Read all about your best choices pertaining “Quietest Livestock Guardian Dog” here at Strydom Conglomerate Web Articles.
Quietest Livestock Guardian Dog
Alrighty then … Here is a quote from a person on the Homesteading Today Forum Link to article at bottom of page) :
our LGDs don’t bark much. They will bark at specific things and howl as well but it is language. They are marking their territory against predators, letting me know what is going on, calling each other in to deal with something, warning off people. Just watch out when they’re totally silent and walk out you with that stiff legged march, head down…
On the other hand, I’ve heard plenty of dogs, most who were not LGDs, who barked incessantly. Usually it is because they’re lonely. People tie or cage them up and fail to train them. Sad
So there you have it -> Normally LGD’s don’t bark excessively
Is the Quietest Livestock Guardian Dog a Good Thing
A quote from a person on the Homesteading Today Forum Link to article at bottom of page) :
As for barking, yes, it’s awfully noisy around here at night, but that’s the point. The coyotes around here are thick as thieves and my neighbor 1 mile south has had coyotes come right into his barn and kill full grown ewes, yet I have not lost a single goat to coyotes since getting the dogs. In fact, I haven’t seen a coyote on our land in years. The two boys loose in the yard at night are all the protection my chickens need, too. Their run is covered with netting but the pop door into the shed doesn’t even have a door on it.
Thus ->Having a too quiet LGD May not be very desirable
Whether livestock guardian dogs can be effective if they don’t bark depends on several factors, including:
The purpose they are serving for you
How large your ranch is
How spread out your livestock are
How high your predator load is
Other means of protection available for your livestock
If, for example, you’re looking for a livestock guardian dog to protect livestock primarily during the daytime (like chicken owners who lock up their flocks at night), your dogs can be trained to bark only when it is absolutely necessary. Their mere presence in the chicken yard, as well as their marking behavior, will be a powerful deterrent for most predators. See more on training below.
Which Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds Bark Less Than Others?
Some livestock guardian dog breeds do tend to bark less than others, but again, please remember that every dog is an individual, and there are never any guarantees that your dogs will bark more or less based on their breed.
If you’re looking for a much quieter livestock guardian dog, one of these two breeds might work for you:
Pyrenean Mastiff
Polish Tatra Sheepdog
If you’re concerned about excessive barking, and want a breed of LGD that’s more easily trained to only bark when absolutely necessary, consider one of these (click on the breed for more breed info):
Karakachan
Anatolian Shepherd – however, read this article for an example of the opposite, just another reminder that you never know what your new dog will be like
Maremma Sheepdog
Spanish Mastiff
These breeds tend to bark less than most other livestock guardian dog breeds on average. They don’t naturally “warning bark” as much – they typically bark when there is a predator very close by.
Why LGD’s Bark – Quietest Livestock Guardian Dog
The role of the livestock guardian dog is to deter predators from approaching livestock.There are many ways this is accomplished.One is by leaving scent or sign, by defecating and urinating around the perimeters of the dog’s patrol area.By marking his “turf” an LGD sends a powerful message to any interlopers or intruders: “Be gone! And stay away from my flock!”LGD breeds have been bred for generations to do this.
In Barking: The Sound of a Language, Rugaas writes: “In the scattered farms throughout Europe and other places with lots of space and few people, early settlers preferred dogs who (sic) barked when strangers were approaching, as a warning.Today, if you get a dog like a Great Pyrenees, you will find out that they are still very good at barking in similar situations.They are genetically dispositioned to do it and it would be cruel to punish them for it.”
Barking is part of how LGDs do their jobs. There are 3 main types of barking.
Patrol Barking: “Hey, any predators out there, I’m just letting you know I am here & on duty! So don’t even think about it!”
Alert Barking: “I think I see/hear/smell something amiss!”
Call To Arms Barking: “I need the cavalry on the south perimeter, STAT!”
Some LGDs will even bark to let you know there is something amiss with the stock, like a newborn calf in trouble, or perhaps a goat with its head stuck through the fence. As you get to know your dogs, you will learn to readily identify the sounds they make & why. Most of the time, if your LGD is barking, there is a good reason.
Warning & Guard Barking
Besides marking territory, another way of telling predators to “steer clear” is by barking.A warning bark is usually one sharp bark notifying you, the owner, that something is amiss.Or there may be danger afoot and your LGD wants you to know about it.
By guard barking, the LGD ends a message to hungry coyotes, wolves, bears or other predators to not come any closer, because this is the LGD’s territory and it is protecting it.
A dog’s sense of smell and hearing are much more acute than that of a human.Thus they typically smell and hear things we cannot.This is why dogs often seem to be “barking at nothing” to the average observer, when in fact, they hear, smell or even see something that escapes human detection.They are actually warning or guard barking.
It’s prudent therefore, for the LGD owner to first go outside and check what it is that his dog is barking at, rather than simply yelling at them to stop barking.
Can You Train Your Dog to Stop Barking at Night?
Training your livestock guardian dogs to not bark at night is essentially training them to go against their instincts. You can use the training techniques detailed above, but this will mean many late nights for you and that may not be practical.
If nighttime barking is your primary concern and you cannot put in the time and effort to train them, you may need to bring your dogs in at night and find another means to protect your livestock at night.
What to do when LGD barks a lot at people
To get the best out of your LGD, it is recommended that you invest time in training basic manners, such as come, stay, wait, and quiet. It is also important that you handle your LGD regularly, so that when a trip to the vet becomes necessary, it will not add further stress or possible injury to either you or the dog. Many people fear that by handling the LGD, it will become too ‘people friendly.’ However, in these days of urban expansion, including subdivisions on the outskirts of small towns, having a more ‘people tolerant’ LGD is not necessarily a bad thing. It is also helpful that your guardian dog does not chase away farm gate business!
In this article I will compare to Shepherd dogs: Anatolian Shepherd vs German Shepherd.
“Find similarities and differences between Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs German Shepherd” Compare Anatolian Shepherd Dog and German Shepherd. Which is better: Anatolian Shepherd Dog or German Shepherd?
Anatolian Shepherd vs German Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherd is originated from Turkey but German Shepherd is originated from Germany. Anatolian Shepherd may grow 9 cm / 4 inches higher than German Shepherd. Anatolian Shepherd may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than German Shepherd. Both Anatolian Shepherd and German Shepherd has almost same life span. Anatolian Shepherd may have less litter size than German Shepherd. Anatolian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. But German Shepherd requires Low maintenance
Youtube Video
Anatolian Shepherd History
Up in the mountains of central Turkey, in the region called Anatolia, a large, strong and rugged dog breed was born and is honored today on a postal stamp. This was the Anatolian Shepard – keeper of the flocks with strength, agility and speed. The Anatolian Shepard is able to pursue and catch any predator that threatens his livestock and they are his livestock. His keen sense of hearing and his excellent sight only add to his prowess as a protector.
The Anatolian is a giant dog, classified as a shepherd by the UKC – Kennel Club of the United Kingdom, while he is classified as a mountain dog or molossus by the Federation Cynologique International. When the breed was created, they were a gift to the farmers in the mountains to guard the livestock from cheetahs. This helped the cheetahs to stop attacking the livestock and prevented the farmers from wiping out the cheetah population by shooting them.
The Anatolian Shepard does have some controversy in his lineage as in some areas he is considered to be either the most closely related or the same breed as the Turkish Kangal Dog. The Anatolian is considered to have a blood line that goes back at least 6000 years.
They are direct descendants of mastiffs and mountain dogs. Yet they have the long legs, agility and aloofness of the sight hounds that are also in their bloodline. Originally called the “Coban Kopegi” or shepherd dog by their Turkish farmers, they were eventually separated into the breed called the Anatolian Shepard. When the breed was first brought into the United Kingdom the line of the Kangal dog was first. Then they were crossed with dogs called Anatolian Shepherds. Many breeders believe that the Anatolian Shepherd is a category that includes the Kangal, Coban Kopegi, Aksaray Malaklisi and the Akbash dog.
So as of January 2012, the Australian National Kennel Club no longer considers the Anatolian Shepard and the Kangal as separate breeds. The UK Kennel Club now recognizes the Kangal and the Anatolian as the same breed. For others they are still clearly separate and distinct breeds with the ASD being their own breed. In fact, the government of Turkey recognizes them as separate breeds and the Kangal Dog as the National Dog of Turkey.
The Anatolian Shepard was already in the United States in when the Anatolian Shepard Club of America came into being because of a young naval officer who had met the dogs in Turkey. They were allowed into the Miscellaneous Class of the American Kennel Club in 1996 after this naval officer had been breeding them in California for years. By 1998 they had moved to the Working Group where they reside today.
