Great Pyrenees Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are born with great instincts and are an excellent choice for guarding children, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, chickens, and many other... NEW! It is common to hear stories of this breed willingly taking on a bear or mountain lion in defense of their herd. For instance, in Italy's Gran Sasso National Park, where LGDs and wolves have coexisted for centuries, older, more experienced wolves seem to "know" the LGDs and leave their flocks alone. Until that time, supervision, guidance, and correction are needed to teach the dog the skills and rules it needs to do its job. They are comfortable with goats, chickens, turkeys, cats, and children, and keep our farm safe in a heavily wooded high predator region. LGDs that follow the livestock closest assure that a guard dog is on hand if a predator attacks, while LGDs that patrol at the edges of a flock or herd are in a position to keep would-be attackers at a safe distance from livestock. Today, these dogs have retained the guardian qualities and are the most popular of the livestock guardian breed in the NorthEast. Maremmas are valued for their intelligence, awareness, and skill in their role as caretaker and defender of … I first encountered Tarma Shena when I read a story she wrote about one of her livestock guardian dogs, named Mimi. Male and female LGDs have proved to be equally effective in protecting of livestock. Maremmas are spectacular Livestock Guardian Dogs. Nevertheless, some breeds are known to display traits advantageous to guarding livestock. When the shepherd is NOT present, the Maremma will use the knowledge from its experiences to make decisions. Training requires regular daily handling and management, preferably from birth. If predators are scarce, one dog may be adequate, though most operations usually require at least two dogs. They originate out of Italy and have been bred to care for and protect all life on a farm. Great Pyrenees Litter. While not as aggressive as dogs, guardian llamas have many advantages. These dogs are excellent at their trade while also possessing a perfect temperament for a family. They help to defend a herd or flock against predators, keeping a constant eye on their charges. Our particular breed is the Russian Ovcharka, but we also have a Great Pyranees, along with a Border Collie, who is not a guardian dogs but is used to scout ahead on trails to flush dangerous animals and round up or move livestock. Nestled deep in the Maine woods, Farei Kennels uses Turkish Kangals as an integral part of our sustainability program. With all of the changes happening in our country, our society and around the world, farming is … They are very affectionate and loyal towards their family and herd, but they can be just as aggressive towards anything that poses a threat to their herd … We have depended on Livestock Guardian Dogs to protect our goats since 1993. [1] This imprinting is thought to be largely olfactory and occurs between 3 and 16 weeks of age. Long time livestock guardian dog owner, Jackie Church of Windance Farms, says it best: “ A Maremma is a PARTNER to the shepherd… It also listens to the shepherd when that shepherd is present. Livestock Guardian Dogs are dogs that are specially bred and trained for the protection of farm animals. This is great because even when you aren’t around and if these dogs notice there is something changing in their surroundings, they know to be proactive for the sake of the livestock. Impressively, they are one of the few dogs that remain working at the job they … Dogs Doggy Shepherd Puppies I Love Dogs Labrador Retriever Puppy Love Livestock Guardian … The Maremma is an Italian breed with a medium flat coat. Livestock Guardian Dogs Our LGD Pack. Raising Exceptional Livestock Guardian Dogs. Trials are underway to protect penguins with LGDs. We decided to add a LGD to our farm almost immediately, realizing that ducks, geese, chickens, and goats couldn't be … A livestock guardian dog (LGD) is a dog type bred for the purpose of protecting livestock from predators. Predators are everywhere, from free-roaming suburban dogs to packs of. Please call or email and I will gladly answer your questions. Livestock Guardian Dogs, or LGDs, are invaluable to anyone with a homestead that includes poultry, sheep or goats and needs protection from predators. Large operations (particularly range operations) and heavy predator loads require more dogs. Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) breeds have been used for centuries to protect livestock from predators in Europe and Asia. Before use of dogs was implemented, impoverished Namibian farmers often came into conflict with predatory cheetahs; now, Anatolians usually are able to drive off cheetahs with their barking and displays of aggression.