Although regarded today as one of the Hungarian breeds, the Kuvasz' origins actually lay with a nomadic tribe and may have its true origins from as far as Tibet. Around 2000 B.C., the Magyar tribes moved along the recently established trade routes of the steppes, gradually leading them to the Carpathian Basin in Hungary which they conquered in 896 A.D. With them came Kuvasz-type dogs, which primarily served as a livestock guardian. In 1978, the fossilized skeleton of a 9th Century Kuvasz-type dog was discovered in Fenékpuszta near Keszthely, a discovery which was remarkable in that the morphology of the skeleton was almost identical to modern Kuvasz. If accurate, such a discovery would mark the Kuvasz as among the oldest identifiable dog breeds as only a few breeds can be dated beyond the 9th Century. After the Magyar settlement of the Carpathian Basin, the tribes converted to a more agrarian lifestyle and began to devote more resources towards animal husbandry. Whereas the Komondor was used in the lower elevations with drier climates, the Kuvasz was used in the wet pastures of the higher mountains and both were an integral part of the economy. Later, during the 15th Century, the Kuvasz became a highly prized animal and could be found in the royal court of King Matthias. Kuvasz puppies were given to visiting dignitaries as a royal gift, and the King was said to have trusted his dogs more than his own councilors. After the king's death, the popularity of the breed among the nobles waned but it was still frequently found in its traditional role of protecting livestock. At the end of World War II, the dog was almost driven to extinction in Hungary, as the Nazi forces (including, most notably, the 2nd SS Division Das Reich) swept across the country. The dogs had such a reputation for protecting their families that they were actively sought and killed by Nazi soliders during World War II, while at the same time some officers were known to take Kuvaszok home with them. The Soviets continued this same practice when they invaded and, as a consequence, the dog had nearly been driven to extinction in Hungary by the end of the war. After the War, it was revealed that there were less than thirty Kuvasz left in Hungary and some sources indicate the number may have been as few as twelve. Since then, due to many dedicated breeders, the Kuvasz have repopulated Hungary. However, as a result of this near extinction, the genetic pool available to breeders was severely restricted and many were forced to use other breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, to continue their programs.

The Kuvasz (pronounced KOO-vahss; in Hungarian language the plural is Kuvaszok, pronounced KOO-vah-sock) is a dog breed of ancient Hungarian origin. Mention of the breed can be found in old Hungarian texts. It has historically been used to guard livestock, but has been increasingly found in homes as a pet over the last seventy years