" The Slovak Chuvach or “Slovensky cuvac” is a superb guard dog, endowed with a great protective instinct. Cuvac means to listen, hence the name given to these dogs to be on constant alert. On the other hand, their name “Slovensky”, obviously refers to their country of origin, Slovakia. In addition to being good herding and guard dogs, they are good companions for their noble character, their affection and their great loy alty, although they also need space and long walks outside to satisfy their instincts."
Continue reading this PlanèteAnimal page to learn more about the Slovak Chuvatch, its origin, physical characteristics, character, care, education, he alth and where to adopt it!
Origin
- Europe
- Slovakia
FCI Nomenclature
- Group I
Physical Characteristics
- Muscular
- Proportional
- Short ears
Size
- Large
Height
- 55-70
Adult Weight
- 25-45
Life expectancy
- 12-14
Recommended physical activity
- Average
Character
- Balanced
- Very loyal
- Smart
- Affectionate
- Quiet
- Docile
Ideal for
- House
- Shepherd
- The guard
Recommended climate
- Cold
Hair type
- Long
- Big
Origin of Slovak Chuvach
The Slovak Chuvach, as its name suggests, is a breed originating from Slovakia, used as a livestock protection dog. The origin of the breed dates back to the 17th century, although it is perhaps even older.This dog comes from European mountainous regions, located at the edge of glaciers where remains of Arctic groups from the pre-glacial era have been found.
This dog is part of the traditional Slovak heritage. The mountain villages of Slovakia protected their borders and marketed their sheep's cheese, thus escaping the serfdom of the Middle Ages.
When wolves began to disappear, this breed of dog almost went extinct because ranchers no longer needed these dogs to protect their livestock. However, this did not happen thanks to the efforts of a veterinarian named Antonin Hruza after World War II, in 1964. That same year, the breed standard was established at the veterinary school in Brno. In addition to establishing himself as a magnificent guard dog, he also had ideal characteristics as a companion dog.
Characteristics of Slovak Chuvach
The Slovak Chuvach is a very large dog, whose height at the withers can reach 70 cm in males and 65 cm in females. The weight is 36-44 kg in males and 31-37 kg in females.
It is a strong, majestic and harmonious breed. His main physical characteristics are as follows:
- The head is harmonious and strong, with short but silky hair. The skull is elongated. The nasofrontal depression is moderately marked.
- The muzzle is strong, medium and broad, tapering at the tip.
- The jaw is strong, with a scissor bite and black lips.
- The eyes are dark, oval and horizontal.
- The ears are long and hang close to the head.
- The neck is long and straight, in the male it is very strong and covered with hair.
- The limbs are strong, long and balanced.
- The back is muscular, strong and the croup slightly sloping, square and sturdy.
- The chest is wide, with arched and well separated ribs, giving it a quadrangular shape.
- The tail is low and straight.
- The paws are round and strong, covered with hair and have thick black pads.
- The coat is dense, double coated, and white. The coat is long, up to 10 cm, and wavy more on the mane and legs than on the body.
Slovak Chuvach character
The Slovak Chuvach is a brave, bold, gentle, obedient, affectionate, docile and intelligent dog. He will not hesitate to defend his guardian in case of danger, but without being an aggressive dog.
They are wonderful life companions, although they are very active and love being outdoors, thanks to their noble and gentle character, they can adapt to any situation.They are very affectionate and get along well with children. The Slovak Chuvach's temperament with strangers is a little more reserved, as he is suspicious, but as soon as he realizes that the person in question is not a threat to his family, he relaxes and is just as affectionate. with her.
Caring for a Slovak Chuvach
Care for this breed is moderate. In addition to the basics for all dogs: a good, balanced and complete diet, regulated so that they are not overweight, clean and fresh water, control of the mouth and teeth for lesions and diseases periodontal disease or tartar, and routine vaccinations and deworming to prevent infectious and parasitic diseases, the following specific care will be required:
- Frequent physical exercise and long walks in the open air: they like to be in the countryside, taking walks or long games on large grounds. Although they are capable of it, it is difficult for them to live locked up for long periods in a house.
- Frequent brushing: Due to their double coat of hair, they tend to shed a lot. Brushing, in addition to removing dead hair, will promote blood circulation and the growth of new hair.
- Baths: when they are dirty or their coat starts to look less white, they should be bathed. It also removes dead hair.
- Cleaning the ears: due to the length of their ears, special care should be taken to ensure that they do not accumulate dirt and do not develop infections or parasites, by using cleaners for ears and specific ear cleaners.
Slovak Chuvach Education
They are calm, docile and intelligent dogs. Education is usually no problem for these breeds, they are very willing to learn and give everything to achieve it. These dogs are very loyal and ready to obey their guardian's commands at all times.
They love rewards, so positive reinforcement training is the best training technique. In addition to being much more effective, faster and less traumatic, it will further strengthen the bond between guardian and dog.
He alth of Slovak Chuvach
Slovak Chuvachs have a life expectancy of 11-13 years with optimal care and up-to-date veterinary checks. Although not prone to congenital and hereditary diseases, a dog of this size may be predisposed to developing bone problems such as:
- Hip dysplasia: characterized by poor congruence between the acetabulum (hip joint area) and the head of the femur (thigh joint area). This poor union of the hip joint leads to joint laxity that damages and weakens the joint, which can cause lameness, osteoarthritis, muscle atrophy, and discomfort or pain.
- Elbow dysplasia: when these dogs reach the months of maximum growth, lesions can appear in the elbow joint between the three affected bones: the humerus, the radius and the ulna. These alterations, which can appear isolated or together, are the fragmented coronoid process, the nonunion of the anconeal process, the incongruence of the elbow or the osteochondritis dissecans.
- Patellar dislocation: especially lateral or bilateral, consists of an exit of the patella from the trochlea of the knee joint. There are four degrees based on gravity. This can lead to joint weakness, pain, crepitus and increased tenderness in the affected area.
- Gastric torsion: which consists of a rotation of the stomach which causes a strong dilation of the stomach. It usually occurs when the dog eats or drinks very desperately and intensely before or after moderate exercise.Symptoms exhibited by the dog are restlessness, hypersalivation, abdominal distension, dyspnea, weakness, depression, anorexia, absence of vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, pallor mucous membranes, fainting and shock.
To quickly prevent or treat any of these or other illnesses that dogs may suffer from, you should have your dog undergo routine check-ups at your local veterinary facility.
Where to adopt a Slovak Chuvach
The Slovak Chuvatch are not very easy to adopt. Also keep in mind that he may not be the most suitable dog for the general public, since he must stay outside for a long time or have a large house or a large garden or a large yard to be able to enjoy the fresh air, while protecting the house from possible attackers or threats.
If you are lucky enough to live in a small village, in the countryside or have a large house and a large garden, the next step will be to find out about nearby shelters or reception centers from your place.If you still don't have any information, you can always look for a breed association and inquire about the availability of a Slovak Chuvach dog.
Pictures of Slovak Chuvach
