farm animal guardian wiener , also known as livestock aegis dogs , are broadly speaking gravid — with Male weigh more than 100 pounds — and often unfriendly toward other dogs , keeping stray dogs aside from the flock . These stock are bred as put to work animals , not deary . Their focus is to find and deter predators .
Most predators stay aside from dog - protected flock to stave off being confronted by the guardian dog .
GreatPyrenees
There are many guardian dog strain , but theGreat Pyreneesis the most widely used in North America . in the beginning cover by Basque shepherds in the mountains between Spain and France , this breed is probably the least fast-growing toward people . Its thick-skulled coat and dense chassis , however , often make it a misfortunate choice for hot regions .
The breed ’s “ bear - shaped ” head is an identifying strain trait , as is its tendency to skin and “ posture ” to imperil away would be 4 - legged intruders .
Akbash Dog
If you have livestock in prominent pastures and a spate of predators , you might need a more aggressive breed . The whiteAkbash Dogfrom Turkey is look at one of the most predator - aggressive and livestock - protective dogs around .
It is n’t as heavy boned as the Great Pyrenees and is proportionately longer legged and acrobatic with a more wolflike head . Males are 30 to 33 inches ; female person about 2 column inch shorter .
Like the Great Pyrenees , on small properties it is known to “ posture”—growl , bark , snarl — as a part of its defense mechanism .
study more : Livestock shielder dog take live - and - allow - live sheep protection to the pasture .
Kangal Dog
Another native Turkish breed , theKangal Dogis more mastiff in appearance and is always black - masked dun or fawn . Like the Akbash Dog , it ’s collation - inhibited ( reluctant to bite or even nip ) the great unwashed or its farm animal . However , stranger are encounter with anintimidating stare and an aloof attitude .
The strain seldom postures ( jeopardise ) . It watches and then move — mutely charging a predator . Most recentlyKangal Dogshave been successfully introduced to western U.S. sheep producers where grizzly bears and wolves threaten livestock .
Anatolian Shepherd
TheAnatolian Shepherdalso retrace its inheritance to Turkey . While European land no longer record this breed , it ’s registered in the U.S.
Developed from Turkish dogs brought to the U.S. and other westerly countries , this large , impose breed is sometimes boring to get on but devoted to its herd . It can be uncongenial toward humans .
Varying in coating length and colour , these dogs can hold hot weather because they are similar to the Akbash Dog in consistence proportion . Dogs with more wad and more weight are more suitable to mountain climate .
Also read : Using Global Positioning System Collars On Your farm animal Guardian Dogs
Komondor
TheKomondorfrom Hungary has a long , heavy , nonshedding coat that can develop feltlike cords standardized to dreadlocks to protect against conditions and wolf bites . This thick coating call for care , and some people just shear it when they shear their sheep .
These andiron count 80 to 100 pounds and are as improbable as 27 inches . They are very protective and territorial toward two- as well as four - legged intruders .
General Guardian Dog Guidelines
private dogs alter , regardless of strain , and some work better than others . If you start with a pup , put it with the flock as soon as it ’s able-bodied to be dependable around potentially strong-growing sheep or goats . A new whelp can be housed next to livestock . By 10 to 12 weeks , it should be familiar with the good deal , sound and smells of its livestock .
A ferine livestock guardian is a liability , not an asset . It ’s significant to socialise the puppy to humanity . Calling its name and handling it at feeding time helps to build respect and trust in human beings .
However , these dogs must know with farm animal , not with you . They defend and protect the animals they are attach to as pups . It usually accept 12 to 24 months for whelp to become effective guardians with some breed and individuals . Dogs can take longer to maturate and outgrow the inherent aptitude to chase or play with stock .
stock guardian track intimidate predators by barking and behaving aggressively Most will attack a predator if it does n’t provide . Some quell with the livestock all the clock time . Others prefer to roam the perimeter of the ruck .
Wandering off property is a vernacular issue and is dangerous for the guardian bounder . owner need to teach young heel to respect their limit , and nothing is better for that than a dog and stock - proof fencing !
Guardian dogs require minimal care , except more feed ( and feed of higher fat / vim content ) during cold weather condition and workaday wellness care . Neutering insure repose of management . Some people cater self - feeders for the dogs .
These dogs often pick out to continue outside in all atmospheric condition conditions . Or they might apply the same shelter as the sheep they protect .
This article originally appeared in the November / December 2022 issue ofHobby Farmsmagazine .
