Livestock Guarding Dogs — Dogs have been bred and used for centuries to protect livestock. Most of these dogs have a strong guarding behavior that, with proper training and patience, can be modified to make them good pets and household protectors. In general, livestock guarding dog breeds are large, strong, and independent. They are generally calm and intelligent.
Dog breeds used to guard livestock are generally different than herding dogs. Herding dogs, like collies, help herdsmen and women move their animals. Livestock Guarding dogs, instead, protect animals from threats like wolves and other predators.
Livestock guarding dogs are highly social. They like to stay in groups, with other dogs they've known since they were puppies. This social nature predisposes them to protect and stay with livestock.
As pets, livestock guarding breeds can be challenging. They require lots of daily exercise, as well as a job. When they're working guarding animals, this is easily accomplished. However, the amount of exercise and mental stimulation they require can be difficult to get as house pets. Livestock guarding dogs also need training and supervision from someone who is capable of assuming a strong leadership role.
Livestock guarding dog breeds include:
Rarer livestock guardian dog breeds include the:
- Armenian Gampr
- Carpathian Sheepdog
- Cao de Castro Laboreiro
- Caucasian Owcharka
- Estrela Mountain Dog
- Greek Sheepdog
- Mid Asian Owcharka
- Karakatchan
- Karst Shepherd
- Kyo Apso
- Owczarek Podhalanski
- Pyrenean Mastiff
- Rafeiro do Alentejo
- Romanian Sheepdogs
- Sage Koochie
- Slovak Cuvac
- Sarplaninac
- South Russian Owchaka
- Spanish Mastiff
- Tornjak
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Livestock Guardian Dogs