temperament

Temperament

What constitutes "Proper Kuvasz Temperament" is a much discussed topic among fans of the breed, subject to much misinterpretation. The Kuvasz should be bold, spirited, outgoing, and most of all confident. These are traits needed for their work as livestock guardians, and are very important to what makes them unique. They are not attack dogs, but rather protectors. Therefore, one can conclude that excessive aggression or even overreaction to situations, are highly undesirable traits. During actual livestock guarding work, this would obviously be dangerous for them. They must outthink the foe and use complex strategies to protect their charges and themselves, but be capable of using brute force if neccessary. Here the term opportunist, gains meaning. On the other side of the scale, fearful or timid animals are not able to perform their task as intimidators affectively either, and will react out of fear, again, putting them in danger. They lack confidence and are reacting on a reflex, rather than a calculated decision to use force. The correctly tempered dog will only use physical aggression as a last resort. Instead, they prefer to bluff charge, and frighten the predator away or hold at bay. Marking and barking behaviors are instrumental as a first line of defense. A preference to using only the necessary force to control the situation is highly desirable. Much of it is a well performed act, quickly over once the threat is gone, done with the Kuvasz fully in control of the situation and themselves. This is the behaviour of Kuvaszok protecting their charges.

In day to day life, they are not easily irritated, especially by children and those they love. They are not easily threatened, and well socialized kuvasz should think before they act (in the absense of an out and out attack. There instinct takes over). They are majestic and dignified, but have an outrageous sense of humor. Newcomers to their home and property cause the alarm to go off to warn the family, and they will bark to hold back the intruder. A socialized Kuvasz quickly settles and accepts the newcomer with curiosity once his master arrives and tells him it is OK, but maintains a close watch. They don't like being left out of the fun and do not become protective unless it is truly warranted. They should not be skiddish, or nervous or fearful. Many people confuse the term "aloof" with this. Aloof is defined as "at a distance", this term for some leaves much confusion, and predisposes many to believe that skiddish, shy behaviour or aggressiveness is what is meant by the term "aloof". This however is not the case. "At a distance" means simply that, nothing more. It is more that they are discriminate and aware, at the most suspicious, and this is all the term should suggest. With socialization, the dog knows what constitutes real threats, and what is a waste of his time; and the boldness and confidence that should be there, remains. Some perceive this outgoing attitude as soft, but just the opposite is true. You have a dog with heightened ability to perceive danger and assess situations, and a gentle ambassador to our noble breed. A dog raised with consistency, love and plenty of socialization/familiarization (this is especially important in the whelping box as well as in their new home) will be a stable, fun family member. Livestock dogs owners need to keep this in mind, too. The more stimuli the puppy is exposed to early in life (be very careful to go slow and consistent, kuvasz never forget scares early in life), the more the dog can discriminate between threats and learn how not to waste their precious time.

Living with an animal such as this, is like stepping back in time and walking the ancient noble history the breed has survived for thousands of years.Because of these wonderful traits, the Kuvasz has always had and always will, have a place along side man, that serves us with companionship in the natural protector that walks in harmony with his surroundings.

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