The Colorado Mountain Dog is a livestock guardian dog specifically bred for small acreage farming. Kate loves dogs of all shapes and sizes, but Bernese Mountain Dogs hold a special place in her heart. These dogs are particularly agile and fast and tend to work further from the flock than some other livestock guardian dogs. Top 10 Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds 1. But, when predators approach, they become fearless and formidable defenders of their flock. They are usually a breed that is happy living outdoors, although they’re best suited for cooler climates given their thick coats. Assuming that you consider the breed distinct from the Anatolian shepherd, the Kangal is a … Livestock guardian dog breeds instinctively act as defenders, but to work most effectively as a guardian, a puppy should be trained by another livestock guardian dog, a human prepared for the task, or preferably both. The Great Pyrenees is a popular breed for both livestock guardian dog and a pet in the United States. Maremmas need a job to do; they do not make good companion animals. This dog has a natural guarding instinct and it is very aggressive with any predator that may want to attack its flock. Others, however, continue to consider them distinct entities. The ultra-fluffy Great Pyrenees is known for his gorgeous white coat, confidence, and fearless attitude, making the breed an excellent choice for livestock-protection work. 1. These are very protective and territorial dogs and require a lot of socialization. They are a cross of Spanish Mastiff, Polish Tatra, Maremma, and Central Asian Shepherd, all highly regarded working breeds. Will your dog or dogs guard sheep, goats,... Great Pyrenees. When good ‘ole Trooper passed away in the summer of 2015, we started pondering dog breeds. Consult this livestock guardian dog breed comparison to help determine the best dog for farm protection in your area. Why LGD’s Bark – Quietest Livestock Guardian Dog. They’re very similar dogs in many ways, which leads some authorities to consider them the same breed. Great Pyrenees. Get tons of great dog training tutorials, canine gear guides, and the latest doggy discounts. Domestic livestock, such as sheep and goats, are vulnerable to attacks by various wild predators. These large dogs were used through the Himalayan mountains for thousands of years. Reeves International The Big Dig Sandbox Digger Excavator Crane Review. If given the right exercise and training the dogs are wonderful work dogs, as well as family dogs. The Anatolian Shepherd is a very impressive dog breed, originating from Turkey. Its coat is medium to long and requires grooming. These are pastoral dogs, developed to safeguard the livestock from predators. They typically have a peaceful demeanor unless provoked by predators. The large breed usually lives anywhere from ten to thirteen years and weighs anywhere from 120-240 pounds. Livestock guard dog (LGD) breeds are generally large (over 100 pounds), and while they may be devoted and friendly with their human owners, they are often unfriendly with other dogs. By Because of this, they became common as family companions in Hungary, where they originated. Pyrenean Mastiffs are excellent with children and tend to bark less than most other livestock guardian dog breeds. All breeds can potentially be trained not to bark, but this may make them less effective at their jobs. 12 min read September 23, 2020. They even go on to the extent of fighting with the predator if unable to send them away. How Do Livestock Guardian Dogs Protect Your Animals? These huge, fluffy dogs are protective and tenacious making them excellent livestock guardian dogs. But there are also a couple of dog breeds that excel at livestock protection, making them excellent assets for your farm or homestead. Moreover, these dogs are super strong and robust on their own.Nevertheless, some farmers and homesteaders feel better when providing their dogs with protective garments. The way Tatras alert is unique: they move between the flock and the predator and alert bark, only attacking if the predator moves closer. Puppy livestock guardian dogs can learn well with a mature adult in their presence.In addition, having more than one LGD puppy at a time can be trying, even for the most experienced dog owners. They are less aggressive than other LGDs and are nurturing to young animals and children. They are very nurturing with children as well as young animals. They do require a lot of socialization. The Great Pyrenees are a great guardian and herding dogs who do great at watching over livestock. They are 80 to 130 pounds and 26 to 28 inches tall with a heavy coat that does require grooming. The breed usually weighs between 70 to 120 pounds and has an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. Anatolian shepherds originated in Turkey and are known for being very strong and rugged. But this also makes them a bit challenging for first-time owners; they’re best left to those with a lot of dog-care experience. In France, the Great Pyrenees is one of the most familiar livestock guardian dog breeds. Their superior sight and hearing are assets to their service as livestock guardian dogs; they are fast and agile as well. The Top LGDs 1. The Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog or Maremma Sheepdog (Italian: Cane da pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese), usually referred to simply as the Maremmano or Abruzzese Sheepdog, is a breed of livestock guardian dog indigenous to central Italy and the