kuvasz
Very lowSpecialist/Technical
Definition
Meaning
A large, white, long-coated breed of livestock guardian dog originating from Hungary.
Refers specifically to the dog breed, known for its loyalty, protective nature, and gentle temperament with its family.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is almost exclusively used in the context of dog breeds. It is a hyper-specific noun with no metaphorical or extended meanings in general language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. It is a breed name equally recognised in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral; denotes a specific dog breed.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, confined to canine enthusiasts, breeders, and dog show contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare; potentially in the niche business of dog breeding or pet supplies.
Academic
Rare; may appear in veterinary science, zoology, or canine history texts.
Everyday
Very rare; only used by dog owners, breeders, or enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard term in cynology (the study of dogs) and dog breeding.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is a big, white dog called a kuvasz.
- The kuvasz is a Hungarian breed known for protecting sheep.
- Despite its imposing size, a well-trained kuvasz is remarkably gentle with children.
- The kuvasz's independent nature and strong protective instincts necessitate early and consistent socialisation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COOl, VASt, white dog from Hungary: COO-VASZ.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The Russian word 'кувас' is a direct transliteration and refers to the same breed, so no trap exists.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'kuvaz', 'kuvass', or 'cuvasz'.
- Mispronouncing the 'sz' as /z/ instead of /s/.
Practice
Quiz
What is a kuvasz?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper training and socialization, it can be a loyal and protective family dog, but its size and strong guardian instincts require an experienced owner.
In British English, it's typically /ˈkuːvəs/ (KOO-vuhss). In American English, it's often /ˈkuːvɑːs/ (KOO-vahss).
Historically and primarily, it is a livestock guardian dog, bred to protect flocks from predators.
Yes, it is genetically and functionally related to other similar breeds like the Great Pyrenees, the Maremma Sheepdog, and the Akbash.