Guardians for Griffith Goats
Livestock Guardian Dogs
Taken
From: Working
Dogs
Livestock guard dogs (LGD) are
mainly
ancient breeds from Europe and Asia. These breeds include Akbash,
Komondor, Kuvasz, Tatra, Maremma, and the very popular Great Pyrenees.
The history of these breeds goes back many thousands of years. LGD
generally share similar characteristics. Most are light colored so that
they are able to blend in with the livestock; the light color also
allows them to be distinguished from dark-colored predators.
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.
Danger to all predators... so
gentle with their "herd"!