Dutch Shepherd versus Kuvasz. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

Dutch Shepherd versus Kuvasz

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Kuvasz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Dutch Shepherd and for the Kuvasz. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dutch Shepherd or the Kuvasz

Dutch Shepherd versus Kuvasz: Overview

A very important difference between the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Kuvasz is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Kuvasz belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Dutch Shepherd versus Kuvasz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd to the Kuvasz based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Dutch Shepherd Kuvasz
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 70 to 115 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1590 $1630
Price Range $900 – $2000 $1438 – $1812
Temperament Score 96.2 percent 78.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Kuvasz. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Kuvasz is 66 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Kuvasz. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Kuvaszs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz are most similar:

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Kuvasz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Kuvasz Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Kuvasz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Kuvasz is 78.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and they are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 78.4 percent, the Kuvasz has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 51 Kuvaszs.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Kuvasz

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Kuvasz puppy is $1630. The price of the Kuvasz typically ranges from $1438 – $1812. However, the price of a Kuvasz can be as low as $1250 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 Kuvasz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Kuvasz is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd Kuvasz
    Average Price $1590 $1630
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $1438 to $1812

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Dutch Shepherd and Kuvasz. For different price points, the charts show how many Dutch Shepherd puppies or how many Kuvasz puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs

    A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dutch Shepherd puppy or the Kuvasz puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Kuvasz

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Kuvasz

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kuvaszs drool moderately.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Kuvaszs?

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Kuvasz

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Kuvaszs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Kuvasz?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Kuvasz?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Kuvaszs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Kuvasz?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kuvasz?

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Kuvaszs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Kuvaszs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Kuvaszs?

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Kuvaszs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Dutch Shepherds and Kuvaszs?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Kuvasz?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Kuvaszs?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Kuvaszs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Kuvasz?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Kuvaszs are not easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Japanese Spitz.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kuvasz

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kuvasz that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Kuvasz:

  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Kuvasz). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dutch Shepherd and how the Kuvasz compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and of the Kuvasz to other breeds:

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Siberian Husky     Dutch Shepherd versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Dutch Shepherd versus Sussex Spaniel     Dutch Shepherd versus Bouvier des Flandres     Dutch Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer     Dutch Shepherd versus Papillon     Dutch Shepherd versus Norwegian Lundehund     Dutch Shepherd versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Dutch Shepherd versus Keeshond     Dutch Shepherd versus Italian Greyhound     

    Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kuvasz versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Kuvasz versus Basenji     Kuvasz versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Kuvasz versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Kuvasz versus Afador     Kuvasz versus Miniature Poodle     Kuvasz versus Papipoo     Kuvasz versus Chinook     Kuvasz versus American Hairless Terrier     Kuvasz versus Airedale Terrier     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd versus Kuvasz. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Dutch Shepherd and the Kuvasz better suits you and your family.