Before buying any dog, be sure it is the breed for you. Know yourself and what you want in a dog. Ask questions of the breeders and expect to be asked questions. Remember, this dog will be part of your family for many years.

The personality of a puppy is in part a result of its parentage. Judge the personality of the parents (if available) and how this fits into your own family. Puppies who are very aggressive, or shy, should be avoided.

Never risk the purchase of a Kuvasz from a pet store or commercial establishment. Such establishments seek to maximize their profit from puppy sales. They often underspend on the care and raising of the puppies resulting in a greater chance of health and temperament problems. These establishments offer low quality to the public at high prices. Background information is often unavailable and the buyer may not have the opportunity to actually see the parents and be able to evaluate their good and bad traits, looks and state of health. A responsible Kuvasz breeder will NEVER sell puppies to these establishments.

Upon request the KCA can provide you with a list of breeders believed to be honorable.

The rescue or adoption of a more mature dog is often an excellent alternative to dealing with the efforts of raising a puppy. Kuvasz can become available as a result of a change of circumstance on the part of their owners. Rather than a problem, these are loyal companions who are losing their family. Sometimes rescues take place as a result of problems, be they dog or owner caused. In these instances, a careful evaluation such as in the KCA Rescue/Placement process, is very important. This represents an effort to match the dog and its individual history to a new environment. The right match, along with proper care and training, can resolve most problems. KCA Kuvasz Rescue believes that there are few more worthwhile efforts that the rescue of a dog in such circumstances, and few greater rewards than the loyalty and devotion of such a dog.

Contracts

A written contract is essential. If the buyer clearly understands the terms under which he or she is purchasing a dog, many potential problems can be avoided. This contract should clearly identify health guarantees, owner responsibilities (such as health checks, immunizations, neutering) and the breeder's responsibilities along with specific remedies should a problem arise with the dog. The contract should memorialize the buyer and breeders expectations of one another now and in the future. Along with the contract, KCA recommends that you should receive the following:

AKC registration application (blue slip), Hip clearances (OFA/OVC INDICATING ACTUAL #'S) on sire and dam, health and immunizations records, a 3 generation pedigree.