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Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) |
LGD's are specific breeds of dogs; they are not herders, nor are they attack dogs. They are exactly what they are called: "Guardians". Their job is to live with the livestock and make sure nothing gets in to hurt, steal, or eat it. Their first line of defense is their size; they are enormous. If size and a menacing bark do not deter, they will place themselves between their charges and perceived danger. If all else fails, they WILL resort to violence, and woe to anyone on the receiving end of 100+ pounds of angry guard dog.
Around here there are mainly two types of LGD's; the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Great Pyrenees, although other more rare breeds do exist. These dogs are very intelligent and tend to think for themselves, so if you fail to establish your role as "alpha dog", your LGD will happily assume he's in charge. They are not the dog of choice for the faint of heart, nor for anyone who is not in firm command at all times.
A lot of folks let their LGD have free run of their property. This is fine if you have A LOT of property, (like a hundred acres!) Your LGD will decide how far his/her territory goes, and your neighbors may not appreciate a big doggie running around free, and in most states it's illegal as well. Remember it is YOUR responsibility to keep YOUR animals contained and safe, and that includes your dogs.
Whether your LGD's charges are goats or toddlers, and the predators are coyotes or burglars, these dogs will spend their lives keeping their "family" safe, but they do NOT make good city or apartment dogs; they need a lot of room to run around and exercise, and can bark (their first line of defense) a lot.
The difference between a true Livestock Guardian Dog and a Guard Dog, is just that, the "L". Livestock. LGD's bond to their livestock first and foremost. Guard dogs such as German Shepherds and Mastiffs bond with their human family, and not the farm animals. A guard dog will give it's life defending it's family and territory, but are not considered LGD's unless they are of a specific LGD breed, and not mixed with any breed that isn't. Most of these breeds have been around for thousands of years doing what they do best; protecting livestock!
Around here there are mainly two types of LGD's; the Anatolian Shepherd Dog and the Great Pyrenees, although other more rare breeds do exist. These dogs are very intelligent and tend to think for themselves, so if you fail to establish your role as "alpha dog", your LGD will happily assume he's in charge. They are not the dog of choice for the faint of heart, nor for anyone who is not in firm command at all times.
A lot of folks let their LGD have free run of their property. This is fine if you have A LOT of property, (like a hundred acres!) Your LGD will decide how far his/her territory goes, and your neighbors may not appreciate a big doggie running around free, and in most states it's illegal as well. Remember it is YOUR responsibility to keep YOUR animals contained and safe, and that includes your dogs.
Whether your LGD's charges are goats or toddlers, and the predators are coyotes or burglars, these dogs will spend their lives keeping their "family" safe, but they do NOT make good city or apartment dogs; they need a lot of room to run around and exercise, and can bark (their first line of defense) a lot.
The difference between a true Livestock Guardian Dog and a Guard Dog, is just that, the "L". Livestock. LGD's bond to their livestock first and foremost. Guard dogs such as German Shepherds and Mastiffs bond with their human family, and not the farm animals. A guard dog will give it's life defending it's family and territory, but are not considered LGD's unless they are of a specific LGD breed, and not mixed with any breed that isn't. Most of these breeds have been around for thousands of years doing what they do best; protecting livestock!
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AKC Breed Standard
Our Females
Our Males
Dogs For Sale
Evaluating Breeders & Buyers
Purchase Contract
Spay / Neuter Contract
Code of Ethics Breeder
