Livestock guardian dogs are an impressive sight. These proud powerhouses have been used for centuries to protect livestock such as sheep, goats or cattle from attacks by predators. Find out here which breeds exist and what you need to consider when keeping them.
Livestock guardian dogs are large, strong four-legged friends. They often reach up to 80 centimetres in height and weigh around 70 kilograms – although females and crossbreeds are usually smaller and lighter than purebred males.
The main task of these attentive working dogs is to protect livestock such as sheep, goats, horses, cattle and poultry from both two- and four-legged intruders. They bravely face large predators like wolves, lynxes and bears, but also potential human livestock thieves, driving them away from their territory.
Confident, Independent Four-legged Friends
These dogs live as permanent members within the herd they guard, often working together in small teams. Depending on the region, the animals may even be left alone with the livestock for extended periods.
These intelligent, self-assured dogs are therefore used to making independent decisions. They do not rely on their owner’s commands.
Which Breeds are Livestock Guardian Dogs?
Especially in mountainous regions, shepherds and herders have relied – and still rely – on the support of dependable livestock guardian dogs. In harsh, nutrient-poor areas, large predators such as wolves and bears are more likely to approach human settlements and grazing animals.
Over the past centuries, various regional breeds have developed that are classified as this type of dog. Aside from their impressive stature and fearless nature, they can differ quite significantly from one another.
Shepherd Dogs vs. Mountain Dogs
According to the international canine organisation FCI, most livestock guardian dogs are listed in “Group 1 – Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs” or in “Group 2 – Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossoids and Swiss Mountain Dogs, Section 2 Molossoid breeds, 2.2 Mountain Dogs”.
European and Asian Breeds
Some of the best-known breeds used as livestock guardian dogs include:
Depending on the region, other breeds are also popular, such as the Cão da Serra da Estrela in Portugal, the Mastín del Pirineo in Spain, the Šarplaninac in Serbia and the Ciobănesc Românesc Mioritic in Romania. In Asia, the Tibetan Mastiff is especially popular as a livestock guardian dog.
The Kuvasz originates from Hungary. Its name means something like ‘armed security guard’ or ‘archer’.
Difference Between a Livestock Guardian Dog and a Herding Dog
Herding dogs are extremely energetic, agile four-legged friends. Their job is to drive and keep the herd together. These dogs are generally smaller and more nimble than classic livestock guardian dogs.
Physically and mentally, they are usually not able to take on wolves and bears. Typical herding dogs include the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd.
Herding and Livestock Guardian Dog in One
However, the boundaries between herding and livestock guardian dogs are fluid. There are indeed breeds that can be used both for herding and for protecting the flock, such as the Bergamasco Shepherd and the German Shepherd.
Character: Special Features of Livestock Guardian Dogs
These four-legged friends have been selectively bred for centuries to defend livestock as well as house and farm. They have a strong, innate protective instinct, which is naturally reflected in their character.
What are the Characteristics of a Livestock Guardian Dog?
Typical for these guard dogs is their tremendous courage. Some shepherds report that their dogs will risk their own lives to fend off attackers such as wolves, bears, stray dogs or people. Other notable traits include:
strong-willed, sometimes even stubborn
loyal
fond of barking
independent
reliable
intelligent
In addition, they are very sensitive and extremely alert. Even if they seem uninterested or are dozing, they keep a close eye on their territory. If these dogs spot a threat to the herd entrusted to them, they react in a flash. What to do in such a situation is a decision the dogs make themselves.
Are livestock guardian dogs aggressive?
If a predator or a stranger enters its territory, the large, seemingly sluggish dog becomes a fast runner. It confidently places itself between its herd and the potential threat, barking at the intruder.
Aggressive is not a word that usually describes livestock guardian dogs. They use their strength with great restraint and do not attack without reason. However, they are always wary of strangers, so their loud warning should be taken seriously.
If you are barked at by a livestock guardian dog on its territory, it is best to withdraw calmly.
