Imagine talking to 500 people about your friend and companion. Now imagine 1000, or how about 10,000. What if I told you that our beautiful dogs were exposed and handled by 94,457 people in the course of five days. Amazing eh?  Well they may not have been handled by every one of those people, but they certainly were seen. Who could miss the  majestic white coats, gorgeous good looks, and striking size of the Kuvasz.

Amber Kunz, Steve Hounsell and I (Jane DeJong),had the wonderful opportunity to share our love for these dogs and to tell everyone who came within earshot of their loyalty, and their purpose.  We all know how wonderful our canine friends are, but we were there to show the other side of our dogs. The working aspect. A fact of this breed that is not as publicized as it should be.

If I had a nickel for every time we heard “ Is that a Great Pyrenees?’, I could buy a Timmies franchise.  After answering with the proper etiquette and explaining the difference hundreds of times, I  was automatically speaking without even hearing myself anymore.  I know Amber and Steve probably felt the same way.  People were amazed at how calm and controlled our dogs were.  King David (DeJong), Twenty-Two (Kunz), and Yesno (Kunz), all showed extreme manners and kindness, displaying all the qualities that we know is normal for our dogs. What amazed everyone was the fact that these dogs come with the natural instinct to chase off bear, moose, coyote, fox and even two legged predators. Anything that threatens their property and their friends.  They can show great boldness and  bravery when it comes to doing their job. A skill and instinct not all dogs can control as effectively as the Kuvasz.

Questions came in all forms. Is that wool? Can you spin the fur?   Is that dog crossed with a poodle? How do you pronounce that?   Do they understand english? How much is a pup? And the most popular of the week...”Do they shed?’ People were very inquisitive...and understandably so. These dogs showed the best of the breed and were amazing ambassadors.  People wanted to know about them...and where they could get one.

Amber posted a sign that read “These Dogs are Hypoallergenic”.  People couldn’t believe it! We had one lady with a small child who was extremely allergic.  The farm had been burglarized many times over, but because of the allergic reaction of her child they couldn’t have a guard dog.  She was eager to do a test with her little girl and the dogs. She let her cuddle and rub up against them. After 3 minutes she carefully checked over her face, certain that a red blistery rash was about to expose itself. Five minutes passed, then ten. After twenty minutes and still no trace of a reaction, they were quick to get the information package and get their name in for the next litter. It was amazing, and the woman shouted a very verbal greeting to everyone within earshot of what had just happened.

We heard heart warming stories as well as heartbreaking stories. Small animals being lost to coyote attacks. Sheep killed, calves taken and all kinds of livestock and property being threatened because people are unfamiliar with the options they have.  We heard of Kuvasz that are working, and doing a fantastic job. They are just as much a part of the family unit as they are a guardian for the livestock.  We made a point of telling people that these dogs are different then the Pyrenees. They are special in the fact that they require and thrive on human contact in order to do the job that they were born and bred to do.  I couldn’t imagine placing a dog in a field, leaving it, and expecting the bond to be there when I want it to be.  No these dogs are very different and people could see that in the eyes  of the three standing before them.

All in all, it was a superb show.  After five days of talking and educating and smiling and listening, we were exhausted. The dogs were perfect,  and we couldn’t  have asked for anything more then they gave.  But I am sure they were happy to be home at the end of the week. I know David was quick to check out his cattle and guard the home from the porch.

Now there are 94,457 people who have seen a Kuvasz. Now there are countless people who understand that this beautiful dog does exsist, and he has a purpose. To guard, protect, and be  a friend to those that love them.

Thank-you to Amber Kunz and Steve Hounsell who were willing to give up there time to help promote this amazing dog to a wanting public. Now they know...about the Kuvasz .