Is the Čuvač for you?
The Slovenský Čuvač is a wonderful breed but due to its size, strength and guardian temperament they are NOT a dog for everyone. Bringing a Čuvač into your life is a lifetime commitment, so make sure you learn all about the Slovenský Čuvač before you get one. They require socialization, training, patience, dedication, grooming, health care and love. Read about this breed and see if it will work well with your current lifestyle, not what you think your lifestyle will be in the future.
Here are some facts about Slovenský Čuvač dogs. Ask yourself these questions to see if this is the right breed for you.
1. Big dogs have bigger expenses for dog food, vet care and grooming (if you don't have the time and skills to groom them yourself). Can you afford to bring a big dog into your life? The average Čuvač female will be about 80 pounds and a male about 100 pounds, maybe more.
2. While a Čuvač puppy is a sweet ball of fluff at nine weeks, in six months you'll have a large dog who is still a puppy at heart. In a year you'll have a dog with a protective, guardian nature in your life, and at two years the dog's temperament will be set. This breed needs socialization from the very start and for at least two years. During the first 20 weeks of age you will need to expose your Čuvač to many places, situations and people. This will develop your Čuvač's self confidence later in life. Can you dedicate the time to do this?
3. Čuvačs move fast, are good jumpers and, if given the chance, they will roam. Their large feet will ruin the grass in a small yard. Do you have a a good sized, fenced property? Some like to dig and some don't.
4. When given a choice, Čuvačs prefer to be with their human family and not to be "outside only" dogs. Unless they are raised to be working dogs from an early age , living with their flocks and herds, they will not like being isolated from their humans and may become excessive barkers and destructive outdoors. Will you give a Čuvač a place in your home or make them a working dog?
5. Čuvačs shed because they have double coats to protect them from harsh weather. Long white fur does not look great on black clothes. Do you mind shedding? Do you have time to brush your dog every week? Do you have a good vacuum cleaner? Are you prepared to groom the dog or take it to be groomed?
6. Čuvačs bark to alert you to unusual noises, circumstances and people. This is part of their nature and will not change. Will this be a problem for you and your neighbors?
7. Čuvačs guard, not aggressively but defensively. They are born to love and protect the humans they live with, but they often don't like strangers. Can you handle this? Socialization helps.
8. Čuvačs do best with a strong-willed, patient person. Do you think that person could be you?
9. It takes time to house train a puppy. Accidents will happen. Things will be chewed. Are you up to this task?
10. A Čuvač is intelligent and somewhat independent natured. Training a Čuvač is different than how you would train most other dogs because they tend not to be treat motivated. They learn best when they train with their owners, not strangers. They need to be well trained so that their size and protective natures remain under your control. Will you take responsibility for training this dog?
11. Do you have small children? Although usually gentle with children, Čuvačs can easily knock down a small child or even an adult who isn't watching out for them. Čuvačs can be over-protective of children when they are playing rough or crying out. Socialization with children will be very important if children are around your Čuvač and your children will need to learn how to treat animals.
If after answering these questions you feel that a Čuvač is the right dog for you contact us. Many owners testify that the Čuvač is the best dog they ever owned - the smartest, most loving, fun, loyal companion dog ever!
