All dogs have special talents that make them well-suited for different activities or jobs. Some are good at agility others are great at finding things with their nose, and some are just awesome for keeping your laugh warm. But there are also a couple of dog breeds that excel at livestock protection. Making them excellent assets for your farm or homestead. Here we have listed ten of the best breeds for protecting your goats, sheep, chickens, or whatever other animals you raise here we go "Top 10 Best Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds".
Spanish Mastiff Dog :
The Spanish Mastiff is a huge breed, that is known for its kind and intelligent nature. These dogs have a deep low bark, and alert sensibilities that make them excellent livestock Guardian breeds. Spanish Mastiffs also possess a muscular strong build, making them intimidating to potential predators. It's imperative that these dogs are properly trained from a young age due to their sheer size. They usually weigh anywhere from 140 to 200 pounds and live an estimated 10 to 12 years (1).
Maremma Sheepdog Dog :
This Italian sheepdog is known for its alert instinct and loyal attitude. Making a breed an excellent choice for livestock Guardian dogs. In fact this is another livestock Guardian dog breed that is well suited for guarding a variety of different farm animals. Ranging from sheep to chickens to Ducks, Maremma Sheepdogs are a bit smaller than other livestock Guardian dogs. With an average weight of 77 to 99 pounds, they are typically one of the best livestock Guardian dogs with children and they usually live for about 13 years (2).
Akbash Dog :
The sweet-faced our boss is originally from Turkey, and has been used as a livestock Guardian dog for centuries. Their name comes from the Turkish word Akbash, which means white head the breeds independent and brave nature makes them great protectors for livestock and families. And they often work well with a variety of different livestock species. The Akbash lives about 10 years and weighs anywhere from 90 to 140 pounds (3).
Pyrenean Mastiff Dog :
These sweet intelligent dogs, are huge and generally very gentle with humans and other dogs. They are great at protecting flocks, and their independent nature makes them excellent livestock Guardian dogs. As they excel at making decisions, and solving problems without human help. The large breed usually lives anywhere from 10 to 13 years, and weighs anywhere from 120 to 240 pounds. The Pyrenean Mastiffs generally does well around children, and will only feel the need to protect who provoked by a predator (4).
Kuvasz Dog :
The Kuvasz is a Hungarian dog breed, who is extremely intelligent and loyal. This in combination with their large size and brave disposition, makes them great livestock protectors. However in recent years many people have begun keeping these dogs as family pets. This large white breed usually lives for 10 to 12 years and weighs between 80 to 100 pounds (5).
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Tibetan Mastiff Dog :
These huge fluffy dogs, are protective and tenacious making them excellent livestock Guardian dogs. An ancient breed the Tibetan Mastiff was used by nomadic tribes, of Nepal and Mongolia to protect property and livestock. These huge helpers weigh anywhere between 80 and 160 pounds, and they usually live for 12 to 15 years. While they are gentle, and mellow around the house, they can be pretty territorial so make sure that these dogs are properly socialized with strangers and young children (6).
Illyrian Shepherd Dog :
The Illyrian Shepherd is a diligent independent breed who is well suited for protecting livestock, they are extremely alert and known for their acute senses. They bond strongly with their flock and will not hesitate to defend them from threats. The breed usually weighs between 66 to 100 pounds, and has an average life expectancy of 11 to 13 years. The Illyrian Shepherd is known for being very gentle with families and children despite being incredibly independent (7).
Komondor Dog :
These shaggy sheepdogs (Komondor) hail from hungry and are commonly referred to as mock dogs. Due to their deadlook like appearance, don't be fooled by their distinctive tendrils though. This breed is known for being especially strong with bones and lots of muscles under those dreadlocks. These dogs are independent and steady making them well-suited for livestock guarding work. But this also makes them a bit challenging for first-time owners. They're best left to those with a lot of dog care experience (8).
Great Pyrenees Dog :
The ultra fluffy Great Pyrenees is known for his gorgeous white coat. Confidence and fearless attitude, making the breed an excellent choice for livestock protection work. They are usually happy living outdoors although they're best suited for cooler climates. Given their thick coats when unprovoked by predators. These dogs are calm gentle and zen-like making them great for families with children but when predators approach. They become fearless and formidable defenders of their flock. Great Pyrenees dogs live around ten to twelve years and usually weigh between 80 to 120 pounds (9).
Anatolian Shepherd Dog :
Anatolian Shepherds originated in Turkey, and are best known for being very strong and rugged. The breed is known for having good sight and hearing which makes them perfect livestock Guardian dogs. They live pretty long wised, occasionally reaching 13 to 15 years of age, and they usually weigh somewhere between 90 and 150 pounds. These dogs require an owner who is capable of handling an assertive strong-willed dog. While Anatolian shepherds are generally calm and loving, they require proper training to ensure that they are effective protectors (10).
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