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SLOVAK CUVAC |
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The Carpathian
mountain chain originates in Rumania and skirts Hungary, filling much
of eastern Czechoslovakia as it pushes north, ending in the Liptok Mountains
of the High Tatra range in the southeastern corner of Poland. The great
white guardian prototype followed the mountains northward. The Czechoslovakia
flock guard could easily pass for a Kuvasz, a Rumanian Sheepdog or a Podhalanski.
Their histories are undoubtably similar. The breed name is spelled Cuvac
in Czechoslovakian, but the English and German spelling, Tchouvatch,
reflects the pronunciation (chew-votch).
The breed has
been well documented as far back as the 17th century. But as the wolves
slowly disappeared from the European mountains and modern herding practices
were instituted, the Cuvac also began to be a relic from 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. A written standard
was established and approved in 1964.
Currently,
a few breeders of the Cuvac are scattered throughout Czechoslovakia
and other European countries, as well as the USA. The Cuvac is still
quite rare, but at least fanciers are working to save the breed. An
owner in Germany describes her dogs' marvelous temperaments with children.
Yet she warns about the Cuvac's stubborn, independent nature which must
be overcome with proper training. Once they have learned something,
she says, they never forget it.
Their tremendous
speed for their size and bulk is noteworthy. This is probably the origin
of the Czech lore that says the Cuvac was the result of crossing a Greyhound
and a wolf.
The Cuvac
is a dog requiring 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 like a junkfood junkie to
a bowl of peanuts. They are gentle and loyal to their family and its
possessions. This handsome white flock guard has diversified from
slaying wolves or hunting big game to border patrol or search-and-rescue.
Regular
grooming keeps the white coat clean and attractive—and furniture free
from white "mohair." The annual shed of the dense under-wool
requires vigorous brushing and bathing sessions in the spring.
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