northern parts of Southern Italy, particularly to Abruzzo and the Maremma region of Tuscany and Lazio. They may be well-suited to smaller farms with frequent visitors. Their coat is very thick to... 2. We’ll also answer some common questions about livestock guardian dogs to make sure they fit in well on your farm! This time around we wanted a dog that would be good with kids, not eat chickens, and serve as a guardian to any additional livestock we acquired on the homestead. Some have extremely fluffy coats, which may help facilitate the dog-livestock bonding process. They are great at protecting flocks, and their independent nature makes them excellent LGDs, as they often excel at making decisions and solving problems without human help. Males will often grow larger than their female counterparts, which can represent a “pro” or a “con,” depending on your needs.Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. Some even have mane-like fur to protect their neck and shoulder region from the teeth of predators.Additionally, livestock guardian dogs work to deter predators in a number of ways before engaging in any physical confrontation. The Great Pyrenees is the most popular barnyard dog on a nationwide scale. In "A Livestock Guardian Dog by Any Other Name: Similar Response to Wolves Across Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds," authors Dan Kinka of Utah State University and Julie Young of the Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center compare several new (to the United States) breeds of LGDs with the typical American "whitedog" (Great Pyrenees, Akbash, Anatolian, Maremma, and crosses … They usually weigh anywhere from 140 to 200 pounds and live an estimated 10 to 12 years. The breed has a natural guardian instinct and an inherent ability to guard livestock. Additionally, unkempt dogs develop bad odors, so you’ll want to make sure to bathe your LGDregularly. Anatolian Shepherd. They even go on to the extent of fighting with the predator if unable to send them away. Even if a mastiff is innocently playing around, his large weight could easily injure a small child if he is not properly trained. They reach similar sizes and ages as Anatolian shepherds. Here are some of the more common breeds of livestock guardian dogs available in the United States today. Most love to work and need a job to stay properly occupied. Great Pyrenees are best in cooler climates because they have long, thick, fur and need a lot of grooming. She is currently a professional dog walker and pet sitter, with previous experience working at the Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital in Manhattan. However, in recent years, many people have begun keeping these dogs as family pets. Livestock Guardian Dog Breed Comparison. It’s always done for a reason and a purpose. A livestock guardian dog isn’t going to produce wool for you like the sheep it is guarding. A guardian dog for your livestock should prefer to be with the flock rather than in the home with people. Assuming that you consider the breed distinct from the Anatolian shepherd, the Kangal is a super protective, alert, and independent dog, which is well-suited for a life spent protecting livestock. Spanish mastiffs also posses a muscular, strong build making them intimidating to potential predators. In fact, the... 3. Spanish Mastiffs can seem aloof and passive but react strongly to threats. They appear to be gentle giants and remain true to that label, until a predator poses a threat to the barnyard. What is your climate like? Kangals have only recently been added to the list of top LGDs, but don’t let that deter you. This large, white breed usually lives for 10 to 12 years and weighs between 80 to 110 pounds. Livestock Guardian Dogs, or LGDs, are invaluable to anyone with a homestead that includes poultry, sheep or goats and needs protection from predators. These are among the largest livestock guardian dogs and the originators of the mastiff breeds. Note: There’s a bit of controversy about the Anatolian shepherd and the Kangal. Great Pyrs are typically one of the least aggressive breeds. Akbash Dog — Originating from Turkey the Akbask dog is a popular choice and works well in both open range and fenced pastures. Most livestock guardian dog breeds were bred in specific regions from western Europe to Asia. We are selecting for dogs which tend to wander and bark less, and which accept unknown humans easily and without suspicion or hostility. Livestock guardian dogs are uniquely wired and must be treated and handled differently than pet dogs. Here are 25 of the best guard dog breeds known for offering their protection.. 25 Best Guard Dogs. Since most are bred for companion purposes, you may need to do your research to find a good breeder of working Pyrs with proper guardian temperament. We have 3 that work to keep our livestock safe - they are loyal animals. Kate Brunotts Their coat is well-suited to colder climate… Generally speaking, no. This dog breed is the one most often associated with prime livestock guardian dog traits. There are a bunch of different livestock guardian breeds you can choose from, but the following ones are some of the most popular. The Great Pyrenees. Estrelas are typically long-haired, with males roughly 88 to 110 pounds and 26 to 29 inches tall. Some livestock guardian dog breeds do tend to bark less than others, but again, please remember that every dog is an individual, and there are never any guarantees that your dogs will bark more or less based on their breed. Spanish Mastiff. The