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Flock Guardian Dogs

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Flock Guardian Dogs

By: Kayye Nynne

About the Author

Kayye Nynne is the webmaster of http://www.dog-breeds-spot.com

(ArticlesBase SC #292076)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Flock Guardian Dogs

Livestock guarding dogs and livestock herding dogs both fall under the umbrella category of sheepdogs, but it is important to understand that these are two very different dog breeds. Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) were developed and bred to protect livestock from predators such as: wolves, jackals, coyotes, baboons, leopards, bears etc. Herding dogs on the other hand were developed and bred to...well, herd!

Livestock guarding dogs date back several thousand years and even as far back as 2000 years ago were a common sight in many parts of the world. Though many of these working dogs were considered until recently as rare breeds in the West, the truth is there are and have been millions of these dogs plying their trade of protecting livestock all over the world. In fact the protection of livestock could well have been one of the first primary uses mankind had for dogs.

It is not unreasonable to hypothesize that livestock guarding dogs originated from the Middle East especially when one considers that is from there that livestock was first domesticated. Following this pattern of thought it is not unreasonable either to state that livestock protection breeds may be several thousands of years old though they certainly wouldn't predate the first domesticated animals (sheep; circa 8000 years ago). There are plenty of historical references and drawings of livestock guardian dogs dating back thousands of years.

When one thinks of livestock protection dogs typically certain breeds spring to mind. Such breeds include the following:

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Kangal Dog

Akbash Dog

Caucasian Ovcharka

Great Pyrenees

Tibetan Mastif

Kuvasz

Komondor

Maremma Sheepdog

Polish Tatra Sheepdog

Tibetan Mastiff

Sarplaninac

Size And Appearance

The above list is certainly not an exhaustive one and though some of the breeds are quite well known others are not. A striking feature of most livestock guarding dogs is that they tend to be larger in size than most other canines. This actually shouldn't come as too much of a surprise since these canines were bred to ward off predators some of which attain considerable size such as bears and wolves. Another notable feature about livestock protection dogs is that very often they are white (a characteristic more commonly found in European based breeds). There're a number of reasons to explain the tendency to favor white in these dogs ranging from plain superstition to the age-old myth that white embodies purity of strain.

Most local shepherds contend that they prefer white dogs because they blend in with the flock and thus are harder to detect by any marauding wolves or other predators. Another argument along this line of thinking is that the shepherd is less likely to mistake a white livestock guardian dog for a wolf at night and thereby accidentally club it to death. However, whatever the argument, the fact remains that a good number of livestock guardian dogs are white in color which fact probably owes credit to selective culling of litters by local shepherds more than anything else.

Livestock guarding dogs tend to have large litters an aspect that bears an obvious economical burden on the shepherd. Not only is it economically unviable for the shepherd to keep all the puppies, the female dog will naturally tend to be somewhat derelict in her livestock protecting duties for the simple fact that she has a large litter of puppies to attend to. Culling by shepherds tends to favor white puppies for all the above listed reasons, which process (known as postzygotic selection--refining a natural breed) ultimately leads to generations that breed pure for the desired white coat.

Another driving force motivating culling in favor of white puppies is sales to tourists and foreign breed fanciers who are more willing to pay top dollar for snow white puppies. That said, there are plenty of livestock protection canines that are not white and one interesting feature of several regional breeds is that their coat patterns often have a tendency to mirror that of the livestock they guard. Thus for example the Kangal Dog in appearance has a light dun to fawn-gray coat with a black mask head; this pattern unsurprisingly mirrors the features of the sheep found in the region. Undoubtedly the reason why the Kangal Dog breeds pure for these traits is probably because local shepherds favored those animals that displayed such features.

What Defines A Good Livestock Guardian Dog?

Generally speaking the bigger the dog the better it will be as a livestock protector. Ironically the impact of increased size is not so much to ward off predators but rather to ensure that the dog can endure the hardships often encountered by these working dogs. In those countries and regions where shepherds still embark on seasonal migratory treks with their flocks covering huge distances, the toll on the animals (both the sheep and the dogs) can be tremendous.

A bigger dog has the advantage of not only being able to cover greater distances more easily than a smaller counterpart (larger stride), the bigger dog will also be able to endure food scarcities better because it has greater fat reserves. A large dog also has an added advantage; it can endure harsh, cold weather far better because of less heat loss thanks to its lower surface-to-volume ratio.

