Kuvasz

For the past 20 years, Willy and I have been raising critters (goats, for the most part, along with five children). When we first started our little farm, we had a coyote problem and we lost six goats in two years. That's when we got our first Kuvasz dog, Sugar. Over the years we've enjoyed all the goodness that comes from living in the country and living with the Kuvasz.

While the days are long, and the work can be tiresome, it's a lifestyle that we wouldn't trade for all the world! All our farm animals and property and even us people are protected by this amazing breed.

I'm sure you've heard it said that the happiest dog is one that gets to do the job it was bred to do. Sheep dogs need to herd sheep; hunting dogs need to hunt; guard dogs need to guard. The Kuvasz need to guard livestock. They are excellent at their jobs. I have owned six Kuvasz over these past 20 years and I have never seen a smarter, more dynamic or lovelier animal. Over my entire life, I've owned several breeds of dogs, and none compare to these.

The beautiful, white, Hungarian Kuvasz is first and foremost a bold and powerful guardian. This intensely self-assured, strong-willed breed has performed as a livestock protector, bodyguard and steadfast companion for thousands of years. They are proud, but they will respect you if you have properly trained them. They are not well suited for the non-assertive owner. They are highly intelligent. Understand that they require more intensive training, but that they really imprint with the herd. A real Kuvasz does not look like a cuddly teddy bear: it looks tough, alert, agile and ready for action, like a wolf. And there's an odd bonus: they don't smell when they get wet. I have no idea how they manage that!