Temperament: The Kuvasz is not the breed for everyone. This is a working dog that is a defender of the flock. This means the dog has strong instincts and is a big dog. This dog is devoted to his family and will be ferocious in defending the family and territory. He is intelligent and often has to work and think for himself whilst with the flock. This breed can be good with children, if socialized well with children and raised with children. Natural, firm leadership from the owner is a must for this breed.
The Kuvasz dog has a genetically led dominance inbred, due to their role as a watcher of the flock. This means the dog has a greater sense of wariness around strangers and can be ready to sort out the problems in the dog way. Extensive and thorough socializing is really needed for this breed, to be a pet dog. Check with a breeder about this issue, and it is best not to have this dog as a first dog. Guarding like this is not something that can be trained out of the Kuvasz. Obedience training, due to their ability to think freely, is very hard to obtain. This breed needs a strong minded owner to even begin responding to training. Remember any training has to be firm fair and natural leadership, not with hitting or shouting.
Health issues: Hip dysplasia can happen and needs checking with the breeder. Shoulder joint lameness, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and skin problems.
Grooming: The Kuvasz’s coat needs brushing weekly. Bath very rarely, as the coat has natural oils that balance the coat. Check the coat for matting and sort that out. This breed sheds seasonally in a cold climate, but will shed all the year around in warmer climates.
Living conditions: This dog is not good for apartment life. A Kuvasz needs, at the least, a large with an enclosed garden that offers shade when it is hot.
