June 2015, ˜ e Paper

June 2015, The Paper — Page 7
Unique breed of
dog helps to keep
coyotes away
Cont. from Front
and find it a new home.
“I’m the type of breeder that is here for the whole life of the dog,” says
Amber. “I will always take my dogs back here. I will take them back and
find them a new home.”
That commitment to the Kuvasz is part of the reason the Kunzes now
find themselves providing Kuvasz puppies everywhere from farms in
Huron County to families in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and
on the East Coast. They also sell quite a few Kuvasz to the U.S.
Back here at home the Kuvasz are a popular choice with farmers because
of the prevalence of coyotes in the area. The Kuvasz are very protective
of their families of both the human and animal variety, meaning while
it is likely unwise to leave your basset hound alone with the chickens, a
Kuvasz can be trusted to protect rather than munch on the flock.
“What they do is protect the animals that they are raised with. That is
because the other animals are their family. They just want to make sure no
harm comes to their families,” notes Amber.
While the Kuvasz is an excellent protector, Amber notes the dog is as
equally welcome to non-farming families because they easily adapt to
their surroundings and can be as comfortable in the suburbs as they can on
a sprawling sheep farm.
Among the Kuvasz-related anecdotes Amber has heard over the years
include how a Kuvasz in British Columbia kept a bobcat away from goats
and puppies (and required stitches in the process), and how another Kuvasz
alerted his Ontario-based owner to stray cows that were highway-bound.
“They are real order nerds,” says Amber. “The dog knows when something
is out of order, out of place or amiss. They just learn by watching and
observing.”
Amber notes that while the Kuvasz is a fantastic dog, there is a learning
curve and that is why she is always available to give advice and tips to
Kuvasz owners.
“I watch each personality,” say Amber who notes there are about two
litters of anywhere between six to 16 puppies a year on her farm. “I offer
tips and suggestions, guidance and supervision. They go through a teenage
phase, right?”
Amber’s love for the breed is so enmeshed that she is also a past editorial
director for the breed’s association newsletter.
“There are a lot of great things about the Kuvasz, including the fact that
they are a low odor hypo-allergenic dog,” says Amber, noting that while
their coats are thick, the Kuvasz are self-groomers so while brushing is
likely a task to be taken on by some dog owners, it is not a prerequisite.
Though the Kuvasz are excellent and gentle watch dogs, Amber cautions
they might not be for every one since they are a larger dog (75 pounds to
more than 130 pounds) and they do shed.
Still, for those that choose a Kuvasz, it is often a beautiful relationship.
Amber has a lot of repeat buyers who are getting their second, third, or
fourth Kuvasz from her. Amber quotes that it seems that once you have
owned a Kuvasz, you will never want another type of dog. They seem to
weave their way right into your heart and soul, she says.
“I’ve heard many people say these dogs are so smart they are one step
ahead of the owner,” says Amber.
For more information about the Kuvasz, visit the website, www.
huronkennels.com.
Do you know someone
with a story to tell?
Call (519) 482-3197
These gentle dogs are natural protectors.
Is a KUVASZ
the RIGHT DOG for you?
A
re you looking for a gentle guardian that is
good with children, but will also keep the
coyotes and other predators away? A large
dog that is hypo-allergenic, very sound & healthy
with good longevity? These are just a few of the
extraordinary qualities of kuvasz. A kuvasz is an
ancient noble livestock guardian dog, an original
breed fostered by the Hungarians for thousands of
years. However, a kuvasz also shows an af�inity for
human companionship, forming an unbreakable
bond with those it loves, extending to self-sacri�ice if
necessary. Kuvasz are very versatile … they can live
outdoors or indoors, on an acreage or in a
subdivision … they will adapt to the lifestyle and
environment in which they are raised. Kuvasz can do
it all … in one moment, it can be playing quietly with
the children in the house and in the next moment,
it can tear outside to chase away a coyote near the
sheep. A kuvasz is determined that nothing should
disturb the peace and well-being of its family, its
animals or its property. The puppies that we raise
come from parents that have physical and
temperamental soundness and generations of
certi�ied hip clearances. For nearly 25 years, our
dogs have been successfully placed in both working
homes and as family guardians. These puppies are
CKC registered, will have their �irst set of
inoculations, and come with a written guarantee and
lifetime support. Older dogs are occasionally
available as well.
Call (519) 524-2962
or visit www.huronkennels.com