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Friday, May 4, 2012

Name this Dog!


Several weeks ago  this regal looking, gentle soul was transferred to the League from another shelter.   At first we thought he was a Great Pyrenees mix, but later decided that he is a Kuvasz.   According to the American Kennel Club, the Kuvasz is "One of the larger working breeds, he is well-muscled and agile. His double coat features a coarse guard hair that protects a soft, fine undercoat. The hair ranges from straight to quite wavy, but must always be white. The Kuvasz’s name comes from the Turkish word "kawasz," meaning "armed guard of the nobility." He originated in Tibet, but developed into the breed he is today in Hungary. The breed served as a companion to the rulers of Hungarian and other European empires and was owned only by royalty. Hundreds of years later, the breed fell into the hands of "commoners," and shepherds found they worked well with sheep and cattle. While he is devoted to and protective of his family, the Kuvasz may not be overly demonstrative with his affections. He is often especially polite and reserved when meeting strangers. It’s important to start training early, but be patient, as the breed matures slowly. As an active working dog, he requires daily activity. However, the Kuvasz coat is very easy to care for, needing brushing but very little bathing.

So, we don't know about sheep and cattle herding, but we do know that this extremely noble dog is somewhat aloof albeit always polite.   When the 100 pound-plus dog came into the League he was called Tundra.  Dr. Shillito, one of the the Medical Center's staff veterinarians has been waiting for the "right" dog to adopt.  He took one look at this gentle giant and iimmediately decided to foster him --  the rest, as they say, is history.  Trouble is no name has stuck.   Dr. Randall suggested Atticus, after a character in her favorite book, To Kill A Mockingbird.   Dr. Shillito has been playing with Yeti, the name given to the mythic Abominable Snowman.  Dr. Shillito's wife said "No" to Yeti. 

For right now the polite reserved Tundra, Atticus, Yeti  has what he needs most -- a HOME.. 

1 comment:

  1. He's an Anatolian Shepherd, very close to a Kuvasz - good guess! :) He's just lovely!!

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