German Shepherd History
In 1882 german shepherd was introduced in a show at Hanover. They were created by the cross breeding of the rural sheep dogs by a man named Max. In 1906 they were first exported to America. After that the breed became very popular in UK.
What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting? What a great question. Look at the following facts about Coyotes and you will realize how important it is to make the right choice on which dog you will use to partner up with you.
They are also extremely bold predators. Attacks on pets often occur right in the presence of one or more humans. Dogs are snatched from the ends of their leashes, or dragged from their own yards over 6-foot privacy fences.
Holly Vaughn, wildlife communications coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, says this behavior results from the coyotes’ belief that it is humans invading their territory, not the other way around.
Although coyotes only weigh about 20 to 50 pounds, they hunt with deadly precision. They carefully stalk their prey and run at speeds of 40 miles-per-hour, nipping at the legs of victims that attempt to escape.
When they attack, they immediately aim to kill, biting the neck and compressing the windpipe. Pets killed in coyote attacks typically die from a combination of suffocation and shock.
Coyotes are without a doubt the most versatile carnivores in America, maybe even worldwide,” animal behaviorist, Marc Bekoff told Smithsonian.com.
Is it a Good thing to hunt Coyotes?
Coyotes help control rodent populations and are an important part of the ecosystem, wildlife experts say. To protect livestock, however, the federal Agriculture Department’s Wildlife Services killed nearly 90,000 coyotes in 2008.
Catching them is tricky because they are cunning, skittish animals wary of anything unusual in their habitat, said Paul Curtis, a wildlife specialist at Cornell University.
The IDFG has never attempted to estimate coyote populations in the state of Idaho, but the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS) program developed coyote population estimates in conjunction with the preparation of several different environmental assessments (USDA-ADC 1996a,b; USDAWS 2002).
What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting – Idaho’s coyote population was estimated in these analyses by considering the most relevant available scientific information on coyote densities, then extrapolat- ing a conservative density estimate to the total land area of Idaho. Density estimates ranged from a low 0.63/mi2 (Clark 1972) to a high of 5-6/mi2 (Knowlton 1972), and the lower end of this range was applied to the total area of Idaho to arrive at a conservative statewide coyote population estimate of about 50,000 animals.
Table 1. Estimated sheep (2005-2007) and cattle (2005) losses due to wolves, black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes in Idaho (NASS 2006, 2008).
Wolves
Black Bears
Mountain Lions
Coyotes
2005 Sheep loss
500
900
500
6,100
2006 Sheep loss
600
600
400
4,900
2007 Sheep loss
500
700
400
7,200
2005 Cattle loss
8881
1111
200
600
NASS estimates of Idaho cattle losses to wolves in 2005 were combined into the “other predators” category, which included any losses attributable to wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, and vultures. What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting – Total losses reported in the “other predators” category in 2005 were 600 calves and 400 adult cattle, for a total of 1,000. The Idaho Wildlife Services program has received no reports of cattle or calf losses to vultures, and the combined 1,000 losses are believed to be primarily attributable to wolves and bears. The number of confirmed and probable calf losses documented by Idaho Wildlife Services as being bear-related was 3 animals in 2005, while the number of confirmed and probable calf losses attributed to wolves was 24 animals. The ratio of 3/27 was applied to the combined 1,000 wolf and bear losses to assign 111 of the losses to bears and 888 of the losses to wolves.
Table 2. Estimated average number of livestock killed per individual of each species most commonly implicated in livestock predation in Idaho in 2005.
Wolves
Black Bears
Mountain Lions
Coyotes
2005 combined sheep and cattle losses due to each species
500 + 888 =
1,388
900 + 111 =
1,011
500 + 200 = 700
6,100 + 600 =
6,700
2005 estimated population of each species
518
20,000
2,500
50,000
Estimated number of sheep and cattle killed per individual present
2.68
0.05
0.28
0.13
Estimated number of just sheep killed per individual present
0.96
0.05
0.20
0.12
Estimated number of just cattle killed per individual present
1.71
0.01
0.08
0.01
Table 3. Estimated average number of sheep killed per individual of each species most commonly implicated in livestock predation in Idaho in 2005-2007.
Wolves
Black Bears
Mountain Lions
Coyotes
2005 Sheep loss
500
900
500
6,100
2005 Estimated population of each species
518
20,000
2,500
50,000
Estimated number of sheep killed per individual present in 2005
0.96
0.05
0.20
0.12
2006 Sheep loss
600
600
400
4,900
2005 Estimated population of each species
673
20,000
2,500
50,000
Estimated number of sheep killed per individual present in 2006
0.89
0.03
0.16
0.10
2007 Sheep loss
500
700
400
7,200
2007 Estimated population of each species
732
20,000
2,500
50,000
Estimated number of sheep killed per individual present in 2007
0.68
0.04
0.16
0.14
3-year average number of sheep killed per individual predator present
0.83
0.04
0.17
0.12
So I suppose it depends on your specific circumstances.
Can a dog kill a coyote?
Yes a coyote can kill and eat a dog. And Yes a dog can and does kill coyotes. There are several hunters that use chase dogs to find coyotes and then they send Pitbull or other bully breed types in to kill the coyote. Coyotes are small and weak compared to most bully breeds and any bully breed will kill a coyote. My German Sheppard on the regular attacks coyotes in the neighborhood and has never lost. They all give him a huge wide berth now.
Several dogs in fact can kill a coyote. Most all the Eastern European and Western Asian Flock Guards can, as well as some of the larger Mastiff or Molosser breeds. Had you asked which dogs cam kill a European Wolf (Gray Wolf is a whole different matter), it would have dwindled the list some.
Some of the dogs which can easily kill a coyote include, Caucasian Ovcharka, Central Asian Shepherd, Kangal, Anatolian Shepherd, Sarplainic, Black Russian Terrior, Komodor, Neopolitan Mastiff, Cane Corso, American Bulldog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Akita, Rottweiler, Presa De Canario, Dogo Argentino, etc.
All of these dogs can dispatch a coyote without too much ado. Again, if we are speaking of a North American Gray Wolf, then that is another conversation all together.
What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting – It depends on the dog’s Breed, Size, Fur, Age, and Fitness.
BREED: Breeds like a mastiff or kangal won’t even be looked at the wrong way by a coyote, but a pug, beagle or shiba will be seen as a snack, but a pitbull, english bulldog, or small-mid sized collie could be equal on the list and get attacked or not.
SIZE: i feel an average dog to be on equal terms with a coyote if the dog is 20-35% heavier, so a 40 lb coyote would be a match with a 48-54 lb dog, but that’s just an average dog, some breeds like a jack russel/labrador mix could be the same weight could give a coyote a run for its money, or a fit dog could weigh the same as the coyote and win.
FUR: yeah, you heard me! Fur is a deciding fight with another animal. One of the reasons coyotes and wolves have such thick fur is it acts as some padding for bites and makes it harder for teeth or claws to land a direct hit on their body. Dogs like Tibetan mastiffs, Newfoundlands, alaskan malamutes, and collies have very long and/or thick fur which can make it incredibly hard to bite through 3-12 inches of fur, but breeds like molosser breeds, labs, and most bully breeds have fur less than 3 inches thick, which can leave them easier to be damaged, however some breeds break the mold, like with the chinese shar pei which has short, prickly fur that can cause welts on people with thin skin that pet it wrong, shar peis also have extremely stretchy skin which can stretch so much that if a dog bit its shoulder, they would just get skin, and the shar pei could still turn around and bite the dog back.
AGE: age has a factor in a fight also. A dog that is 13 years old with bad hips isn’t going to do well fighting a coyote, because most dogs rhat age tend to be calm and peacful. And they are normally weak or tired at that age. Or how an 5 month old mastiff is bigger than a coyote, but it probably doesn’t have any instinct to fight yet, and die in a fight, which is sad because i love puppies. Most dog are at the prime of their life between 2 years old to 5 or 6 years old, excluding small and giant breeds. Dogs this age have all instincts developed and are physically developed.
FITNESS: Finally the last one, Jeez this is taking a while, i know, but that is why i divided the categories to make it easier, anyway back to the answer. Fitness is important for lots of things, especially when your fighting. A dog that is physically fit and active will have a better chance with a coyote. A dog that never goes outside of a small house and love off food scraps, treats, and your grandmas potroast will get tired within the first 15 second of fighting, not that it would happen since at that point your dog probably isn’t let out enough for coyote to notice him. But a dog that gets 6 hours of intense exercise every day and is fed raw venison and bones, with probably be as fit or more fit than a coyote, a police dog is a good example, if your dog gets good exercise, he or she will have better endurance, live years longer so you can your them more, and be stronger since they exercise those limbs.