Are Livestock Guardian Dogs Listed Dogs?
Some breeds, such as the Kangal or the Caucasian Ovcharka, are considered listed dogs in certain regions due to their strength and pronounced protective instinct. Depending on where you live, these dogs may not be allowed or may only be kept under certain conditions.
Important: Before getting such a dog, you should always check the legal requirements in your area.
What about Crossbreeds?
Every crossbreed is an individual. How strongly the protective instinct comes through in a livestock guardian dog mix depends mainly on the breeds involved and is usually hard to predict.
When it comes to classification as a listed dog, crossbreeds are often treated the same as purebred examples. This means: If, for example, a Kangal requires a special permit, this also applies to its mixes.
Do Livestock Guardian Dogs have a Hunting Instinct?
Hunting is not one of the main tasks of a livestock guardian dog. Nevertheless, some individuals do have a strong hunting instinct.
After all, these dogs are often left to their own devices and are used to keeping an eye on large distances. So it can happen that a livestock guardian dog chases and catches prey if it is looking for food on its own.
Keeping and Training a Livestock Guardian Dog
Livestock guardian dogs are not suited to city life. They need a flock of sheep or goats to protect – or at least a large, fenced property that they can patrol and guard independently.
Many breeds have a thick coat with plenty of undercoat, so the dogs can easily stay outside in any weather, day or night, all year round. However, they should still have access to the house and be able to enjoy being part of the family.
Are Livestock Guardian Dogs Difficult to Train?
Training a Slovenský Cuvac, Owczarek Podhalański, Tornjak or a related breed requires a lot of dog experience. These dogs do not show blind obedience and do not fully submit to their owner. Instead, they tend to question commands and, if in doubt, make their own decisions.Nevertheless, it is possible to train a livestock guardian dog. With plenty of patience, consistency and empathy, these dogs can also learn the important basics of obedience. Routines and positive reinforcement can be helpful here.
Excessive harshness or even violence will get you nowhere with these sensitive dogs.
How a Puppy Becomes a Guardian
If the dog is to be used later as a protector of sheep, horses, goats or cattle, it must be accustomed to “its” herd as a puppy. The youngsters live closely with the livestock and learn from the older dogs how to behave.
It takes about two years before a young dog is ready to work as a livestock guardian. So, these dogs are not born as “fully functional” guardians, but practise protective and territorial behaviour by living with other livestock guardian dogs and the animals they are to protect.
Are livestock guardian dogs family dogs?
These dogs are primarily working dogs, not companion dogs. However, if they have been properly socialised as puppies, they usually get along well with children and pets such as cats.
In some breeds, there are now breeding lines where the protective instinct has been reduced in favour of a friendly, balanced temperament. Nevertheless, parents should remember that livestock guardian dogs are not pure family dogs and certainly not big cuddly toys.
Livestock guardian dogs such as the Kangal are integrated into ‘their’ herd while still puppies.
Getting One: Breeder or Animal Shelter?
Many shepherds, goatherds and farmers breed their livestock guardian dogs themselves. In addition, some enthusiasts have dedicated themselves to these impressive, strong-willed dogs. In any case, your chosen dog should be well socialised and already familiar with various environmental stimuli before moving to its new home.
Livestock guardian dogs and their mixes often end up in animal shelters. It is quite common for people to be overwhelmed by the special needs of these demanding dogs and therefore have to give them up.
Conclusion: Willing Working Dog
Getting a livestock guardian dog is a decision that should be carefully considered. These powerful, robust working dogs need a meaningful task that they can carry out independently. A large property or a herd of livestock to guard is ideal for them.
Natalie Decker
"A life without a pug is possible, but pointless," Loriot once said. I would unreservedly agree and add: "A life without horse, cat and rabbit as well!" My heart beats for all animals big and small and I have the great fortune to be able to write about my passion as a freelance author. With my articles I would like to raise awareness for animal welfare and give useful tips to animal lovers.
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