Griffith
Goats
Guardians for Griffith Goats
Livestock Guardian Dogs
Taken From: Working Dogs
LGD are large dogs ranging from 80-140 lb and 25-36 inches tall. Their size allows them to intimidate any potential predators and enables them to come out on top if a conflict should occur. LGD are known to be independent and intelligent individuals that must work on their own to protect livestock. They are laid back and are non-aggressive toward people and stock. They are roamers, very territorial and generally withstand extremes in temperature. Some common uses can be to protect stock, home, land, and owners against wolves, feral dogs, mountain lions, and even bears.
If the LGD is to be used in an area where neighbors are close, the owner must be aware that LGD have a natural barking behavior to warn off predators. Because LGD’s are nocturnal, as are most predators, they will bark often through the night. This is an important part of their job.
Benefits
from the LGD include " reducing predation on livestock, reducing labor
by alerting owner to disturbances in the flock, protecting family and
ranch property and allowing for efficient use of pasture and potential
flock expansion."
(We currently have a nice litter of March born Anatolian/Pyr pups. They are currently working and living amongst the herd and doing a great job. More information on the "For Sale" page.)
We are using mainly Anatolian/Pyrenees crosses to look after our goats. We are very pleased with the outstanding job these dogs are doing for us. We currently have 5 adult LGD looking after 1,000 goats and they are doing a superb job!!! Our dogs are expected to protect primarily against coyotes but there are threats from other predators as well. These dogs consider themselves as a part of the herd and take protecting them quite seriously!
These amazing dogs that we have been blessed with have also been doing an incredible job of helping with the safety and protection of other species as well. They have been 100% effective at keeping our poultry safe as well as keeping a close and adoring eye on grandchildren.
Badger resting under a tree with a few goats on a hot summers day.
Guardian setting in the
midst of the herd.