What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting
1. American Staghound – What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting
This animal has been developed by cross-breeding Scottish deerhound, greyhound, and some other breeds. The American Staghound is well-known for its sharp eyesight and seemingly endless stamina. These dogs are especially suitable for coyote hunting because they have been exclusively developed for the purpose of hunting predators, specifically coyote and wolves. So in this breed, you have kind of ‘made to order’ hunting dog.
These dogs are runners – one look at their powerful body and long legs will tell you that. These features comprise of the greyhound part in them and are what make them so suitable for tracking down fast runners like coyotes.
What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting – The American Staghound is also a good house dog, but because of its predator hunting instinct, you should not trust it with non-canine pets. Otherwise, this dog is easy to maintain at home and is good with children. Extremely loyal and quick learners, you will be able to get the best out of this animal with the right kind of training. However, these dogs are not very suitable as guard dogs.
Not your typical dog, the American Staghound is a cross-breed between a greyhound and Scottish deerhound. Why are they so special when it comes to hunting coyotes? Well, they have the features that make them a perfect fit for hunting predators. They have an exceptional eyesight and a keen sense of smell. This makes them the perfect companion for any hunting trip especially when it comes to wolves and coyotes. These dogs have long legs and are fairly powerful, even though they may not look it. Which means they can run fast and have great stamina so they can easily keep up with coyotes.
This breed of dog makes a wonderful pet, however, if you plan on keeping it in a home with other animals, you should be aware. The American Staghound have the hunting instinct engraved into them, so they may cause a bit of havoc.
2. Plott Hound – What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting
What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting – The PlottHound is lean and muscular with large floppy ears rather like those of a Labrador or Dalmatian. Courage and loyalty go hand in hand with this breed. This kind is particularly well-known for its hunting skill in big animals like boar and coyotes. In fact, the dog is named after Johannes Plott along with his brother who introduced them to the US in 1750 for the purpose of boar hunting.
Today the Plott Hound is predominantly found in the state of North Carolina and is the official State Dog of that state.
Plott Hounds are known for their hunting skills. Initially used to hunt boars, these dogs are wonderful for hunting predators like coyotes also. They are built for the hunt with a lean, muscular body which allows them to overpower smaller predators. They are also fairly quick, but may not have as much stamina as the American Staghound. In either case, this breed is quite loyal and doesn’t really back down from a fight. Making them a great option for your next coyote hunting trip.
3. Greyhound – What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting
The coyote is just about the smartest wild animal alive because they always have an escape route. I respect them. They can outsmart you. But greyhounds are smart, too. I think they’re the neatest dog ever made.
To subdue a coyote, the greyhounds often nip its back leg to sever a hamstring. Then they go for the kill by biting the neck. Hunters often leave coyote carcasses behind.
What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting – Originally, the Greyhound comes from Egypt but has been popularized the world over as a racing and running dog. Lean, hardy and built for speed with eagle-eye eyesight; these dogs are ideal for coyote hunting. Greyhounds are the fastest dogs in the world with a maximum recorded speed of 43 mph, guaranteeing that they could easily outrun the fastest coyote.
Here’s a greyhound racing video that gives you an idea of the sheer power, speed, and stamina of these magnificent animals. The Greyhound is a temperamental breed but docile and extremely gentle as a house dog. Due to its timid nature, this dog can best be used as a chaser to catch the prey in combination with another more aggressive breed to make the actual killing. These dogs also need access to a fenced area where they can get a good run on a regular basis, fenced because they are independent and have the tendency to wander off and not come back. Greyhounds are ideal for hunting coyotes as they have the innate hunting instinct to chase and seize fleeing creatures.
When it comes to hunting, you need a dog that is quick and can run for miles. A Greyhound does just that. Greyhounds are generally known as racing dogs but they can also be used as hunting dogs. They tend to be not quite skinny, but don’t let that fool you. They are muscular and strong, one of the reasons why they can run for so long. Not only are they fast but also have an eagle like eye-sight which allows them to spot coyotes from afar and go after them. Greyhounds max out at around 40 mph which means they can easily outrun coyotes and help you hunt them down.
4. Mountain View Cur – What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting
This breed was developed in 1987 in New York. The dominant gene of the Mountain View Cur is of the Mountain Cur, although they differ widely from the original mountain breed. Due to their crossbreeding, they are hardy, without any inherent genetic problems that are common to most pedigrees. This fact also explains their rather long average lifespan of 14 years.
Mountain View Curs are also brilliant with a high level of self-control, making them ideal for training for hunting purposes and although they are well-suited to hunt coyote, they can also kill other animals like raccoons, pheasant, wild boar, and bobcat. Although this dog is in its element while out in the open on a hunt, it is equally comfortable at home with the occupants toward whom it is protective, making it a good house pet as well. Mountain View Curs are safe to have among children.
A crossbreed, the Mountain View Cur is generally a mountain breed, however, differs from other mountain breed dogs. This breed doesn’t come with the instinct for hunting like the American Staghound but they are quite clever and have a high level of self-control. This allows you to train it to be a great hunting dog. Even though the dog doesn’t grow to be that big, they are known to hunt raccoons and wild boars amongst other wild animals. You may need to spend a little extra time training the Mountain View Cur to hunt, but we guarantee that it will be worth it.
5. Black Mouth Cur – What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting
On your hunt, you probably want a dog that is full of energy and can easily track and hunt coyotes. What is the Best Breed of Dog for Coyote Hunting – The Black Mouth Cur fits that description well. These dogs are probably the best built in the sense that they are muscular and have a lean body as compared to the other dogs mentioned. They are great for hunting rodents like raccoons. You can just as easily train it to help you on your hunt for coyotes. This breed has high stamina levels and enjoys running around in the wild. Which means that when you take it out on your hunt, you can expect it to be restless until it catches something.
Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” for a reason. They are not only loyal but also make a wonderful hunting partner. So why not take one of these dogs with you on your next coyote hunting trip. It would certainly save you time, you won’t have to spend time on a trap as the dog will help you track a coyote down. If not for you to hunt, the dog will do it on its own, which makes these dogs a wonderful option in farms to protect it from coyote attacks.
Read all about Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix lifespan and great facts about this mixed dog breed here at Strydom Conglomerate.
Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix lifespan (The Anatolian Pyrenees)
Their life expectancy is around 11–13 years. (Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix)
Anatolian ShepherdLife expectancy: 13 – 15 years
Great PyreneesLife expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix breed is also known as The Anatolian Pyrenees
The Anatolian Pyrenees is a mixture of the Anatolian Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees. Both breeds were primarily used as livestock guardians, so the Anatolian Pyrenees can also be considered a great guardian, both for the family and for livestock. The Anatolian Pyrenees is a gentle giant who is great with children.
The Anatolian Shepherd originates from Turkey; the Great Pyrenees hails from the Pyrenees Mountains of Asia. The Anatolian Pyrenees is generally cream colored with some brown or black markings. The Anatolian Pyrenees is an above average shedder and is sometimes considered high-maintenance due to this.
Pros and Cons : Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix Lifespan
Before making a decision about whether a certain mixed breed is right for you, it’s best to take a look at some of the pros and cons.
As with any puppy, there’s no way to be sure how your Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees pup will grow up.
The similarities between the parent breeds can help give us some clues.
Anatolian Shepherds are likely to be independent and strong-willed, which could be a challenge for some owners.
Of course, if you have livestock and want a dog to watch over them, this can also be a plus.
This mixed breed is likely to bark at night, a throwback to their guarding instinct. Bear this in mind if you live in a built-up area.
Where Does the Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees Mix Come From?
This mix is becoming more popular, as both a working farm dog and an active family pet.ff
The origins of the mix aren’t that well-documented though.Find out a little more about this mix by taking a closer look at the two parent breeds.
If you like the sound of a mix between these two ancient breeds, we recommend a little background reading.
Have a look into the pros and cons of mixed breeds versus purebred dogs.
Fans of mixed breeds suggest that by crossing two purebred dogs, it helps to improve the health of dogs by increasing the gene pool.
But the other side of the argument is that we should retain the characteristics of purebred dogs rather than cross them with other breeds.
Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix lifespan – Anatolian Shepherd history
The Anatolian Shepherd comes from Turkey and is a great example of one of the original domestic canine breeds.
In fact, it’s believed that this ancient breed has been around since 2000 B.C.
Their original purpose was to guard flocks of sheep and goats.
Herders needed a dog with a strong protective instinct.
But also one that was both independent enough to think for itself and dependable enough to do its job.
The characteristics of the Anatolian Shepherd have not changed much since those early days.
The breed first came to America just before World War II, when these two dogs were imported.
With the intention of seeing if they were suited to working on U.S. ranches.
Due to the war, this project didn’t really get off the ground.
In the 1970s though, the breed became popular after a breeding pair were brought back from Turkey by a Naval Lieutenant.
