Interview with Lynn Roberts, Breeder of Aegys Kennels Kuvasz
Lynn Roberts: I live in Statesboro, Georgia. I have been in dogs for 30 years, breeding for 29 years.
Lynn Roberts: My kennel name is Aegys Kennels. I currently keep approximately 30 dogs.
Lynn Roberts: We have approximately 12 acres with pasture, woods, and a pond. Our property fenced into four areas with our sheep and donkeys in one, our horses in another, and the other two for dogs that cannot go out with the livestock. We have a 2,000 sq. ft. kennel with 16 indoor/outdoor runs and a separate paddock area with an additional 18 covered runs.
The kennel has four separate whelping areas with cameras and a kitchen. If needed for extra attention, we have a designated room in the house for whelping too. Once the pups are old enough, we have an outdoor play area for them. In addition to our immediate family, we employ several people who handle the pups daily from birth.
Lynn Roberts: I make final decisions at 7-1/2 weeks to 8 weeks. I look at movement, stacked conformation, and overall temperament.
Lynn Roberts: We take them everywhere. We own a doggy daycare/boarding/training facility off-property and the pups go with us to work every day for socialization, and we also try to travel to shows with the pups as much as possible. We currently attend approximately one show weekend a month in our motorhome.
Lynn Roberts: We need to do better at presenting our dogs with confidence, as some judges think they have questionable temperaments. The breed is suspicious of strangers, but they can be taught how to stand/stay reliably—though many of our owner-handlers have trouble doing this.
We want to encourage new people to the breed and to the sport, and the best way to do this with Kuvasz is with the experienced breeders helping them. Also, the breed is a Working Breed and should not be presented with theatrics or excessive grooming that is being seen right now. The breed is not particularly showy and this should not be penalized.
Lynn Roberts: The breed is extremely healthy and no one should tell you differently. Hip dysplasia is the number one issue, but we rarely see it in our lines because of the solid foundation we got from Lofranco Kennels. PRA-prcd is another problem, but one that should have already been eradicated if people would stop using carriers. We have no PRA-prcd in our kennel since we tested all of our dogs a decade ago and selected only “normals” to move forward with.
Lynn Roberts: The Kuvasz breed is good overall. However, as the parent club of our breed, the Kuvasz Club of America must encourage inclusion rather than exclusion with its members and potential members, and must have the best interest of the health of the breed as a priority. Insisting that, at a minimum, our breeders health test and only use normal/clear dogs in breeding programs would go a long way toward ensuring not only the health of the breed but also a positive public perception of the purebred dog world.
Lynn Roberts: A family dog, for sure, but not necessarily a suburban or apartment family. They are guardians, so this protectiveness may not be ideal when living in close proximity to others. They need a moderate amount of exercise, typically more than a few leash walks a day. So, we recommend a fenced yard at a minimum. A farm is ideal, with people who are confident in their ability to be a leader. The Kuvasz is highly intelligent and will run the show if the humans don’t.
The Kuvasz is the most magnificent breed I’ve ever dealt with in my life. I’m a professional dog trainer and also breed and show Doberman Pinschers, Miniature American Shepherds, Standard Poodles, and German Shorthaired Pointers, so I know a lot about various breeds and temperaments. There is nothing that compares to the total package of the Kuvasz. Yes, they shed… like maniacs, and yes, they guard… which isn’t for everyone. Yes, they are independent, stubborn, and way too intelligent for their own good sometimes. But if I could only have one breed, it would be the Kuvasz. If you had me go into a dangerous place, I’m taking my Kuvasz before any other breed. Their loyalty is unmatched.
Lynn Roberts: Not at all. We are in a mess as far as this is concerned. The few of us are all aging-out fast.
Lynn Roberts: I can’t really say that there’s one specific thing, but the breed is very goofy and clown-like with their people. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not “goosed” by a dog and then watch them mischievously smile at me, letting me know that if I turn my back, they’re coming back again!
The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder? Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.
Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.
Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.
Read and learn more about the loyal Kuvasz dog breed with articles and information in our Kuvasz Dog Breed Magazine.
Kuvasz Breed Magazine - Showsight
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