• General Characteristics
• Temperament
• Suitability as a Companion Dog

• Need and Use of Livestock Guard Dogs
• Kuvasz as Livestock Protectors
• The Working Kuvasz: Anecdotal Records
• Characteristics of an Effective Livestock Guardian
• Obtaining a Kuvasz for Livestock Protection
• Training a Livestock Guardian

• Selecting and Raising a Kuvasz
• Outdoors or Indoors?
• Training and Socialization Requirements
• Care and Feeding
• Grooming and Coat Care Requirements
• Exercise Requirements

The Kuvasz Club of Canada welcomes new conscientious breeders and is very willing to help in an advisory capacity. There are only a handful of breeders across Canada and there is a need for more dedicated enthusiasts of the breed. There is really only one reason that one should seriously consider becoming a breeder and that is to help enhance the quality of the breed. That means striving to achieve the breed standard on conformation (see Appendix 1) and just as importantly, maintaining the true working character and sound temperament of the breed. We want breeders dedicated to maintaining the true working nature and conformation of the breed, not people that are simply attracted to its beautiful appearance, or making success in the show ring their chief aim. The Kuvasz is first and foremost a sound working guard dog and that is what we should be striving to preserve. We need to nurture the breed for its age old responsibility of guarding man and beast. That has been the role and function of the Kuvasz for millennia. We cannot allow the relatively recent invention of showdog breeding destroy the rich heritage of this noble breed to become a showy caricature of its former self.

A sound breeding program also carries great responsibilities for the maintenance of health, vigour and sound temperament within any breed. Breeders need to be aware of inheritable diseases and participate in various registries that validate the genetic soundness of breeding lines. Historically, the need for working performance was a sound basis for culling, or otherwise removing, unsound animals from the breeding pool. Breeders must now act in the best interest of the breed and be open and honest about inheritable problems and have the courage to remove these lines from breeding programs. That means following up with pups as they mature to determine their health and soundness as adults. It means putting the health and soundness of the breed first and foremost and participating in various health registries that promote the exchange of health data for breeding purposes.

At the World Congress and Seminar of Breeders of Hungarian Breeds held in Budapest in 1982, Mr. Beli Manyi, President of the Kuvasz Section of the Hungarian Kennel Club, spoke of the necessity of working together to put the breeds in their rightful situations. Mr. Manyi also said that judges must adhere to the standard. They, and breeders, must defend against letting the breed become too large or too small. They must carefully watch pigmentation, guarding against noses that change colour, or yellow eyes. They must see that coats are white and wavy, not yellow, curly or open. He went on to point out the undesirability of low earsets and high tail sets, and the necessity for correct gait and for conditioning by plenty of exercise.

"We should underline temperament", continued Mr. Manyi. "This should be a courageous, intelligent dog which does not too easily make friends". In Hungary it is conceded that the Kuvasz is courageous and not unduly friendly. He is a working guard dog. Mr. Manyi's words in 1982 ring true today. The terms "courageous, intelligent and not unduly friendly" does not mean a trigger happy, aggressive attack dog. It does mean suspicious and discriminating in making new friends, as befits a guardian. Intelligence does mean being able to discriminate true threats from non-threats and acting accordingly, without formal instruction. Courageous means responding to a real threat with boldness and aggressiveness to the point of self-sacrifice in the defense of its charges.

One should be aware that breeding is not a money-making proposition, nor should it be entered as one. It demands time, dedication and much study. It also requires considerable financial (and emotional) investment to seek the best breeding stock for your lines. With a rare breed such as the Kuvasz, that may well mean the importing of breeding stock. In return, it can bring disappointment and heartache. There are mating fees, veterinary bills, trips to airports, letter writing, phone calls during all times of the day because of time zone differences. All of these considerations can change one's life styles.

Should the foregoing sound grim, be assured that there is a deep and lasting satisfaction in being responsible for a splendid Kuvasz that will give unexcelled protection and devoted companionship. It is deeply gratifying to receive enthusiastic letters praising the Kuvasz whose birth you planned and hearing how someone's life is richer, easier and safer because you were able to send a Kuvasz to their home. Think of the gratification of knowing that your pup fulfilled his age-old role of livestock guardian, protecting stock and property as his forbears have been doing for millennia. Consider the fact that your working dog not only protected valuable livestock for his master, but also prevented his wild canid cousins (or other predators) from being shot or poisoned. Man, livestock, dogs and predators all coexisting in a more vibrant landscape. A noble purpose that is as relevant today as it always was.

Dedicated breeders can take great satisfaction in knowing that their work is preserving this age-old relationship.

Owners have obligations as well. One problem confronting breeders is to find suitable homes for their Kuvaszok. The owner must understand and appreciate the temperament and abilities of the Kuvasz and must invest some time on basic obedience. Should the prospective owners not care for an independent dog who does not fawn on strangers and takes his guarding duties seriously and sensibly, then this is not the breed for their home.

The cost of veterinary care should also be considered. The Kuvasz is typically a hardy, healthy breed, but annual inoculations and heart worm prevention are facts of life for all dogs. If your dog is truly not breeding quality, you should also neuter your pet. This will not affect your dog's ability as a companion or guard. Your dog will be wholeheartedly devoted to you and your family. In return, you should demonstrate similar devotion and care for the lifetime of your dog. Are you prepared for such a commitment?