The Anatolian Shepherd then became a popular option to defend flocks of sheep from wolves and other predators.
Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix lifespan – Great Pyrenees history
The Great Pyrenees shares a similar heritage in that it was also a flock guardian.
This breed hails from the Pyrenees Mountains on the border of France and Spain.
It’s thought that they descend from Central Asian, or Siberian breeds.
Remains of Great Pyrenees dogs have been found in fossils from the Bronze Age, around 1800–1000 B.C.
Despite their heritage as working dogs, in the 17th century, the Great Pyrenees also became popular in the French Courts.
With royals and nobility keen to own this breed.
Is an Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees Mix Right for Me?
If you have a smallholding and are looking for a versatile, mixed-breed dog that can both protect your livestock and enjoy time with your family, the Anatolian Pyrenees could be just right for you.
These large dogs are gentle giants but do require an experienced owner who can provide firm yet loving boundaries.
It’s impossible to guess the character of your Anatolian Pyrenees rescue dog or puppy.
But this mix certainly has its fair share of fans who love the combination of a strong work ethic and the independent spirit that these dogs tend to offer.
Anatolian Pyrenees Breed History
The Anatolian Shepherd originates in the country of Anatolia (Turkey) where he has been honored with a commemorative postage stamp. The Anatolian Shepherd has been in America since the 1970s, and some owners use them for guarding livestock; others use them as watchdogs.
Anatolian Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is typically a mellow dog that could live in an apartment but is better suited to a home with a large yard where he can roam and expend his instinctual energy. The Great Pyrenees comes from Asia Minor. He was bred to assist sheep herders. However, Louis XIV procured a Great Pyrenees and declared him the Royal Dog of France.
Anatolian Shepherd
The Great Pyrenees was brought to the United States before World War II. The Anatolian Pyrenees is a gentle giant who is great with children. The breeds were mixed due to their similarities; both are great shepherd dogs. Owners of the mixed breed generally own farms and use the hybrid dogs to guard livestock.
Great Pyrenees
Anatolian Pyrenees Breed Appearance
The Anatolian Pyrenees is a mixture of two breeds that are biologically quite similar. The Great Pyrenees is typically white or cream-colored with long hair; the Anatolian Shepherd has a short coat with some longer hair around the ears, legs, and tail. The Anatolian Shepherd is a combination of colors, usually fawn, white, pinto, or brindle. Often he will have a black “mask” marking. The Anatolian Pyrenees may be a combination of colors, but will have medium-long hair. It is not a waterproof coat.
Unfortunately, the Anatolian Pyrenees is a constant shedder. You may need to brush him daily in order maintain a healthy coat. The parent breed, the Anatolian Shepherd is a naturally clean dog, so it is possible the Anatolian Pyrenees will inherit this trait. You should brush your Anatolian Pyrenees dog’s teeth at least three times a week; however, if you want to prevent gum disease, brush the dog’s teeth daily. Trim your dog’s nails every other week. The rule of thumb is if you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, it is time to cut them.
Anatolian Pyrenees Temperament
The Great Pyrenees is a very “mellow” dog and can adapt to any situation. He is gentle, loyal, and affectionate. The Anatolian Shepherd is very protective of his family. He is highly intelligent and can be dominant at times. Expect the Anatolian Pyrenees to be a mixture of both personalities. Both are great with children; however, early socialization is key to making sure the Anatolian Pyrenees are accustomed to children, other pets, and a variety of people. They are not, however, good dogs for novice dog owners. Patience is required to train the Anatolian Pyrenees.
Anatolian Pyrenees Activity Requirements
The Anatolian Pyrenees is a mix of two very active dogs. If you keep the Anatolian Pyrenees in a fenced-in yard at any time, be sure that the fence is at least six feet high. The parent breed is quite a jumper! The Great Pyrenees is also known as a “Houdini Hound,” so be prepared for your Anatolian Pyrenees to be an escape artist. The Anatolian Pyrenees needs a fairly high amount of daily activity. Be sure to not only take him out for exercise, but to also mentally stimulate him as well – games of fetch will not do for this highly intelligent hybrid dog. It should also be noted that the Anatolian Shepherd can be aggressive when defending his “turf,” whether it is against another dog or strangers. Always keep him on a leash when out walking.
Training Your Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees Mix
If we consider the heritage of both these breeds, their primary role has been to protect their flock, whatever the weather and whatever the threat.
This has led to both breeds developing an extremely independent spirit.
While this can certainly be a good thing, it also means training will be more of a challenge than for some other breeds that love to please their owners.
Your Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix puppy will definitely need early socialization.
Puppy training classes are highly recommended
They may ignore your commands if they don’t deem them important enough.
While this is true for both breeds, the Anatolian Shepherd in particular requires careful training.
If your puppy inherits these traits, you will need to pay very close attention to how you train your puppy.
Likewise, they should not ever be trained as a guard dog.
Similar Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mixes and Breeds
Similar mixed breeds include the Akita Labrador mix and the Great Pyrenees Labrador mix.
Purebred dogs that are comparable include the Siberian Husky and English Mastiff.
Anatolian Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix Rescues
The National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue Network in the U.S. and Canada finds new homes for both purebred and mixes of Anatolian Shepherds.
Blue Bonnet Animal Rescue Network focuses on rescuing and finding homes for farm-friendly dogs, including livestock guardian breeds such as the Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees.
While the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Rescue League is dedicated to finding homes for purebred dogs, they may be worth contacting to see if they have any mixed breed dogs available as well.
The Great Pyrenees Rescue Society finds homes for mixed breed crosses of the Great Pyrenees.
Livestock Guard Dogs Feeding – Livestock guardian dog (LGD) breeds and food, this is a really touchy subject. And for this reason, I’ve been putting off writing this article for a long time. There is just too much opposing science and too many differing (all well-argued) opinions to know for sure who’s right on this one. But, here goes…
Livestock Guard Dogs Feeding
What should you feed your livestock guardian dog breed? Livestock guardian dog breeds should be fed high quality commercial food or a carefully balanced raw food diet. Be aware that LGDs have historically lived on marginal diets, and modern-day owners need to take care not to overfeed their dogs as this leads to shortened lifespans and numerous health problems.
Whether you’ve got a large Great Pyrenees or a smaller (but, yes, still large) Sarplaninac, livestock guardian dogs of all origins were traditionally bred to live on marginal diets. Yes, they are large dog breeds, and for that fact alone, they will require a lot of food, but you don’t want to overfeed these dogs.
Feeding routines are important. Feed the pup near the livestock (not at your house) preferably at the same time every day. Secure the pup’s food so it can eat in peace, without competition from the livestock. Allowing livestock to eat the dog’s food creates unnecessary conflict that can escalate as the dog grows in size.
What to Feed Livestock Guard Dogs: Commercial or Raw Food
The very general basis of raw food diets is that wolves eat raw food diets, and because dogs are closely related to wolves (and originally developed from wolves or a wolf-life ancestor), an optimal diet for them should also be one of raw foods.
Others have argued that domesticated dogs actually have a digestive system that’s different enough from that of wolves that we can’t assume they should be eating the same diet. Dogs digestive systems are tailored toward a more varied diet, they say.
Many livestock guardian dog owners swear by raw food diets. The Hoof and Fang Spanish Mastiff breeders worked with their vet to develop a raw food diet for their dogs. They have an excellent “Raw Food Cheat Sheet” I highly recommended if you’re interested in this approach. You can check it out at their website here. They also provide a list of helpful websites and books if you’re interested in learning more about raw food diets.
When it comes to commercial dog food, you get what you pay for. And yes, that truly is unfortunate because high quality dog food can be pricey.
Negri hypothesized the culprit causing these fights may have been a cheap brand of food. She recommended the girls be given a high-quality food. The client followed through and the fighting stopped pretty much immediately. The girls’ weren’t getting the nutrition they needed out of the cheaper food, and so they were aggressive around the food bowl, trying to digest as much as possible to get the nutrients their bodies were starved for. With the more expensive food, they were getting what they needed and didn’t need to fight for resources.
Livestock Guard Dogs Feeding – How Often To Feed
I recommend feeding adults twice a day and puppies three times a day, although I’ve seen some sources that say four times for puppies up to three months. I think your best bet is to check with both your dog’s breeder (if he’s not a rescue) and your vet.
I do not recommend free feeding if you can avoid it. Some ranchers have so many livestock guardian dogs that feeding them twice a day is a major undertaking, so they free feed with food available all the time. If you are in this position, you need to really keep an eye on your dogs’ weights to make sure that none of them are gaining too much weight.
The amount you feed your dog will depend on your dog’s weight and how active she is. You can use the recommendation given on your dog food bag and double check with your vet.
