Question for Kuvasz Owners

Hi,

I am seriously considering getting a Kuvasz. My only concern is that I
have heard that an owner of a Kuvasz has to make a strong
conscientious effort to train the Kuvasz's guard instinct. Constant
socialization throughout their life span (which I suppose any owner
should do anyhow, regardless of the breed), along with obedience
training is what I have heard is recommended.

I've had large dogs before, and I had no trouble training them and
being in charge of them. OTOH, I've also heard that the Kuvasz's
temperament is qualitatively different than that of a say, a German
Shepherd. As is true with any serious guard dog, I would like to think
that some of this is hype, and a lot of it is dependent on the owner
(such an owner who is inexperienced, not good at handling dogs, buys a
dog for the wrong reason, neglects the dog, or purposefully mistreats
the dog to make him mean).

However, I am curious if anyone who has actually owned a Kuvasz could
weigh in and give their opinion as to how much of a problem they had
in making sure their dog's guard instinct was in check. Was it a
problem? What did you do? How confident did you feel with the dog?

Thanks,

Matt Brenneman