Mauna Kea Kuvasz

To understand and accept the AKC standard for the Kuvasz as the basis for its' future, keeping in mind the history and purpose of this ancient breed. To use that combined knowledge in a breeding program with the goal of producing quality specimens, healthy in mind and body, exemplifying the standard in every way.

The Kuvasz is a livestock guard dog that originated in Hungary.  It is a spirited dog of keen intelligence, determination, courage and curiosity.  Primarily a one-family dog, the Kuvasz is devoted, gentle and patient without being excessively demonstrative.  He needs human involvement to develop his social skills and must have a close relationship with his owner.  He’s always ready to protect his home and loved ones with a particularly strong instinct to protect children.  In spite of his territorial attachment, a Kuvasz can change homes successfully.  He is polite to accepted strangers but rather suspicious and discriminating in making new friends.  As a guard dog his is unexcelled, possessing the ability to act on his own initiative at just the right moment.  He is bold, courageous and fearless.  A Kuvasz must be socialized, trained, and made a member of the family.  Adult Kuvasz females are 75-95 lbs, adult males are 90-120 lbs.  The white double coat has a softer undercoat and a more coarse outer coat of guard hairs that repel dirt and water.  A Kuvasz will shed like most coated dogs.

A lifelong love of animals became a serious passion with the purchase of our first show dog in 1980. This Golden Retriever (giving way to Ridgepond Goldens) was worked mainly in obedience but we dabbled in conformation with him. A second and third Golden soon followed and in 1986, wanting something more protective, we obtained our first Kuvasz from Oak Hill Kennels. This Kuvasz was a 2 year old female with 4 points toward her American Championship. Conformation showing seemed the next natural step and we were soon bitten by the bug. Finishing her championship proved fairly easy, a breeding was planned and in 1987 we whelped our first litter of Kuvasz. Mauna Kea Kuvasz was "born" during that year on a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. Mauna Kea means "white mountain" and seemed to fit these big white dogs perfectly. The true foundation bitch for Mauna Kea was purchased in 1988 from Koval Kuvasz in New York. Her name was Koval's Manhattan Transfer (Maddie). Maddie was major pointed and while we never finished her championship, she has passed her beauty and wonderful temperament on to her offspring and given Mauna Kea the reputation it has for outstanding beauty and stable temperaments.

Our setting is a relatively small and private operation at our home on five wooded acres. It is a passion not a profession. The dogs live in a combination of the house and an insulated kennel building with indoor/outdoor runs and a double fenced exercise and play area. All whelping is done inside the house with no more than 2 litters per year. Pups are raised with lots of time and attention to their care. They are exposed to various sights and sounds and are thoroughly socialized to give them ample opportunity to gain confidence and knowledge in the very important formative weeks. Pups go to their new homes at 8 weeks - giving them the time with their mother and littermates that is critical in their development, but sending them to their new homes early enough to bond with their new family and surroundings. Pups spend time outdoors and in the kennel setting as well so that they become comfortable in that environment. The adult dogs are worked with daily, whether informally with play time or a more formal training session for the show ring. We utilize two area vet clinics for our veterinary care and have the good fortune to have one vet reside within a few hundred yards of our home and kennel.