Keep in mind that dogs in the latter half of pregnancy and lactating dogs will need more food. Sick and older dogs often have different food requirements. Be sure to check with your vet to get it right.
Read all about the bests guard dogs for sheep and goats. A livestock guardian dog (LGD) is a dog type bred for the purpose of protecting livestock from predators.
Guard dogs for sheep and goats
Skip Ahead : For the Five Best Livestock Guard Dogs for Sheep, Goats, and Other Herds : Click Here
Skip ahead : Livestock Guardian Dog Statistic : Click Here
Anyone not in the business of raising sheep and goats cannot understand how hard it is to lose a new lamb or kid. Even small farms with only a few livestock will benefit from keeping a livestock guard dog who can prevent the occasional loss.
Livestock guardian dogs stay with the group of animals they protect as a full-time member of the flock or herd. Their ability to guard their herd is mainly instinctive as the dog is bonded to the herd from an early age. Unlike herding dogs which control the movement of livestock, LGDs blend in with them, watching for intruders within the flock. The mere presence of a guardian dog is usually enough to ward off some predators, and LGDs will confront predators by vocal intimidation, barking, and displaying very aggressive behavior. The dog may attack or fight with a predator if it is unable to drive away the predator
There are many breeds of LGDs, many of which are little known outside of the regions in which they are still worked. Nevertheless, some breeds are known to display traits advantageous to guarding livestock. Some specialist livestock guarding dog breeds include:
Extant breeds
Breed
Alternate name(s)
Country of origin
Image
Abruzzese Mastiff
Pastore abruzzese &
Cane da Pecora
Italy
Aidi
Aïdi,
Atlas Mountain Dog,
Atlas Shepherd Dog,
Berber Dog,
Chien de l’Atlas &
Chien de Montagne de l’Atlas
Morocco
Akbash dog
Akbaş Çoban Köpeği
Turkey
Aksaray Malaklisi
Turkish mastiff &
Central Anatolian shepherd
Turkey
Anatolian Shepherd
Karabaş,
Anadolulu Karabaş
& Kangal
Turkey
Armenian Gampr
Gampr
Armenia
Ashayeri Dog
–
Iran
Azerbaijani Shepherd Dog
–
Azerbaijan
Bakharwal dog
–
India
Bucovina Shepherd
Bucovina Sheepdog &
Southeastern European Shepherd
Romania &
Serbia
Buryat-Mongolian Wolfhound
–
Russia
Cane di Mannara
–
Italy
Cão de Castro Laboreiro
Dog of Castro Laboreiro,
Portuguese Cattle Dog &
Portuguese Watchdog
Portugal
Cão de Gado Transmontano
Transmontano Mastiff &
Transmontano Cattle Dog
Portugal
Carpathian Shepherd Dog
Ciobănesc Românesc Carpatin,
Romanian Shepherd,
Romanian Carpathian Shepherd, Câine Ciobănesc Carpatin,
Carpathian Sheepdog,
Carpatin &
Romanian Carpatin Herder
Romania
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Caucasian Mountain Dog &
Caucasian Ovcharka
Armenia,
Azerbaijan,
Georgia &
Russia
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Alabai,
Central Asian Ovtcharka &
Aziat
Afghanistan,
Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan,
Turkmenistan,
Uzbekistan &
Russia
Estrela Mountain Dog
Portuguese Shepherd &
Cão da Serra da Estrela
Portugal
Georgian Shepherd
Georgian Mountain Dog
& Nagazi
Georgia
Ghadrejani dog
–
Iran
Great Pyrenees
Pyrenean Mountain Dog,
Patou,
Montañés del Pirineo,
Perro de Montaña de los Pirineos,
Can de Montaña de os Perinés,
Chien des Pyrénées &
Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées
Like the names suggests, this dog was originally developed in Anatolia. They are a strong mountain dog bred in an area of Asia where dogs were expected to protect sheep from wolves, jackals, and bears. They will be able to handle foxes, coyotes, and feral dogs easily.
The Anatolian shepherd looks different than most of the other livestock guard dogs. It is not pure white, sometimes has a black mask, and has a thicker neck and broader head than some dogs. They are big, up to about 70 kilograms, and look even bigger because of their thick mane.
Like the Akbash, this dog is not recommended as only a companion dog. They are bred to work, will probably escape and roam if kept without a flock or herd, and unless socialized will be unlikely to accept strangers.
Even if they are kept as a pet, they will probably not want to fetch. They can be obedience trained, but it may be difficult to work with them at times.
Health problems are few, but they have been reported to have hip dysplasia, like most big dogs, eyelid problems (entropion, where the eyelid rolls in and the lashes rub against the eyeball), and a few other unusual problems. They live about 10 or 11 years.
Komondor
The Komondor has a thick corded coat that looks different than most dogs, so even people that are not familiar with livestock guard dogs have seen these dogs in shows or photos. Few are aware of his personality, however.
The thick coat is supposed to protect the dog from wolves when he is guarding his sheep. He is white, like most livestock guard dogs, taller than most (about 80 centimeters at the withers) and heavy (50–60 kilograms), but not as heavy as some breeds.
Komondors are said to have the same temperament as most of the livestock guard dogs, but the individuals I have known have been more volatile. This may have been due to lack of socialization and training. They are said to be good with family and children, but like all the livestock guard dogs, he will be happier with a job to do.
Confining these dogs to a life in the city or a suburb is not acceptable.
Komondors are susceptible to the health problems of big breeds, hip dysplasia and bloat. External parasites (like fleas and ticks) are also more of a concern when the dog has that thick corded coat.
Kuvasz – Guard dogs for sheep and goats
This white or light-colored livestock guard dog is also originally from Hungary, like the Komondor. The dog breed may even have been around before coming to that country, though, and some fanciers think it is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence.
The Kuvasz looks similar to the other livestock guard dogs. The eyes are black, he weighs about 50–75 kilograms, but he is not as heavy as some of the livestock guard dog breeds. The main difference is in his personality.
If this dog is to be kept as a companion animal, he should have early socialization and good obedience training. They might be more playful than other livestock guard dogs but are also serious about their work and quite independent. The Kuvasz is known to be good with kids, good around other animals, and protective of his family and owner. They are not known for performing tricks or obeying commands off leash.
Kuvasz are usually healthy, but hip dysplasiacan be a problem in any big dog. If fed correctly (to avoid excessive calories and rapid growth), the dogs can live about 12 years.
If you are interested in this breed of dog, there is another author, Suhail, that keeps one and is knowledgeable on the Kuvasz and other livestock guard dogs. You can search for his great article about his experience with the breed.
Great Pyrenees
This is one of the best-known livestock guard dogs. According to the AKC, their popularity has been decreasing the past few years, but they still are purchased as companion dogs, are a great dog for backyard farms, and are one of the most popular guard dog breeds.
They look fantastic, which is why so many families buy one as a companion dog. They are mostly white, with a thick double coat, a thick mane to keep the wolves off, and black eyes and a button of a nose. They also have double dew claws on their hind legs, an unusual feature.
The Great Pyrenees are originally from the Pyrenees mountain region of northern Spain, like their names suggests, and have been guarding sheep in that region for hundreds of years. They bark a lot at night when doing their job, can be difficult to train, and even their fanciers admit that they are not good with strangers.
Like most livestock dogs, this breed is said to be good with kids, however. The dogs’ aggression is mainly to those he feels a threat to his flock: foxes, feral dogs, and coyotes. Despite their size (males get to be over 50 kilos and stand about 70 centimeters), they are not tough enough to handle bears or wolves.
Breeders and fanciers usually say that the Great Pyrenees is healthy, but they can develop hip dysplasia or bloat like any large breed, and some are prone to patellar luxation (a trick knee). If they don’t have any problems, Great Pyrenees usually live about 10 or 11 years, a good life span for such a large dog.
Akbash – Guard dogs for sheep and goats
These white Turkish dogs are still mostly livestock guard dogs and are not kept much as pets. They are even larger than the Great Pyrenees (males may be over 60 kilograms and stand 85 centimeters) and usually have the same dark eyes and nose. Their legs are usually longer, and their tail is a little larger.
Since they are usually working dogs and not companion animals, obedience training is not an issue, which is probably a good thing since they are not into chasing balls like some of the “intelligent” breeds. (If you do purchase one of these dogs just as a companion, he may develop behavioral problems like excessive digging or escaping.) They will get along with most other species if introduced early, and they are usually satisfied when lying in a field watching their charges, whether sheep or goats.
Akbash fanciers appreciate that the dog has low energy and does well spending the day quietly. They report that the dog is athletic when it needs to be, but it is not hostile and is able to think independently.
Akbash are hardy, like all livestock guard dogs, and do not have a lot of health problems. They can have big dog issues but normally live problem-free to about 10 or 11 years old.
