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LIVESTOCK GUARDING DOG FACT SHEET
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service U.S. Department of Agriculture
Overview
Livestock guarding breeds originated in Europe and Asia, where they
have been used for centuries to protect sheep from wolves and bears Americans
have used guarding dogs since the mid-1970's. They are large animals (80-120
pounds) and are usually all white or fawn colored with dark muzles. Some
of the more common breeds are Great Pyrenees (France), Komondor (Hungary),
Akbash dog and Anatolian Shepherd (Turkey), and Maremma (Italy). Pyrenees
and Akbash dogs are among the more successful breeds.
Unlike herding dogs, guarding dogs do not usually herd sheep. Acting independently
of humans, guarding dogs stay with or near sheep most of the time and aggressively
repel predators. Genetics and proper rearing both contribute to the makeup
of a successful guarding dog.
Some guarding dogs do not adequately carry out their protective role. Failures
can generally be attributed to improper rearing or acquiring the dog after
it is too old for training. However, some dogs don't work well despite having
been reared properly. Research and surveys indicate that about three- fourths
of trained dogs become good guardians. Knowing what a good guarding dog
is and how to raise one correctly can help producers be sure they get the
best possible service from their dogs
Key Points in Successfully Rearinga Guarding Dog
Select a suitable breed and reputable breeder. Rear pups singly from
8 weeks of age with sheep, minimizing human contact (probably the most critical
ingredient for success ).
Monitor the dog and correct undesirable behaviors.
Encourage the dog to remain with or near the livestock.
Ensure the dog's health and safety.
Manage the livestock in accordance with the dog's age and experience
(e.g., use smaller pastures while the dog is young and inexperienced).
Be patient and allow plenty of time to train your dog. Remember that
a guarding dog may take 2 years or more to mature.
Potential Benefits and ProblemsWith Using Dogs
An Oregon sheep producer nearly eliminated coyote predation in her pasture
flock of 50 ewes by adding a single guarding dog. In 6 years of using the
dog, she lost only one lamb to coy-otes. In contrast, coyotes and bobcats
killed several sheep on her neighbors' farms each year
Effective guarding dogs helplivestock owners by:
Reducing predation on sheep,
Reducing labor (lessening the need for night corralling),
Alerting the owners to disturbances in the flock,
Protecting the family and ranch property, and
Allowing for more efficient use of pastures and potential ex-pansion
of the flock.
However, guarding dogs require an investment with no guarantee of a positive
result. The dogs can become ill, be injured, or die prematurely. Some dogs
roam away from the flock.
Guarding dogs are potentially aggressive; some dogs injure the stock or
other animals, including pets, or confront unfamiliar people (e.g., hikers)
who approach the sheep. Producers who use dogs should post signs to alert
passers-by and escort visitors when near sheep
Guarding Dogs and Other Control Tools
The use of a guarding dog does not prevent the use of other predation-control
methods. However, the other techniques must be compatible. The use of toxicants
is not recommended where guarding dogs are working. Traps and snares can
kill dogs if they are caught and not released in a reasonable period of
time. As a precaution, dogs should be restrained, confined, or closely monitored
if these methods are being used in close proximity
An Idaho sheep producer reduced coyote predation in his pas-ture flock of
200 ewes by adding a guarding dog to his operation. Prior to obtaining the
dog, the producer lost an average of 12 lambs per year to coyotes. The use
of the guarding dog, combined with other predation control methods, has
resulted in a loss of only four lambs in the past 5 years.
Guarding dogs can also be helpful in range sheep operations However, many
factors influence dog effectiveness. A Wyoming sheep rancher noted a significant
reduction in coyote predation in his range flocks for the first 3 years
he used guarding dogs. During that time, the coyote population continued
to increase. In the fourth year, the producer began to see a decrease in
his dogs effectiveness. Coyotes had become so numerous they were simply
overwhelming the dogs. By the fifth year, his predation losses had returned
to previous levels.
Recommendations for Producers
Guarding dogs will not solve all of a producer's predation problems,
but in many situations they are a useful tool. They can aid in reducing
occasional predation and have worked well in both fenced pasture and herded
range operations Their effectiveness can be enhanced by good livestock management
and by eliminating persistent predators
Guarding dogs may not be suitable in very large pastures (several sections
or larger) where sheep are widely scattered. At least two dogs are recommended
for range operations or in large areas with more than several hundred sheep.