breed’s independent and brave nature makes them great protectors for livestock and families, and they often work well with a variety of different livestock species. Anatolians are from Turkey and range from 90 to 150 pounds and 27 to 29 inches in height. Crosses between an LGD and a herding or hunting dog are definitely not recommended as they may inherit strong chase or prey drive or confusing mixes of instincts and behaviors. Livestock Guarding dogs, instead, protect animals from threats like wolves and other predators. Estrelas can be particularly strong self-thinkers and require a good deal of socialization. They are especially suspicious of strangers. Consult this livestock guardian dog breed comparison to help determine the best dog for farm protection in your area. What Is Boxing Day, and How Did It Get Its Name? If you are considering getting livestock guardian dogs and have concerns about barking, you need to understand why LGDs bark. Either sex can work as an effective livestock guardian dogs.Generally, males will roam the perimeter of the farm or enclosure more while females will stay closer to the flock. Many years later, they still make excellent LGDs, thanks in part to their loyal and hard-working nature. First, make sure to bone up on the basics of having a livestock guardian dog, ensuring that the choice to have one at all is the right one for your farm. You can’t butcher off your guard donkey when it’s time to send the lambs to market. We’re listing them separately (see below) because it gives us the chance to share an extra photo of these adorable doggos. Most LGDs have thick double coats, which help protect them from predators and the elements. Our research led us to the Anatolian Shepherd. A livestock guardian dog is a dog type bred for the purpose of protecting livestock from predators. Trustworthy and aggressive towards predators, this is the best guard dog breed for nighttime protection. If not required for guarding purposes, the dog can be a well-behaved dog to humans – only if an assertive and informed owner trains them since puppyhood, and … These dogs have a deep, low bark and alert sensibilities that make them excellent livestock guardian breeds. Komondors live between 10 and 12 years and weigh about 90 to 130 pounds. This Italian sheepdog is known for its alert instincts and loyal attitude, making the breed an excellent choice for livestock guardian dogs. Livestock guardian dogs can be considered an upgrade to just “any old” farm dog, companion dog, or herding dog. The Spanish mastiff is a huge breed that is known for its kind and intelligent nature. Lauren Arcuri is a freelance writer and an experienced small farmer. Also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Great Pyrenees is a dog breed that has been used as a livestock guard for centuries. Part of this comes from genetics and instinct, and the rest comes from being raised from a puppy to live outside with the livestock. The 5 Best Livestock Guard Dogs for Sheep, Goats, and Other Herds 1. Kangal. If not required for guarding purposes, the dog can be a well-behaved dog to humans – only if an assertive and informed owner trains them since puppyhood, and is also consistent with the rules being set. While they are gentle and mellow around the house, they can be pretty territorial so make sure that these dogs are properly socialized with strangers and young kids. They bond strongly with their flock and will not hesitate to defend them from threats. We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below! Additionally, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Dog breeds used to guard livestock are generally different than herding dogs. You have successfully joined our pup pack. They originate out of Italy and have been bred to care for and protect all life on a farm. There is certainly no reason you can’t do so if you wish. The... 2. The sweet-faced akbash is originally from Turkey and has been used as a livestock guardian dog for centuries. Great Pyrenees. Below, we’ll answer some of the most common questions concerns livestock guardian dogs to help you determine whether or not they are a good pick for your farm. (A good canine guardian will also keep stray dogs – not to mention your neighbor’s mischievous cockadoodle – at bay.) It’s recommended that long-haired livestock guardian dogs are properly groomed at least once per month to keep their coat as healthy as possible.Minimally, you’ll want to address and remove any mats present before they become problematic. They don’t naturally “warning bark” as much – they typically bark when there is a predator very close by. In order to stay focused on their job, LGDs need to have their lives centered around protecting the farm. The Karakachan is a vigilant, independent breed, who is well-suited for protecting livestock. Below, we’ll discuss some of the best breeds for protecting your goats, sheep, chickens, or whatever other animals you raise. Maremmas have long coats. Herding dogs, like collies, help herdsmen and women move their animals. We needed a livestock guardian dog. They live pretty long lives, occasionally reaching 13 to 15 years of age, and they usually weigh somewhere between 90 and 150 pounds. Date of birth- Dec 17 2020. Livestock guardian dogs – they protect flocks and herds, The akbash lives about 10 years and weighs anywhere from 90 to 140 pounds. Livestock guardian dogs stay with the group of animals they protect as a full-time member of the flock or herd. Their bark is loud and threatening. Tatras are affectionate