Livestock Guardian Dog Statistics – (Guard dogs for sheep and goats stats)
Effect of LGD longevity on average annual cost and breakeven additional lambs weaned. Assumes little LGD value for first year – values reflect the end of the second and succeeding years. LGD cost is $1,000 the first year, $500 each succeeding year. Lambs are valued at $140 each.
Skip To : For the Five Best Guard dogs for sheep and goats : Click Here
Research – Livestock Guardian Dog Stats
In 2002, Dr Laurie Marker of the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia completed her PhD thesis on the biology, ecology and conservation of the cheetah on Namibian farms. It included an investigation of alternative control methods for livestock predation, particularly a study of 157 guard dogs. The research revealed that behavioural problems affected 94,4% of the dogs, and correctional training enabled only 61% of the dogs to be deployed.
The three greatest problems were: 44% of the dogs chased game (there were no statistics on how many animals were killed), 37% stayed at the kraal without accompanying the sheep to the field, and 25% harassed or killed sheep. Some dogs were guilty of more than one of these behaviours. In the end, 43% of the dogs had to be removed from the project because the behavioural problems could not be corrected or the dogs died. Of the dogs that died, 21% were shot by the owner, and a further 6% were shot by a neighbour or other farmer, while the rest died because of accidents, disease or poison.
Marker mentions that studies from the US mirrored local statistics, with about a third of guard dogs being shot by their owners. Remarkably, the average working life of the dogs at the time of death was not even 4½ years.
These conclusions were reinforced with the publication in 2011 of Gail Potgieter’s MSc thesis: The effectiveness of livestock guarding dogs for livestock production and conservation in Namibia [Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Department of Zoology] on the use of Anatolian Shepherd/Kangal dogs to protect livestock from predators in Namibia. Dr Marker was one of Potgieter’s supervisors.
The dogs were placed with commercial as well as with communal farmers. About two- thirds of the guard dogs in the study was accompanied by a shepherd. Although 30% of commercial farmers experienced no difference in predator damage, 76% of all farmers in the study were satisfied that there had been a significant decline in livestock losses.
The question, however, was how predator- friendly the dogs were. About 63% of the Anatolians had killed animals. Thirty-seven of the dogs had killed jackal, nine had killed baboons, three had killed caracal and one had even killed a cheetah. Various other dogs had killed a bat-eared fox and an African wildcat. In all, at least 83 animals had been caught by Anatolian dogs, and this is an underestimate, as some farmers who reported their dogs killing animals could not give numbers.
After the dogs were deployed, the farmers reported that they were killing significantly fewer jackal and caracal themselves. But combining this figure with the dog kills brought the number of jackal and caracal kills to more or less double the number killed before deployment of dogs! The number of cheetah killed had declined sharply, however.
Skip To : For the Five Best Guard dogs for sheep and goats : Click Here
Livestock Protection Dogs in the 21st Century – Stats
Many species of wildlife in Europe and North America have shared similar fates over the past 200 years. Overharvest and extirpation of some ungulate and large carnivore species characterize both continents, as do the destruction and development of habitats Enserink and Vogel 2006). Over the last 30 years, however, some of these species have demonstrated remarkable resilience in their recovery in several regions of Europe and North America, either through natural recolonization or reintroduction programs
The use of livestock protection (guarding) dogs (LPDs) appeared centuries ago throughout central Europe and Asia to help shepherds protect their goats and sheep from predators, namely brown bears (Ursus arctos) and gray wolves (Canis lupus). With the eradication of many predators from the European landscape, the mass migration of humans to urban settings, and the collectivization agricultural policy under communist regimes, much of the knowledge of the use of LPDs was lost. In North America, European immigrants during the 1800s and 1900s did not bring knowledge of the use of LPDs, nor did they incorporate them into their farming practices, as evidenced by the relatively few producers actively using LPDs before the 1970s. Navajo Indians, though, did employ nonstandard LPDs for guarding livestock, presumably having learned the technique from early Spanish explorers Lyman 1844, Dyk 1938, Black 1981, Black and Green 1985.
Past studies on LPDs, especially those with experimental rigor, are limited. Rigg (2001) presented a general overview of LPDs, and Coppinger and Coppinger (2001) provided a comprehensive review of LPD behavior and selection. Shivik (2006) briefly discussed LPDs in his review of nonlethal tools for managing predators. Smith and colleagues (2000) reviewed the use of guardian animals and focused most of their review on LPDs. All of these reviews have focused rather narrowly on using LPDs for deterring predation on livestock (principally sheep). Our intent is to provide a rigorous, updated overview of the current use of LPDs for protecting livestock from predation and to discuss the potential for using LPDs to reduce disease transmission from wildlife to livestock, as well as for conserving wildlife populations. We provide an overview of the similarities between European and North American livestock production, wildlife conflict, and wildlife conservation. On both continents, society has come to value wild ungulates and large carnivores and to prefer the use of nonlethal management tools for addressing conflicts. We outline the need for effective, nonlethal, producer-based tools to allow producers to manage these conflicts themselves. Livestock protection dogs may also offer a proactive and “green” tool for allowing livestock husbandry and wildlife to coexist (i.e., a unique conservation value). We review the history of the use of LPDs, including the lull in their use following the eradication of wolves in Europe and North America and the paucity of scientific research on their effectiveness. Further, we outline future directions to pursue and the potential for greater conservation value through the use of LPDs
Skip To : For the Five Best Guard dogs for sheep and goats : Click Here
Similarities between Europe and North America
Producers in Europe and North America are confronted with similar challenges in their efforts to reduce livestock losses to predators and wildlife-transmitted diseases, while doing their part to facilitate human coexistence with wildlife. This is especially true in areas where wolves have recently recovered (e.g., the western Great Lakes region of the United States) or are actively recolonizing (e.g., the western part of the Alps range in Europe, the northern US Rocky Mountains). Effective on-farm methods are needed to reduce deer activity near livestock in order to minimize the transmission, both directly and indirectly, of diseases such as bovine tuberculosis (TB) from infected deer (Odocoileus spp.) to livestock VerCauteren et al. 2008. Other wildlife-transmitted diseases of livestock include brucellosis, keratoconjunctivitis, and neosporosis. Producers in these regions require efficacious tools that they can adapt into their normal husbandry practices in order to reduce economic losses
In the past, lethal control tools (e.g., trapping, shooting) were used extensively to remove predators from areas (e.g., bounty system). Government-funded lethal removal continues to be the primary management tool used in recovered wolf populations in North America within the conflict-management model of reactionary management (i.e., lethal removal after depredation occurs; Musiani et al. 2005). However, lethal methods alone have not eliminated wolf depredations. Musiani and colleagues (2005) reported that lethal control of wolves in Alberta, Canada (applied as reactionary management on individual farms), did not reduce the number of livestock depredations at a regional level. In Spain and Canada, although wolves are hunted, livestock depredation continues to occur and is an important issue. In the case of recovering wolf populations, lethal control may remain a last resort because the goal of current management in many areas is to increase populations to predetermined target levels. Even in areas where wolf populations have surpassed target levels for recovery, the legal challenges to delisting the populations may limit the use of lethal control (e.g., in the western United States and Great Lakes region). Unregulated lethal-control and market-hunting (e.g., unregulated hunting of wildlife for sale in markets) policies played a major role in reducing or eliminating many carnivore and ungulate populations in the 19th century in North America and Europe Trefethen 1961, Landry 2001). Such practices are no longer legally or socially acceptable for managing these conflict issues. Currently, nonlethal control methods are more acceptable to the public than regulated lethal options in both Europe and North America (Reiter et al. 1999, Breitenmoser et al. 2005). However, many of the costs associated with nonlethal management tools are borne by producers.