Certain dog breeds are obviously better suited to the task of protecting livestock than others due to selective breeding for desirable traits over hundreds if not thousands of years. For this reason, innate livestock protecting canines tend to be:

Independent minded (what some describe as aloof or stubborn);

Wary of strangers:

Dog unfriendly;

Territorial; and

Very protective of their wards.

These are all desirable traits in working dogs employed in the livestock-protection profession and such genetic-based traits are what constitute the "nature" component of the "nature vs. nurture" equation. External factors that influence the behavior of prospective flock guardians (nurture component) include the timely socialization of puppies with their future wards so that they ultimately bond as the dogs primary social companions.

Dogs that make the best LGDs are those individuals that are properly socialized within the critical period (normally from 4 - 16 weeks in canines) and also possess the correct genetic makeup for the task. In other words, inherent livestock-guarding dog breeds that are timely socialized with their future livestock wards will make better guardians than timely socialized dog breeds that lack the innate LGDs genetic makeup.

Flock Guardian Dogs

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Kayye Nynne -
About the Author:

Kayye Nynne is the webmaster of http://www.dog-breeds-spot.com

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Article Tags:
livestock guardian dog, livestock protection dog, livestock guarding dog, shepherd dogs, sheepdog, sheep dogs, livestock guardian dogs

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flock guardian dogs, Flock Dog Breeds, canine refers to dog, canine refers to what, genetic diseases of the akbash/anatolian shepherd, GUARDIAN DOG BREEDERS, guardiandogs net

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This is a typical play day for my Anatolian Shepherd Dogs. They take turns on who's the one getting knocked down and today just happens to be my boys turn. He's still a pup and not steady on his feet as you can tell. He enjoys it though.

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The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was developed as a large dog to guard livestock. She is powerful, and rugged with a sturdy body and thick neck. She is really not suited to an apartment due to her size and exercise requirements. She at least needs a properly fenced yard for exercise, better yet some acreage or a farm. If properly socialized, she is good with children and makes a mellow dog but a good watch dog. Her size alone is a great deterrent. Never leave any young child unsupervised with a dog for any length of time.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Anatolian Shepherd Dog is approximately 29 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and from 110 to 150 pounds. The female should run about 27 inches to the withers and 80 to 120 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) can occur in this breed. They can be allergic to beef which might lead to reactions such as ear infections. A more natural diet for them is food containing lamb as the meat ingredient. Another problem can be hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain).
*Grooming. Her coat is short to medium length with a thick undercoat and she sheds heavily twice a year. You should try to brush your dog frequently, even though this breed requires infrequent brushing. Brushing will help keep your pets coat clean and healthy Brushing will also help you keep a closer eye on your pets health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet.
*Dogs teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and a toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. Your dog should also have her toenails clipped. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best choice for this chore.
*Life Span. She can live from 14 to 17 years with proper nutrition, exercise and health care.
*History. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog comes from a section of Turkey called Anatolia. It was bred to be large to help guard flocks of sheep against predators such as jackals, bears and wolves. These dogs were imported into the United States with by quantity in the early fifties. The American Kennel Association started registering them in 1995.
*Category: Livestock guardian dog.
*Registries: AKC, FCI, UKC, ACR, APRI, CKC, NZKC, SKC, NKC, KCGB
*Terms To Describe The Breed: Bold, powerful, calm, mellow, intelligent, territorial, observant.
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good with other pets, low prey instinct.
Because of large size, have good guard dog deterrent effect.
May actually protect other animals in your household.
They can make a good family watchdog.
Can stand a harsh climate, both very hot and very cold.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Can be aloof and a bit difficult to train.
May choose to disobey.

antolian shepherd choosing the right puppy

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The Anatolian Shepherd Dog was developed as a large dog to guard livestock. She is powerful, and rugged with a sturdy body and thick neck. She is really not suited to an apartment due to her size and exercise requirements. She at least needs a properly fenced yard for exercise, better yet some acreage or a farm. If properly socialized, she is good with children and makes a mellow dog but a good watch dog. Her size alone is a great deterrent. Never leave any young child unsupervised with a dog for any length of time.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Anatolian Shepherd Dog is approximately 29 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and from 110 to 150 pounds. The female should run about 27 inches to the withers and 80 to 120 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) can occur in this breed. They can be allergic to beef which might lead to reactions such as ear infections. A more natural diet for them is food containing lamb as the meat ingredient. Another problem can be hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain).

