Livestock Guard Dogs – History and Comparison
A research of valuable information & links... by a novice

Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are becoming very popular in the US. They have proven to be invaluable at controlling predators and are a successful alternative to poison, guns and trapping. Many of these dogs are being imported for protection against bears, wolves, mountain lions, coyotes, and human predators, as well.   As their popularity increases, more and more are imported for breeding purposes.  The usual 'backyard breeding' comes along with this new popularity...let the buyer beware!  Deal only with reputable people, even when looking for rescued dogs.  Not only can these people be an enormous help...they will ensure these breeds stay healthy.

Anatolian Shepherd

By and large these dogs are very similar. Sometimes they are so closely related the main difference is the hillside they were born on!  Like the vineyards of Europe where different rows can be owned by different wine makers...the wine, while different, is quite similar.  Maybe one breed allows dew-claws, another not; one breed includes totally white dogs, while others only allow tiny spots of white on the chest or toes. Some have curled tails, others no curl, still others only slightly curled and only while on alert. Temperament of these breeds is surprisingly similar; intelligent, highly independent, aloof, gentle. Some are taller, some stockier; some have long hair, some short and some include both types in the same litter! Determining which dog is best is impossible.

For example, this beautiful Akbash-type is from the ASDCA: Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America!

LGDs are large dogs of ancient origin who were bred to guard livestock; animals including sheep, goats, cattle, chickens, and lately ostrich, lamas and other exotics. These dogs are a result of the ancient breeding of huge Mastiff- or Molossian-type dogs with the lighter, faster Sighthound or Gazehound-type. They are dogs of ancient Europe and Asia; Rome, Greece, Tibet, and   countries of former Soviet Union.

In native countries Livestock Guard Dogs accompany shepherds; living outdoors in harsh climate and terrain. They are independent, fiercely loyal and courageous enough to protect against wolves, bears, lions and human intruders. These are not herding shepherd dogs, but even-tempered, unexcitable shepherd’s dogs that guard livestock by patrolling slowly around and among the flock. LGDs are bred for their size; large enough to intimidate predators, to withstand extremes of climate and to bond to their charges and work independently of man. Because they can be so large, strong-minded and aloof these dogs are often difficult to maintain as family pets and sometimes do not take well to obedience training; though they can be quite gentle. They need extensive socialization to become completely trustworthy companions in today’s modern society.

Generally these guard dogs are not viscous attack dogs; rather they are 'alerting dogs' whose presence alone usually deters predators. When this doesn't’t work; they bark ferociously and place themselves between those they guard and the predator. Only when these tactics fail do they actually pursue the attack; and then it can be deadly. To ensure strong bonding, these dogs are often born and raised with their flocks; otherwise patience, practice, and calm repetition is needed to bring these dogs to their greatest potential. LGDs can be quite expensive, but one or two young animals not killed by predators quickly make them a reasonable expense.

I would say the final decision as to which is the best dog is a personal decision…or maybe availability!

I’m interested in these dogs, but am a novice. It is for this reason that I have broken the list simply; White and Non-White Livestock Guardian Dogs. The white dogs are sometimes favored because they blend in with the sheep they often guard and are not easily confused with the predator.  Primarily, this is a page of links and webrings that I've found where more information is kept and I can research and find dogs to my heart's content.

Livestock Guardian Dogs include:

  • White Dogs – except for the Komondor, these white dogs look very much alike
  • Non-White Dogs – often closely related to the white dogs

LGD history includes:

Ancient mixing of breeds such as: Sighthound- and Mastiff-types

More LGD Information:

Flockguard Assoc Canis Savaskan Swartz Link9 Patteran  USDA  List Oingo UKC  List

Rescue Links:

AKC  PoC Levy AllBreed Ring ARC Natl  Akbash

White Dogs:  

  • Slovak Tchouvatch or Slovak Cuvac – Czechoslovakia Canis

Non-White Dogs:  

  • Perro de Pastor Mallorquin - Portugal    Oingo   CKC

 

The following links are breeds that probably make the history of LGDs.
Interesting information regarding 'our' dogs can be found on these sites.

Sighthounds:  Webring1 Webring2

Mastiff or Molossian Types: Link1 Link2

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