Current governmental management objectives and laws have relegated producers on both continents to passive and reactionary roles in the management of livestock depredations (Gehring and Potter 2005). In such positions, producers often become overly reliant on government agencies or may fail to become proactive in managing human-wildlife conflict on their property (Gehring et al. 2006, O’Brien et al. 2006). The integration of LPDs might give producers another opportunity to become active managers in protecting their livestock, helping them become integrated and active stakeholders in the wider management process (Gehring and Potter 2005). By employing LPDs, a nonlethal method, producers would also aid the conservation of large predators
The use of LPDs by livestock producers in Europe and North America is primarily an economic and political issue. In Europe, large carnivores are protected by the Bern Convention or local hunting laws. Sheep producers in areas of France and Switzerland where wolves are recolonizing receive government financial support to implement the use of LPDs. Thus, political mandates for large carnivore conservation have forced these producers to implement preventative measures to protect their livestock, and the use of LPDs has allowed wolves to live in these areas (e.g., Ribeiro and Petrucci-Fonseca 2004). Sheep producers in Spain (e.g., Castilla y Leon) have used LPDs for centuries, but still request government support for reducing wolf populations in some regions to reduce risk to their livestock. In North America and some regions of Europe (e.g., the northern part of Castilla y Leon), there is little to no governmental support for using LPDs; producers must bear most or all of the financial costs. Additionally, on both continents and worldwide, wildlife acts as a reservoir of diseases that may be transmitted to livestock. LPDs are beginning to be recognized for their ability to reduce this transmission of disease
Skip To : For the Five Best Guard dogs for sheep and goats : Click Here
History of use of livestock protection dogs
The far-distant ancestor of LPDs is believed to be a predecessor of the modern-day mastiff that lived on the high Tibetan plateaus during prehistoric times (Guardamagna 1995). However, LPDs most likely originated in Mesopotamia and its peripheral regions, where livestock husbandry was well developed (Landry 1999). The first indications of the domestication of sheep (beginning with the Asiatic mouflon) and goats (starting with the bezoar goat) were found in western Asia (Iraq and Iran) dating back about 7000 or 8000 years BCE (Gauthier 1990). Domestic dogs and sheep appeared together for the first time in archaeological sites dated 3585 BCE (Olsen 1985). It is also likely that Sumerian nomadic shepherds already had dogs with their flocks to protect sheep and goats against predators, during the transhumance between Mesopotamia and the modern-day country of Hungary. In the Old Testament, Job mentions the presence of a dog with its flock (Job 30:1). Very large dogs existed in Assyria in the 13th century BCE, as can be seen in representations of dogs on various bas-reliefs and on terra-cotta from the ruins of Babylon or Niniveh. Chinese chronicles relate that such a dog was offered to the Chinese emperor in 1121 BCE (>Guardamagna 1995). Moreover, Alexander the Great is reported to have received two dogs from an Indian king, which he brought back to Macedonia into the Molosses region in 326 BCE. Since then, these dogs have been given the name of molosses Guardamagna 1995). The Romans used molosses for circus games, combat, and to guard villas and estates. A Roman farm-management treatise (published in 150 BCE) mentioned two types of dogs: One was used to hunt predators and game; the other was used to protect herds of livestock (cited in Coppinger and Coppinger 1993)
It is likely that early LPDs were simply dogs that were raised with and bonded to livestock, and thus available and adapted to the task. The first ancestors of LPDs then most likely spread from their native regions with nomadic tribes along different migration routes or with merchants. The diversity of LPDs originated from these exchanges (especially during the transhumance) and was a result of postzygotic selection (see Coppinger and Coppinger 2001 for a more complete discussion). Shepherds favored and cared for dogs that had morphological or behavioral characteristics that enabled them to outperform other dogs in pastoral tasks. These animals were not sexually isolated from the greater dog population until recent times, and even then, sexual isolation occurs mostly in the West as performed by dog breeding associations (Coppinger and Coppinger 2001). In Spain, shepherds crossbred the Mastíin mastiff with village dogs because the purebred Mastíin mastiff did not satisfactorily meet pastoral needs (e.g., it was too heavy to run after wolves). However, different projects also try to maintain or recover pastoral characteristics of local or national LPDs (e.g., Ribeiro and Petrucci-Fonseca 2005). Today, there are at least 40 “breeds” of LPDs throughout the world (Landry 1999). The use of LPDs in Europe has resurged as large predator species have recovered (Ribeiro and Petrucci-Fonseca 2004); for example, more than 1000 LPDs are now working in the Alps. In North America, the use of LPDs has been a relatively recent phenomenon, initiated only in the 1970s (Linhart et al. 1979). By 2004, 32% of sheep producers were using LPDs to protect their livestock in the United States (NASS 2005), where LPDs are used principally to protect sheep from coyotes (Canis latrans)
Worldwide, there is some variation in how LPDs have been applied by producers relative to geography, the producer’s husbandry practices, and grazing situations. For example, in Sweden and the Great Lakes region of the United States, LPDs are often used in fenced pastures (Levin 2005, Gehring et al. 2006, VerCauteren et al. 2008). In these situations, LPDs are present with livestock on relatively small pastures (> 50 hectares) during summer months and then are brought closer to buildings during winter. LPDs accompany the livestock as they are rotated among pastures and even into barns. In remote and undeveloped regions of North America, Europe, and Asia, transhumances involve the movement of livestock to open range in high country during summer months and relocation back down to fenced pastures and barns during winter, as has been done for centuries. In southern regions of Europe (e.g., France), it is common for sheep to graze outside throughout the year, except during lambing season. In these cases, LPDs continually accompany livestock and shepherds (Lapeyronie et al. 2002).
Skip To : For the Five Best Guard dogs for sheep and goats : Click Here
What human food can I feed my diabetic dog – Many people are in the view that dogs can eat all of the human food but this is not the case, here is a wise list of human foods that you can serve to your diabetic dog.
Winter Squash
A number of human food squash are good for diabetic dogs like pumpkin, butternut squash, and acorn squash because these squashes are high in fiber content. However, before serving winter squash should be cooked.
Alpha Sprouts
It is a high fiber food that is also safe for dogs and very supportive to cure diabetes in dogs. For a diabetic-friendly dinner mix it with the rice, oats and low-fat meat.
Dogs love to eat this human food, according to many of studies naturally occurring sugar like sugar from carrots do not affect the insulin level in the body of dogs. Either you served it in the raw or cooked form, Its beneficial in both ways. To be safely swallowed pulp the carrots, that becomes easy to digest too.
Parsley
This leafy green vegetable is low in sugar and high in fiber, Its an ideal human food for diabetic dogs.
Garlic
For diabetic support, you can add garlic in any of good that you cook at home or paste of garlic can be added in commercial food. It’s just an ingredient do not feed as a stand-alone vegetable. A high quantity of garlic may cause anemia in dogs. Consider to serve small dosage of garlic with other foods as a remedy and on the safe side do not cross the limit of three cloves on a daily basis.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
Both are known as low glycemic index human food. These green vegetables contain few sugars and very high in fiber. Both should be well pulped to make these digestions friendly and to get maximum benefits. The nutritional makeup of both vegetables is same and ideal for diabetic dogs.
Green Beans
You can choose this human food to provide fiber to your pooch, it contains a lot of fiber but not good in carbohydrates. You can serve it in raw form, pulped or cooked with other vegetables. It is a must-have vegetable for a diabetic dog because it supports the dog to stay energetic.
Leafy Salad Greens
Kale, collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, lettuce and all of your typical green salads are beneficial for diabetic dogs. Avoid spinach and Swiss chard.
Peapods
To get the maximum benefits of human food you need to feed entire pea in the pod. According to studies, this combination makes them balanced food for carbohydrate and fiber.
When you are cooking a multi-ingredient food for your dog, you can include beets
to make your dog’s food colorful. This human food is high in sugar but good for
moderation. You may add some beet green instead of red to balance the sugar level
in food.
What human food can I feed my diabetic dog – What grains
When your dog is suffering from diabetes, switching to a grain-free food is not a good choice at all. To stay healthy and active in daily activities dogs need vitamins, minerals, and fiber. So instead of starchy food, you should choose while grains from the human foods for your pooch. Because whole grains are rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Processed foods may contain added sugar and other toxic ingredients but in the pure form, these whole grains provide energy as well as supportive towards curing diabetes. You must look for under-listed human food whole grains to include in your dog’s diet.
Bulgur (cracked wheat)
Brown rice
Triticale
Whole wheat flour
Wild rice
Buckwheat
Whole oats/oatmeal
Whole grain corn
Brown rice
Triticale
Millet
Whole rye
Whole grain barley
Whole farro
Quinoa
Sorghum
Whole rye
Whole grain barley
Whole farro
Wild rice
Buckwheat
What human food can I feed my diabetic dog – Some time when your dog has difficulty in digestion along with diabetes eliminating the whole grains can be a solution to keep him regular. But when he returns to the normal health you can include these grains in food.
Many studies conclude that easy to digest starches are a reason to trigger spikes in the blood sugar level right after a meal, it also can lead to weight gain. You can add human food whole grain in your dog’s diet to reach the blood sugar goals.
If you are already feeding a diet that contains whole grains then prefer to feed the same, but prefer to feed only whole grain diets because it also helps your dog in weight management.
There three most important in the list:
1. Quinoa (related to spinach)
2. Buckwheat (related to spinach)
3. Amaranth (related to rhubarb)
These three are not truly grains but these are the best gain like human foods that you can feed to your diabetic dog. All of these foods contain fiber, protein and other important nutrient and the specialty is these will not increase the sugar level as much as true grains.
The list of these three What human food can I feed my diabetic dog may seem strange or new to you but humans are eating them from hundred of years.
