Rescue

Kuvasz: a permanently identified purebred dog whose sire and dam belong to the same breed and are themselves of unmixed descent since AKC recognition of the breed in the 1930s.

Mongrel/mutt/mix: any dog who isn't a permanently identified purebred with a pedigree, no matter how much like a particular breed the dog may look or act. In Kuvasz circles these animals are often referred to a Big White Dogs (BWD).

Rescue: obtaining legal and physical possession to save shelter dogs from euthanasia.

Rehome: responsible breeders, owners, and friends working together to find suitable homes so that the dog does not end up in a shelter.

Mentoring: working with current owners on issues of training, socialization, health issues, feeding, medical treatment, etc.

The Kuvasz dog is a very unique, special dog; and, thus, the term "Kuvasz" should be reserved for actual purebred Kuvasz and not mongrels who just look or act similar. With breed ban legislation on the rise, it is imperative that purebred fanciers insist on the restricted use of the term "Kuvasz". Just as cheap knock-offs of other products often necessitate legal action in order to protect their trademark, copyright, patent, etc., breeders must not allow mongrels to be labeled as Kuvasz for the same reasons. Should a mongrel that looks or acts similar to a Kuvasz be labeled as such, the reputation of the breed suffers. In the worst case, what if one of those mongrels bites someone? Suddenly we have a "Kuvasz" that has bitten someone. We don't need bad press any more than any other breed does. But only Kuvasz fanciers are in a position to stop it. If the dog doesn't have a pedigree, it CANNOT be called a Kuvasz. Those that continue to do this are jeopardizing our breed, and they are not operating in the best interests of purebred Kuvasz.

The rescuing of shelter dogs is a noble and often thankless pursuit. However, very rarely is it a true "Kuvasz" rescue. Most shelter dogs are not identified; and therefore not Kuvasz. If they are identified, it is likely that they came from a reputable breeder who will take steps to insure the dog is safely rehomed, and, therefore, not a rescue. Additionally, it is nothing to be proud of to have a Kuvasz in a rescue situation. If at all possible, we want our dogs in good, lifetime homes never experiencing the upheaval and trauma of rescue. Further, most purebred Kuvasz are not easy candidates for adoption due to their wary nature. It should be a red flag to anyone that a dog that is super-friendly, soft, and submissive might not be a Kuvasz. And we certainly don't want the numbers of resuce mongrels skewing the actual statistics on true Kuvasz in rescue. Again, this is not good for the breed.

Also, rescue is not to be confused with the mentoring of Kuvasz owners. Just because a person requests help in training, socialization, medical treatment, etc. that doesn't mean that the dog is in rescue. On the contrary, this person is doing what responsible people do in seeking the advice of others to help in working with their dog. Unfortunately, these people are often misinformed as to the expertise of rescue folks. It is likely that those rescue individuals are more familiar with the mongrels than with actual purebred Kuvasz. The best place for the owner to seek advice is from their breeder. Hopefully, they purchased their Kuvasz from a knowledgable, reputable breeder who is willing to help and mentor. If not, another experienced breeder will undoubtedly still be a better source of information than a rescue person. Rescue cannot and should not be confused with rehoming either. Breeders and owners find dogs new homes all the time. This is not rescue. This is responsible, ethical behavior and thus should not be mislabeled.

Unfortunately, the behavior of quite a few well-meaning people has necessitated the writing of this. These people have been working under the auspices of Kuvasz rescue but they aren't using the donations, etc. for the help of just Kuvasz. This money has been misused and statistics altered because BWDs are the majority of the dogs they help--not purebred Kuvasz. Please don't get me wrong here. I am supportive of their efforts because these dogs need help, no doubt. However, they should not be taking the place of Kuvasz in need. I know if I donated money to the American Cancer Society, I would be pretty angered if I found out it went to the American Heart Association instead without my authorization. This is what is happening all the time in Kuvasz rescue. I think it is time that it stopped.

And also the extortion of money from reputable Kuvasz breeders who refuse to give funding to this mongrel rescue organization must be stopped. Responsible breeders who are willing and able to rehome their dogs should not be harassed by people who are primarily interested in mongrel rescue. Did you know that rescue dogs aren't free? No, the typical cost is around $300 depending on vet procedures, boarding costs, etc. And this likely isn't even a Kuvasz! Most breeder rehomes are free. Most breeders don't charge for the spay/neuter and vet costs since their dogs are likely up-to-date on vaccinations and healthy-something you just don't know about mongrels with no known history.

It all boils down to what you want. If you want to help out a dog and it doesn't matter to you if it is a purebred or not or if it is healthy or not or if it costs upwards of $300, go with a rescue from a shelter. I'm sure the dog and those folks in that venue will be appreciative. If you want a purebred Kuvasz with a known pedigree, known history, good health, and potentially no cost, contact a reputable breeder. Breeders usually have wonderful dogs waiting for wonderful homes. What you will get with an Aegys Kuvasz rehome adoption is a healthy, mentally and physically sound, trained, purebred dog with a built in mentor ready and willing to help you with all facets on owning this magnificent breed for no cost. So, why do we do this? Because first and foremost it is about the dogs and doing what is in the best interest of purebred Kuvasz.