to many dedicated breeders, the breed has been repopulated, although with a small gene pool.
Kuvaszok (the plural for kuvasz) today are still known as gentle giants. Males can weigh 100 to 115 pounds and stand 28 to 30 inches tall. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 70 to 90 pounds and standing 26 to 28 inches tall. They have a combination coat that ranges from wavy to straight and has two layers – a protective overcoat made up of guard hairs and a fine undercoat. The texture is slightly coarse, and the breed has a bit of a mane around the neck and chest. The coat is not all one length. It is longer on the chest, backs of the legs, and tail. The hair on the muzzle, head, ears, paws, and fronts of the legs is short. The rest of the coat is medium length.
Kuvaszok absolutely love their family and are very loyal dogs. They make excellent guard and watch dogs as their size alone can be quite intimidating. They have a very loud and deep bark, but they only make noise when necessary, and they are naturally very wary of strangers. Owners should do a lot of socialization with them, so they know not to be aggressive or fearful towards strangers. Although they may seem big and tough, they are sensitive dogs and respond best to positive training as opposed to any gimmicks or harsh training methods. Most Kuvaszok are great with other dogs and pets, but some can be very nervous or anxious around them, so it is extremely important before deciding to get this breed, that you have committed to training and socializing your Kuvasz for the rest of this life (not just while he’s a puppy!). (Sources: PawsPlaygrounds.com, dogacademy.org, Wikipedia) |