Other Foods for Diabetic dog
What human food can I feed my diabetic dog – Protein
High-quality proteins are very essential when managing diabetes in your dog. Meat sources like lamb and beef have the L-Carnitine amino acid which can help enhance fat metabolism and assist in maintaining lean body mass. Other great sources of proteins for a diabetic canine include chicken, fish, and turkey.
Since we’re trying to avoid body fat from adding up, aim for the low-fat foods like lean red meats or chicken breast.
What human food can I feed my diabetic dog – Carbohydrates
When it comes to carbs, you truly have to be careful not to cause a blood sugar spike in your dog. The body usually digests carbs faster than proteins or fats. As you choose the right meal for your pet, you have to avoid simple carbs which are characterized by high glycemic index (GI). High GI food can make the glucose spike very fast, therefore you should stick with wholesome or low GI carb. Some of these foods include whole grains, legumes, brown rice, potatoes, and honey.
Some of the high-glycemic food that you ought to avoid include, white bread, white rice, etc.
What human food can I feed my diabetic dog – Fiber
As of now, fiber has come to prove to be the best meal in a dog living with diabetes. The food helps a lot in digestion and also slows down the emptying of gastric and the digestion of carbs. This, in turn, minimizes the release of glucose and prevent the blood sugar levels from spiking.
Some of the best fiber human fiber foods that you can use to control diabetes in your dog include spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower. Also, fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and pears can be used but in small portions, since they contain high natural sugars.
What human food can I feed my diabetic dog – Fats
As I have suggested earlier, a dog with diabetes requires a low-fat diet to ensure optimal functioning of the insulin. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids can assist a lot in decreasing blood lipid levels and even regulation of the immune system. So far, fish and fish oils are the best in this role.
Can Dogs eat Smoked Salmon? Well, as pet parents, we know that food which is good for us is not always good for our pets.
Salmon is an exceptionally nutritious food for humans as it is low in fat and high in protein. As well as containing essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for good health.
Obviously, we would love our dogs to benefit from this healthy and tasty fish as well!
But can dogs eat salmon?
The good news is, yes! You can feed salmon to dogs if it is properly cooked and prepared.
However, raw and uncooked salmon is extremely poisonous to dogs and can be deadly.
Can dogs eat salmon?
Dogs can safely eat salmon so long as it is fresh, boneless, well-cooked and fed in small portions.
Salmon is often the main ingredient in many high quality dry and wet dog food products.
Like many human foods, you should limit giving salmon to your dog no more than once a week.
But, is salmon bad for dogs in any way?
Yes, it can be if not fed correctly.
You should never let dogs eat salmon if it is raw or under-cooked as it contains bacteria and parasites which are harmful to dogs, possibly leading to salmon poisoning disease (SPD) which can be fatal.
So, before you consider feeding salmon to your dog, there are some essential points you need to be aware of to keep your pet safe.
Can dogs eat smoked salmon?
Can Dogs eat Smoked Salmon? – So, if cooked salmon is okay, can dogs eat salmon when it’s smoked? No!
You should never give smoked salmon to your dog.
The reason for this is that smoked salmon is cured so contains an excessive amount of salt that is dangerous for dogs.
There is also a small chance that smoked salmon contains parasites which can result in a fatal condition in canines.
Is salmon good for dogs?
Salmon is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which helps promote a healthy skin and coat for your dog.
As well as being useful for his heart and immune system.
Older dogs and those who have arthritis can benefit from salmon as it assists in the reduction of inflammation and stiffness in the joints.
Feeding salmon to young puppies helps develop their brains as well as assisting older dogs to concentrate better. Especially those that are a little senile.
Salmon is also high in amino acids, essential for keeping your dog healthy and active.
As well as being an excellent food for those dogs with skin irritations and allergies.
There are many commercial brands available producing salmon dog food.
Some products contain only salmon as a meat protein source whereas others have salmon as the primary protein but include additional meat.
So, why would you feed salmon dog food to your pet?
If your dog appears to be healthy and passes his annual vet checks with flying colors, then there is no need to change his feed.
However, if he has the occasional digestive upset, has itchy, flaky skin or his coat appears dull, then it may be an idea to change his diet onto salmon dog food.
It is also a good choice of food if your dog is a picky eater as many cannot resist the taste of salmon!
Can Dogs eat Smoked Salmon? – Your vet can always advise if you are unsure.
If your dog has allergy issues caused by traditional meats such as beef and chicken, then it is vital that you check the ingredients to ensure the food only contains salmon.
But dogs cannot live on salmon alone as it does not fulfill a dog’s essential carbohydrate and vitamin requirements.
Therefore, it is crucial when using a salmon dog food product that you check it is made with real salmon, high-quality ingredients and offers 100% balanced nutrition, consisting of all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
The label should reveal the food is “complete and balanced” and approved by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or other.
Salmon poisoning in dogs
Salmon poisoning in dogs is potentially fatal if it is left untreated.
Can Dogs eat Smoked Salmon? – The problem is that it can take up to a week before a dog displays any clinical signs, so you and your vet may not even consider salmon poisoning.
As a result, this can make diagnosis and treatment difficult, which is not good news for your dog.
Also, it is possible for dogs with salmon poisoning to spread the infection to other dogs via their feces.
The most common dog salmon poisoning symptoms include:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Lack of appetite
Rapid weight loss
Lethargy
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Dehydration
What do to if you think your dog has salmon poisoning
Take your dog immediately to your veterinarian if he displays any of these symptoms.
Inform your vet if you know, or suspect that your dog has eaten raw salmon.
A fecal sample, detecting the parasite’s eggs within the feces, or a needle sample from a swollen lymph node reveals the diagnosis for salmon poisoning.
Treatment for salmon poisoning is quite straightforward if detected in time.
Your veterinarian will most likely prescribe an antibiotic to kill the rickettsial organisms that caused the poisoning and a wormer to kill the parasite.
If your dog is dehydrated, then your veterinarian will give him intravenous fluid.
The good news is, that once treatment has started, dogs usually show rapid improvement within a couple of days.
In this article we will answer the question: “Is Xanthan Gum safe for dogs?”
Is Xanthan Gum safe for dogs
Xanthan gum is something humans should try to avoid in their own food and their pet’s food as well.
Xanthan gum is a “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) food additive in the US, Canada, Europe, and many other countries.
Yet it is known to be potentially as irritating as gluten for some with Celiac disease, causing gas, bloat and diarrhea; and for causing flare-ups for those with Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis (inflammatory bowel disease).
In fact, “the rapid increase in the incidence and prevalence of IBD in recent decades strongly suggests an environmental trigger for IBD, one of which may be dietary patterns. There are several pathways where diet may influence intestinal inflammation, such as direct dietary antigens, altering the gut microbiome, and affecting gastrointestinal permeability.
A review article, “Evidence-based dietary advice for patients with inflammatory bowel disease” indicates that emulsifiers in processed foods have been indicated in Crohn’s disease.
What is Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide (sugar like compound) produced by bacterial fermentation of a sugar-containing medium. Nutritionally speaking, it is a carbohydrate with about seven grams of fiber per tablespoon.
Xanthan gum is a powdery, sugar like substance that is used as a thickening or stabilizing additive in foods, toothpastes and medicine. It can be used to treat lower blood sugar and cholesterol in people with diabetes. While it is FDA approved as a food additive, it is created in a laboratory and is a soluble fiber adding no nutritional value to any sort.
It helps ingredients blend together and to stay blended. Think of canned pet food with chunks of carrots throughout.
Xanthan gum is a laboratory creation. It is a product:
– fermented on potential allergens
– when fermented on corn or soy (as it often is), GMO concerns exist
– cannot be manufactured without the use of toxic carcinogens
Is Xanthan Gum safe for dogs – Why it is in pet food?
Xanthan gum is gaining in popularity with pet food manufacturers because it has a low glycemic index and food containing it can be marketed as ‘gluten free’ which is certainly a buzz word in the nutrition business these days. It is used almost exclusively in wet food.
Xanthan gum is used as a thickening and suspending agent in wet or canned dog foods. It has little nutritional value.
Are there any risks to feeding your pet xanthan gum?
Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is the voluntary association of local, state, and federal agencies that oversees pet food and they have issued preliminary approvals for the use of xanthan gum in canned cat and dog food. That being said, it is not a natural substance and how your pet reacts should always be monitored.
Is Xanthan Gum safe for dogs – Benefits or risks
Several studies have shown that xanthan gum is ‘safe’ in normal doses, for humans and pets. That said, xanthan gum requires a ‘medium’ to grow and often the medium of choice is a carbohydrate like corn, soy, dairy, or wheat, all of which are potentially allergenic substances, especially if fed over long periods of time.
