What are they?
In the bucolic landscapes where agriculture thrives, the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals plays a crucial role. Livestock is key in these rural areas but it often faces a threat from predators that can jeopardize the livelihoods of farmers and the well-being of their herds. Enter the unsung heroes of the farmstead – Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs). These devoted canines serve as protectors, forging an unbreakable bond with their charges and playing a pivotal role in safeguarding the delicate balance of rural life.
Historical Roots:
The tradition of employing dogs to guard livestock traces its roots back centuries. Various ancient cultures, such as the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians, recognized the value of these loyal guardians in protecting their livestock from wild predators. Over time, this practice evolved, with specific breeds emerging in different countries, each tailored to the specific needs of the place and the predators they protect against.
Breeds and Characteristics:
While numerous breeds have demonstrated exceptional skills in guarding livestock, a few stand out as quintessential LGDs. Anatolian Shepherds, Great Pyrenees, Kangals, Maremmas, and Carpathian Shepherds are among the most renowned. These breeds share common characteristics that make them well-suited to the demanding task of protecting livestock.
Size and Strength:
LGDs are typically large and robust, with a stature that commands respect. This physical presence alone is often enough to deter potential predators.
Territorial Instincts:
Livestock Guardian Dogs exhibit a strong territorial instinct. They establish a sense of ownership over the flock or herd, patrolling the boundaries to ward off any perceived threats.
Independence:
Unlike herding dogs that work closely with shepherds, LGDs are known for their independence. This characteristic allows them to make decisions on their own when confronted with potential dangers.
Intelligence:
Livestock Guardian Dogs possess a high level of intelligence, enabling them to assess situations quickly and respond appropriately. This intelligence, coupled with a calm demeanour, makes them effective guardians.
Guardians of the Flock
The primary role of Livestock Guardian Dogs is to protect the herd or flock from predators. Depending on where they are employed this could mean wolves, coyotes, bears, and big cats. The LGD’s mere presence serves as a deterrent, but they are not afraid to confront a threat if necessary. LGDs use a combination of vocalizations, body language, and physical intervention to deter predators. Their imposing stature and fearless attitude send a clear message to potential intruders that the livestock is under their protection. If a predator persists, the LGD may engage in physical combat, using their strength and agility to repel the threat.
Building Trust
One of the key elements of the dog’s effectiveness is the development of a strong bond with the livestock. From a young age, these dogs are introduced to the herd or flock, establishing a sense of familiarity and trust; the dog grows up considering the livestock as their pack. Livestock Guardian Dogs are known for their gentle nature with the animals they protect. This gentle yet authoritative presence helps the dogs integrate seamlessly into the herd, gaining the trust of both young and adult livestock.
Is a Livestock Guardian right for me?
While Livestock Guardian Dogs are adept at their duties, they can be difficult to own. The guarding instinct can make them very challenging to walk, seeing other dogs as a potential threat to be dealt with. Their sheer size means they are a lot of dog to handle and might make life difficult in small homes. However, these dogs are amazing with other pets you might have in the home and with children. They tend to be affectionate dogs towards anyone they know. They don’t need a great deal of walking, they definitely need time outside, but they don’t need to travel very far to be happy and content.
How do these dogs work?
Numerous stories attest to the invaluable contributions of Livestock Guardian Dogs in protecting livestock and preserving rural livelihoods all over the world. You will still find the breeds in their native landscapes doing what they were originally bred to do. There are a handful of famous test cases which have made the news in recent years.
Kangols in Namibia
To reduce the conflict between farmers and big cats in Namibia there has been a project running for the last twenty years to raise Kangols to give to small scale farmers. Dr Laurie Marker of the Cheetah Conservation Fund protects big cats and other large predators by helping the farmers to protect their flocks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uvzk2iSAwX0&t=3s
Maremmas guarding penguins
Oddball was a Maremma made famous by his mission to protect penguins in Australia where the local fox population had learnt to swim a narrow channel and eat the indigenous penguins. A local chicken farmer helped the conservationists to adapt Maremmas to protect the penguins and the project has been a huge success. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2xPfTu7EuE
Pyreneans guarding grapevines
Another example comes from the vineyards of California, where Great Pyreneans are employed to protect grapevines from deer and other wildlife. By patrolling the vineyards, these LGDs prevent damage to the crops and contribute to the overall success of the winery.
Should I get a livestock guardian?
These dogs make wonderful pets, there is no doubt about that but they can be very, very difficult to walk. I have seen many people towed down the road by their enormous dogs who want to see off another dog they have seen in the park on their daily walk. If you have access to a little bit of land where you can walk them in relative peace then life is easy. If you’ll be walking your dog in an area busy with other dogs you’ll need to work very hard on socialisation when the puppy is young and maturing or you are likely to have dog reactivity issues as your dog grows up. I might not recommend a LGD to an inexperienced dog owner but if you have children in the household these loyal and loving dogs are nurturing peaceful members of the family.