*Grooming. Her coat is short to medium length with a thick undercoat and she sheds heavily twice a year. You should try to brush your dog frequently, even though this breed requires infrequent brushing. Brushing will help keep your pets coat clean and healthy Brushing will also help you keep a closer eye on your pets health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet.

*Dogs teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and a toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. Your dog should also have her toenails clipped. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best choice for this chore.

*Life Span. She can live from 14 to 17 years with proper nutrition, exercise and health care.

*History. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog comes from a section of Turkey called Anatolia. It was bred to be large to help guard flocks of sheep against predators such as jackals, bears and wolves. These dogs were imported into the United States with by quantity in the early fifties. The American Kennel Association started registering them in 1995.

*Category: Livestock guardian dog.

*Registries: AKC, FCI, UKC, ACR, APRI, CKC, NZKC, SKC, NKC, KCGB

*Terms To Describe The Breed: Bold, powerful, calm, mellow, intelligent, territorial, observant.

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good with other pets, low prey instinct.

Because of large size, have good guard dog deterrent effect.

May actually protect other animals in your household.

They can make a good family watchdog.

Can stand a harsh climate, both very hot and very cold.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Can be aloof and a bit difficult to train.

May choose to disobey.

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Dog picture taken by Kjunstorm.

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Our new Anatolian shepherd puppies, Zeus and Hera! **UPDATE** Oh my God, I am sick of you people! Ever since I posted this all I have gotten are comments on what other, unheard of breeds that people think they are. Of course! There's absolutely no reason to expect that the breed on their papers is right! How ridiculous of me! Zeus has grown up tp be a wonderful livestock guardian dog that cares for his flock with something akin to tenderness. Hera got out for another chicken-killing spree and got hit by a car. We have a new puppy named Venus, but since she is an odd color (no mask! *gasp!*) I'm not even going to bother shooting video of her. I'll hear every breed from Akabash to Golden Retriever.

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To begin with we will give you some basic info on the breed and them move on to other areas of this excellent dog.

Breed group: Working

Weight: male: 110-150, female: 80-120 lbs

Height: male: 29, female 27 inches

Overview

This breed has its origin in Turkey where they have been used as guardian dogs for property and livestock. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is an ancient breed that is more than 6000 years old. These dogs were famous for their capability of making independent decisions, and also for their ability to survive in harsh climates. This was required for the nomadic lifestyle they were a part of. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is regarded as the national emblem of Turkey.

Temperament

This breed is a very devoted breed that is also commonly used as guardian dogs. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is very intelligent and highly trainable. They pick up new skills fairly easy, but not appropriate for beginners. The Anatolian Shepherd dog will require an owner that is dominant and able to control the dog. These dogs are very calm, courageous and independent - they are also not aggressive but can be a bit wary of strangers. Seeing that this breed is a natural guarding dog, they can become very possessive. The Anatolian Shepherd dog is also very tough on it self, and can at times be very stubborn. It is important that these dogs should be socialised properly - they are also slow in reaching maturity.

Care

The Anatolian Shepherd dog doesn't have high grooming needs, and requires a thorough brushing about twice a year when they are shedding. During the rest of the year they do not require a lot of attention. The Anatolian Shepherd only shed heavily on a seasonal basis.

Training

The Anatolian Shepherd is requires an owner with some previous dog ownership experience. The owners should be dominant and take control in training sessions. The best results will be achieved when the training is firm, consistent, and done with a loving approach. Training should be started when these dogs are still young as it is difficult to correct them later on as they are too strong and big. These dogs should be socialised from early on, and should also have basis obedience training. You will find that these dogs will not respond positively toward rough or heavy-handed training methods. The training environment should be one that is fair, firm and consistent.

Health problems

The Anatolian Shepherd dog usually has a low immunity, and can take a bit longer to develop than some of the other breeds. Some medical conditions that potential owners should be aware of include hip dysplasia, sensitivity to Anaesthesia, inversion of the eyelids and hypothyroidism.