and have more gentle temperaments. In fact, this is another LGD breed that is well-suited for guarding a variety of different farm animals, ranging from sheep to chicken to ducks. Yet at the same time, you will still need to pay for all the typical expenses in raising an animal on a farm. Their ability to guard their herd is mainly instinctive, as the dog is bonded to the herd from an early age. They will protect early and from all predators, including people they do … Pyrenean Mastiffs are a traditional Spanish breed weighing between 120 and 150 pounds and standing 29 to 30 inches tall. The breed is known for being very gentle with families and children despite being incredibly independent. Maremma Sheepdogs are a bit smaller than other livestock guardian dogs, with an average weight of 77 to 99 pounds. They are not afraid of predators and will fight to protect livestock. Kangal. When unprovoked by predators, these dogs are calm, gentle, and zen-like making them great for families with children. Their name comes from the Turkish work akbas, which means “white head.”. They will protect early and from all predators, including people they do not know. They are slow to mature given their large size. Spanish Mastiffs are massive dogs that can weigh up to 200 pounds. Akbash dogs are working dogs and want a job to do. Maremmas are spectacular Livestock Guardian Dogs. Their temperament is steady and even. Anatolians require extensive socialization and like to roam. In 2011, I wrote an article for the Small Farms Quarterly about “Livestock Guardian Dogs.” In the past nine years I gained many additional insights and had new experiences, which I want to … Though they... 3. K9ofMine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Just be sure to think carefully about the characteristics of each breed before making your choice. Originating in Italy, dating back to ancient Rome, the Maremma is an excellent livestock guardian dog. The Great Pyrenees is a popular breed for both livestock guardian dog and a pet in the United States. Not all barking is the same and once you begin to understand your LGD’s barking language, you’ll note the variety of barks he or she possesses. This is when they should be placed with the flock they’ll be required to protect. This dog has a natural guarding instinct and it is very aggressive with any predator that may want to attack its flock. All dogs have special talents that make them well-suited for different activities or jobs. Anatolian Shepherd. This is one of the best-known livestock guard dogs. Komonder. They often mark their territory very deliberately. German Shepherd. Breeds Some of the best livestock guardian breeds 1 Akbash Dog 2 Carpathian Shepherd Dog 3 Kangal Dog 4 Cane Corso 5 Tibetan Mastiff 6 Karakachan Dog 7 Caucasian Shepherd Dog 8 Anatolian Shepherd Dog 9 Mioritic 10 … LGDs have been used all around the world for centuries to fend off predators and protect various farm animals. In France, the Great Pyrenees is one of the most familiar livestock guardian dog breeds. Most folks have a preference or an opinion on the best LGDs to protect their flock (this "flock" could include animals and small humans), but all five of these breeds are solid choices.. The breed is known for having good sight and hearing which makes them the perfect livestock guardian dogs. While livestock guardians (LGDs) are likely to have some innate livestock protection sensibilities, they still require an extensive amount of training to properly understand and execute their jobs.Livestock guardian dogs begin their training as early as 8 to 16 weeks of age. These dogs were developed to protect against wolves and bears in Bulgaria. It can be used successfully to guard sheep against wolves or bears. Guarding means that the dog views the livestock as members of its own pack. However, it is important to note that this breed is very sexually dimorphic, as males reach much larger sizes than their female counterparts. Although they can be somewhat aloof, they do like to interact with their owners. They appear to be gentle giants and remain true to that label, until a predator poses a threat to the barnyard. These dogs are happy to help protect your farm and flocks and enjoy working on a daily basis. The Kuvasz is 90 to 110 pounds and 28 to 29 inches tall and particularly human-oriented. They usually bonded strongly with livestock from an early age. When not spending time with four-footers, she can usually be found crafting top-notch dog-care articles that pet parents can trust. They have great senses of smell, sight, and hearing, which enables them to notice predators from a distance. The Komondor's coat requires a serious maintenance commitment, or you can clip the coat. 70 to 110 pounds and 25 to 29 inches tall, these are a smaller livestock guardian dog breed that comes in shorter and longer-haired types. They grow up to 80 to 100 pounds and 25 to 27 inches tall. Before committing to raising a livestock guardian dog, there are a couple of important factors to take into consideration. They are typically one of the best LGDs with children, and they usually live for about 13 years. The Best Farm Dog Breeds: Barnyard Buddies! This is a unique trait in these types of breeds. The German Shepherd is perhaps the best guard dog … There are several types of herding dogs:. Livestock guarding dogs are highly social. Akbash Dog— Originating from Turkey the Akbask dog is a popular choice and works well in both open range and fenced pastures. 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