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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.
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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.
COSTS AND CONTRACTS
Show and breeding potential youngsters will range from
$800 - $1200. Companion puppies will range from $500 -
$800 dollars.
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.
Suggested Reading
DOG OWNERS HOME VETERINARY GUIDE
by Carlson & Giffon (Howell Books)
DOG PROBLEMS
by Carol Benjamin (Howell Books)
DON'T SHOOT THE DOG, THE NEW ART OF TEACHING & TRAINING
by Karen Pryor (Bantam Books)
GREAT DOGS GOOD OWNERS
by Roger Kilcommons (Warner Books)
MOTHER KNOWS BEST
by Carol Benjamin (Howell Books)
PLAYTRAINING YOUR DOG
by Patricia Gail Burnham |
