Cross Breeds

Anybody familiar with the kuvasz breed? Couple of Q's?

I was 12 years old (which was many moons ago) when I first saw a picture and description of a kuvasz in a dog breed book, and I have wanted one ever since. I've never actually met one; they are pretty rare in the U.S. But for some reason, every few years I am drawn to read information about them and look at pictures of them and wish, wish, wish. It's probably pretty silly. But there are kuvasz's in need of forever homes out there - ones that are rescued from BYB's and puppy mills, or breeders and owners who die suddenly or can't take care of them anymore. I would like to adopt an adult kuvasz one day, and I don't care about AKC papers or how good the bloodline is, or if the dog is 100% kuvasz, or even if the dog has all of its limbs. I just want the basic temperament, size, and look. However, as much as I have read about them, I can't infer from their coat description if they can be comfortable in the climate that I live in. Though I keep my dogs indoors at least 22.5 hours of the day, and every house here (that I am willing to live in) has central air, it's pretty hot here in the Gulf Coast region. And when I say hot, I mean surface-temperature-of-the-sun hot in July and August. I know that Newfoundlands and Huskies are susceptible to strokes down here, and people own them anyway, and I don't like it. But the ones that live life 90% indoors SEEM to do fine. Kuvasz are not quite arctic dogs, but they seem pretty close. Is it humane to have a dog like that in southern Louisiana/Mississippi/Houston area? Second question is, kuvasz's are herding dogs, and I have two dogs already, both of which are about 60 pounds (so, much smaller than a kuvasz). Can herding dogs, as adults, get along with other dogs in their homes? I've seen some herding dogs that most definitely DID NOT. Anybody have any personal experiences? I know this is a long shot, but I just thought I'd ask.

Public Comments

1. I would have second thoughts about the temperature issue, particularly since a Kuvosz wants to be outside a lot patrolling it's property. Kuvaszok are NOT herding dogs, they are flock guardian dogs... much different temperament than herding dogs. Very tough, very independent. Most of them in the U.S. are bred from working lines, and will require strong leadership and a job to do. Dogs with their mentality do not always find life as a pet dog to be fulfilling, and a poorly bred or poorly raised Kuvosz could be temperamentally on the scary side.
2. I love the personality of a kuvasz. They are so sweet.