Our loyal companions: 9 native Hungarian dog breeds

Dogs are widely considered a man’s best friend. They are presumably the first domesticated animals utilised for various purposes, such as hunting, guarding, herding livestock, or helping a person with disabilities. During the last 20,000−40,000 years, selective breeding resulted in a great diversity of dog breeds.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) distinguishes between 9 dog breeds that are officially registered as having Hungarian origin.

Erdélyi kopó (Transylvanian Scent Hound)

This medium-sized ancient Hungarian breed has been mainly utilised as a hunting dog; it is perfectly suited to the finding and pursuit of a trail. The breed’s peak occurred during the Middle Ages when it was widely used by the aristocracy. With the development of agriculture and forestry, the Erdélyi kopó started to decline, and it was marginalised to the woods and mountains. Two varieties can be distinguished: the long-legged (originally used for hunting big game, like bears and boars) and the short-legged Transylvanian hound (small game, like foxes and rabbits). The breed was rescued from extinction in the late 20th century.

The Erdélyi kopó has an athletic body with muscular limbs. Its primary colour is black with tan markings on the muzzle and legs. The breed’s coat is rather dense, coarse to the touch, and shiny. The Transylvanian Hound is often described as good-natured, courageous, and enduring.

Komondor

The Komondor has Asiatic origins and presumably arrived at the Carpathian Basin with the migrating Old Magyars. This large, white-coloured breed is utilised as a herding and livestock guarding dog. The Komondor’s most striking feature is its coat: its robust body is covered by matted, corded, long fur. The animal’s stature evokes respect and even fear. The breed’s temperament is mainly calm, but it has a natural guardian instinct, and it fearlessly defends the flock.

In 2004, along with several other protected native animal species, the Hungarian Parliament declared the Komondor a national treasure. In 2017, the Collection of Hungaricums was expanded with the Hungarian shepherd and hunting dog breeds, including this breed.

Kuvasz

The Kuvasz is a long-established, ancient Hungarian shepherd dog. Archaeologists argue that it arrived to the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century. This breed can work in harsh conditions, and the nomadic Magyar tribes used it to protect their livestock. It was also utilised as a bear and wolf hunting dog. During the 15th century, the Kuvasz became fashionable among the nobility, and King Matthias Corvinus was especially fond of them. According to Regi.tankonyvtar, in the middle of the 18th century, the guarding role of both the Komondor and the Kuvasz was mentioned in various ethnographic works.

Dogs of this breed are strong and large, embodying strength and tireless working ability. The Kuvasz is brave, intelligent, and intensely loyal. Its fur is moderately harsh, wavy, slightly stiff, unlikely to mat.

Magyar agár (Hungarian Greyhound)

The Magyar agár is a hunting dog that hunts the game by sight. It was bred for long-distance coursing. Based on archaeological evidence, the breed’s origin goes back to the time of the Hungarian conquest. Fast, tough, and robust, it is excellent on the racecourse. Somewhat reserved by nature but not shy, it is intelligent and loyal. This breed comes in a variety of colours. Its fur is typically short and dense.