The Kuvasz Temperament

The Kuvasz is a "flock-guard".  The definition of a flock-guard is any breed of dog that is used to guard a flock (of sheep for example) without guidance or direction from a human.  Flock-guards stay with the flock to protect them from any intruder - be it two or four legged.  Historically, the Kuvasz was used to protect flocks from both the European Wolf (a much smaller species than the North American Grey, or the Timber Wolf), and from thieves.  Developed thousands of years ago, flock-guards were developed to be bold, courageous, confident, strong, and INTELLIGENT. 

Please note, the use of the word intelligent does not mean "obedient".  Intelligence and obedience are two completely different qualities.  I like to make the following comparison between an obedient dog and an intelligent dog.  Put one of each in a room, tell them to stay, and leave the room.  If the roof started to cave in, the obedient dog is going to remember he was told to stay.  The intelligent dog is going to figure out that if he doesn't leave on his own, he's going to die!  In short, Kuvasz were bred to think for themselves, and they are perfectly capable of it.  In fact, they often need a good reason to ignore instinct and obey the command of a "mere human".  Without a flock of sheep, a Kuvasz in a household will come to think of his people as sheep.  It is HIS job to protect his sheep.

To perform the duties of flock-guard, a Kuvasz must possess a degree of self confidence.  A Kuvasz lacking confidence, facing a wolf by itself, will not be able to cope with the situation mentally.  That said, it is my firm belief that ALL Kuvasz, even in pet homes, need to exhibit self confidence.  Any dog (yes - all breeds!) that lacks confidence will not feel comfortable in new places, with new people, or in new circumstances.  A Kuvasz without self confidence has a much higher risk of becoming a problem later in life for his new owners.  An unwillingness (fear) to be trained, ill at ease when visiting the vet, car sickness, involuntary urination, unfriendly toward strangers and visitors, fear of certain people - including small children, and even fear biting can be the result.  While a puppy that exhibits lack of confidence can be placed in a new home, breeders should be cautious to place him only in a home that has the ability and time to work with such an individual.   This puppy will require far more attention to socialization and training with an eye always toward building confidence.  It is my belief that animals, especially bitches, lacking in confidence should not be bred, but I have seen some exceptions to prove otherwise. 

There is no reason that Kuvasz cannot have a proper temperament and still be friendly to strangers when properly introduced.  When introduced to strangers, whether out in public, or in your own home, Kuvasz should never be rude to the point that you cannot allow the dog in the room with people.  This is NOT proper Kuvasz temperament.  Should they bark and run to the door when someone knocks?  Of course they should.  They may even continue to bark when you open the door.  Once you invite that person into your home, and tell the dog "it's OK" he should accept this new person and either greet him in a friendly manner,  or ignore him.  It's important that you use the proper tone of voice when introducing people to strangers.  Your tone should tell your dog that you are calm and relaxed around this person, and your dog should pick up on this and behave in the same manner.  If for example your dog is barking at the door, do not yell at the dog.  Yelling at him tells him that YOU are stressed.  He will equate this new person at the door as your reason for being stressed.  He will think you are perhaps afraid of this person.  He will go into "guard" mode and treat this person as a threat.  Nor should you use a condescending or "baby" voice in an attempt to reassure your dog.  This voice tells the dog that you are unsure of yourself, or the situation, and he will take it as a cue to take charge.  Make sure you tell your Kuvasz with tone of voice that everything is OK and he can calm down and relax.  Generally speaking, I would use the same tone of voice as telling someone the current time when asked.  Calm, confident, and relaxed.

Do you remember seeing the movie "Babe"?  Remember Farmer Hoggets last words?  "that'l do pig", and the tone of voice that he used, AND the reaction of Pig?  The pig immediately relaxed.  This is an excellent example of how to communicate to a dog that you are relaxed and he too can relax.  The same tone of voice should be used when dealing with meeting a stranger, or to signify the end of a training session.

Read more about training issues, especially the importance of voice inflection in any or all of the training sections that apply to your situation.  Training your pet should be read by everyone for general information about living with these dogs.  Training for performance discusses the special training issues for Kuvasz in obedience, agility, and tracking - the only three performance disciplines that AKC allows Kuvasz to compete in.  Training for conformation covers what you need to know to be successful in the show ring.  Training for guardian is for livestock guarding - NOT attack training, a discipline that Kuvasz are most unsuited to.