Temperament: The Kuvasz is not the breed for everyone. This is a working dog that is a defender of the herd. This means that the dog has strong instincts and is a large dog. This dog is devoted to his family and will be fierce in defense of family and territory. He is smart and often has to work and think for himself while he is out with the herd. This breed can be good with children, if it is well socialized with children and raised with children. Natural and firm leadership from the owner is a must for this breed.

The Kuvasz dog has genetically driven dominance, due to its role as a herd watchdog. This means that the dog has a heightened sense of wariness around strangers and may be ready to solve problems the dog’s way. It really takes extensive and thorough socialization for this breed to be a pet dog. Check with a breeder on this issue, and it is best not to have this dog as your first dog. Protecting like this is not something that can be trained with the Kuvasz. Obedience training, due to their ability to think freely, is very difficult to obtain. This breed needs a strong minded owner to even begin to respond to training. Remember that any training has to be a firm, fair and natural leadership, not with blows or shouts.

Health Issues: Hip dysplasia can occur and should be discussed with the breeder. Shoulder joint lameness, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and skin problems.

Grooming: The Kuvasz’s coat needs weekly brushing. Bathe very rarely, as the coat has natural oils that balance the coat. Check the fur for matting and sort it out. This breed sheds seasonally in cold weather, but will shed year-round in warmer climates.

Living Conditions: This dog is not good for apartment living. A Kuvasz needs at least a large garden with an enclosed garden that offers shade in hot weather.