In a litigious society, it is obvious that anyone can sue anyone else. However, if you own a big dog, you are more likely to be the defendant than the plaintiff. There are certain responsibilities that come with owning a big dog, like Kuvasz, so that you can keep your dog happy and your neighbors happy as well. Remember that other people who live near you will look on a dog that has a history of being a bodyguard, like the Kuvasz, as a threat. It is up to you to get your dog trained and socialized so that it will be accepted into the area you choose to live in.
Many home subdivisions are starting to have restrictions on the types of dogs and pets that can be owned in your home. You may need to check to see if your dog falls into a restricted category. Pit bulls and livestock like pigs are often excluded, however, a large dog like Kuvasz will undoubtedly ring bells in terms of neighborhood safety and can cause an issue. Even many dog trainers try to dissuade people from buying a Kuvasz because the Kuvasz, while intelligent, is very independent. It is entirely suspicious of strangers and will bite, even if it has been trained.
This brings us to the discussion of insurance. Besides your homeowner's association, your home insurance provider may also have restrictions. They may either raise your premiums, once they find out you won a Kuvasz, or may refuse to cover you. Even people, who have had a policy in force for many years, may suddenly find themselves without coverage because they have been discovered to own a fierce, guard dog. There are approximately 22 breeds of dogs, and some just labeled guard dogs, that appear to be targeted for refusal of insurance coverage. The Kuvasz is on that list.
While you can get liability insurance for your dog in case it bites someone, the best thing to do is to train it well and maintain a secure back yard. It should have a large privacy fence and the gates should be shut securely with locks. Do not allow the dog to wander the neighborhood and make sure that you get the dog obedience training as soon as possible. You are the one that is responsible for this dog's behavior, so you must be willing to be a dominant owner with very strict rules. Even with these precautions in place, you will be liable for any destruction the dog causes to other people's property and you can be fined. You can even be jailed if your dog has a habit of biting and causes bodily harm. Don't assume that just because the dog is nice to your family, it will not bite or attack anyone else. It is a guard dog and it is bred to be protective of its own charges and quite aggressive with other people it perceives as threats.
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