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Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is best known as a serious family protector that was bred to be the ultimate security dog. As a serious watch dog, this breed is very suspicious around strangers and other animals. Highly devoted to its family, yet at the same time very easy going and affectionate, the Anatolian Shepherd makes the ideal family pet.

A Brief History Of The Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd has a long history as a working dog in the country of Turkey. The original function of the breed was to guard flock. Today still, the breed is used as a highly-dependable security dog.

Researchers claim that the canine's roots probably go back 4000 years ago to the Roman Mollosian war dogs and the Tibetan Mastiff. These dogs were used to safeguard livestock against dangerous predators, such as bear and wolves.

By viewing various pictures of the breed you will notice that different Anatolian Shepherd dogs may vary in size, color and coat type. This is largely due to nomadic shepherds traveling a large geographical region while their Anatolian Shepherds would accompany them. The traits that have not changed, however, are the breed's independence, loyalty, and toughness.

Anatolian Shepherd dogs made their way to the United States during the mid 1950s and although its usefulness was in the service of guarding livestock against coyotes, wolves, and other predators, the breed did not become popular until the late 1970s/early 1980s.

Dog enthusiasts who fancied large, devoted family protectors began to start raising Anatolian Shepherds. The AKC recognized the breed in 1996 as a member of the miscellaneous class before it was officially moved to the working group class soon after.

Upkeep Requirements For The Anatolian Shepherd

This breed needs plenty of daily exercise – a chance to run with you as you jog in the mornings or a brisk walk on the leash will do the job. Anatolian Shepherd dogs can live outside if need be, so long as the temperature does not reach extreme cold or high heat, however, they are very connected to the family so sleeping inside at night is preferred. Grooming requirements consist of a weekly brushing to remove dead hair.

Health Concerns

The Anatolian Shepherd has an average life span of between ten and thirteen years. Quite a healthy breed, the only major health concern that runs common is CHD, with entropion showing up as a minor issue. Veterinarians suggest that Anatolian Shepherd dogs get tested for potential hip and eye problems.

History

Basically, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog's antecessor isn't known. Some think the progenitors are the Tibetan Mastiff through the Roman dogs of war. They think that the war dogs came to Central Asia from the Himalayas by shepherds and that these sheep herders decided to live in Turkey.

Others think they are descended from the local wolves of the Anatolian Plateau or that they are akin to the sight hounds of Mesopotamia. The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is shaped like a sight hound at the loin and it is fast like that type of canine. It is smart like the local wolves and could get its speed from them.

Another name for this breed is Karabash, which means in Turkish black head. Some people think this breed was developed during the Persian Empire. In ancient times, this breed guarded sheep from predators like jackals, wolves, cheetahs, and bears, as opposed to herding sheep.

During the 1950's, Professor Rodney S. Young transported some of these dogs to the U.S.A. from around Ankara. He was an archaeologist and had explored Gordium. An archaeologist from England, Dr. Charmain Steele brought two Anatolian Shepherd Dogs back to England from the Konya Plain in 1965, and they were registered with the British Kennel Club that year.

Robert C. Ballard brought a male and a female to the U.S.A. in 1968 and started breeding them and established the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America in 1970. The Anatolian Shepherd Club of Great Britain was established in 1979. Australia and Canada also have kennel clubs for this breed.

General Looks

This breed is well muscles, with a thick neck, and wide head. The ears are dropped and shaped like triangles. It is a big dog that can run as fast as 35 miles per hour. It is an agile breed with great endurance.

Is This Your Breed?

These dogs need a lot room. It has to have regular exercise and some grooming.

Coat

The coat is short and somewhat longer and denser on the neck and mane. It has a heavy undercoat.

Color

All of the colors, patterns, and markings are accepted.

Locomotion

The trot is fluid and powerful.

Personality

It is loyal, affectionate, calm, devoted, intelligent, observant, confident, brave, and alert. It is leery of strangers and must be introduced to them. It is very territorial. This breed was trained to guard his owner's flocks without help. It's breeding induced the trait of hunting for predators before they attacked the sheep. This environment brought about independence and forcefulness, therefore it is a pet that presents a challenge. The Anatolian Shepherd has to be socialize to become a good companion.

Though it is a quick study learning easily it sometimes willfully disobeys. It is good with kids, but may think it needs to guard them from any rough housing. It likes to dig. Assigning an area it can dig in is the best bet.

Anatolian Shepherd video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPB3w7rw08c

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