[9]. We usually have a team of 5-6 permanent dogs at any given time, spread among our … The Turkish Boz Shepherd is a wonderful and very capable guardian … Livestock Guardian Dogs Our Turkish livestock guardian dogs were selected for their mix, their performance, and their temperament, with true natural instincts and big, loving hearts. A pup was never left completely alone with stock. Karakachans stay where you put them and don’t climb or dig. These will be exceptional puppies. Maremmas are working Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs), and are selectively bred for their abilities and integrity above all else. Karakachan is usually affectionate and docile with family members, but they are still very much a guardian. Maremmas are spectacular Livestock Guardian Dogs. This breed excels in their ability to protect stock and their steady temperament makes them a good … [2] Unlike herding dogs which control the movement of livestock, LGDs blend in with them, watching for intruders within the flock. ubiquitous coyotes to mountain lions in up-country meadows, and they all pose a threat to miniature livestock. If introduced to a family as a pup, most LGDs are as protective of their family as a working guard dog is of its flock. Spartan was our first Livestock Guardian and a rescue at 10 months old in 2013. Unlike trapping and poisoning, LGDs seldom kill predators; instead, their aggressive behaviors tend to condition predators to seek unguarded (thus, nonfarm animal) prey. Many breeds of LGDs are little known outside of the regions where they are still worked. The ideal livestock guardian dog should demonstrate a calm and gentle temperament, be tolerant of juvenile curiosity and behavior, trustworthy and capable of working independently. LGDs are generally large, independent, and protective, which can make them less than ideal for urban or even suburban living. A Livestock Guardian Dog is a very complex creature. Saved by Susy Morris. Dogs. While LGDs have been known to fight to the death with predators, in most cases, predator attacks are prevented by a display of aggressiveness. These dogs DO NOT do well, nor do we support or condone, long-term kenneling or isolation, as it negatively affects both their mental and physical development. This is homesteading life, raw and unedited, it's not pretty and it's not always fun, but it … WW Livestock Guard Dogs, Prairie Lea, Texas. With a lot of work he transitioned into a trusted guardian … They are white and bond strongly with their charges. It is not a Guard Dog, a Herding Dog, a Hunting … Livestock guardian dogs stay with the group of animals they protect as a full-time member of the flock or herd. We sell our Maremmas only to those homes, farms, and ranches that will be using them as working livestock … Dear Editor, We are ranchers in northern Maine and have owned and bred livestock guardian dogs for many years. These animals are large in stature and very intelligent. If you are a person who requires instant, unquestioned obedience to commands by your dog, don’t buy a livestock guardian … Most folks have a preference or an opinion on the best LGDs to protect their flock (this "flock" could include animals and small humans), but all five of … 7. Unlike herding dogs which control the movement of livestock… It was a fantastic story, one of intelligence, drive, cunning and heart. [1] Their ability to guard their herd is mainly instinctive, as the dog is bonded to the herd from an early age. [5] Both Aristotle's History of Animals and Virgil's Georgics mention the use of livestock guardian dogs by the Molossians in the ancient region of Epirus.[6][7]. Mary is the dam and Cesco is the sire. Maremmas are the ideal addition to a small or large farm. For dogs in a broader property protection role, see, Livestock and Wolves: A Guide to Nonlethal Tools and Methods to Reduce Conflicts, 2nd Edition, "Livestock Protection Dogs in the 21st Century: Is an Ancient Tool Relevant to Modern Conservation Challenges? Some specialist LGD breeds include: This article is about role of dogs in livestock protection. Nonetheless, despite their size, they can be gentle, make good companion dogs, and are often protective towards children. WE ARE EXPECTING A LITTER IN October!!!!!!! [8], In Namibia in Southwest Africa, Anatolians are used to guard goat herds from cheetahs, and are typically imprinted between 7 and 8 weeks of age. In fact, in some communities where LGDs are a tradition, the runt of a litter often was kept or given as a household pet or simply kept as a village dog without a single owner. Will be ready in time for Christmas!! 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