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Try a Bearded Collie, they are sheep herding dogs originally from Scotland. After they are trained they work well on their own, unlike some of the herding breeds that only herd with shepard direction.
Depending on how much room you have, you may want to look at the Kuvasz or Maremma – they’re a little smaller than the Pyr.
Some breed rescue groups have working LGDs that need homes, and that might be a place for you to look – finding a dog that is already experienced with sheep and guinea fowl might be better than raising pups.
One thing to consider – a working dog is not a pet. It lives with the flock and is part of the flock.
There’s also a difference between a Guard Dog (like a Maremma, Pyr, or Anatolian) and a Herding Dog (like a Border Collie or German Shepherd). Guard Dogs live with the flock, Herding Dogs don’t.
I grew up herding sheep. My herd dog was a Spitz. He was wonderful. He could get them rounded up into a group and if there was an unruly ram or something he would just jump on the back of a sheep and run across the top to put the miscreant in his place. He was truly a marvel to watch and he was a wonderful pet as well.
Great pyrnees are the breed that is least likely to get aggressive with people that it might come in contact with so they’re a good choice – especially for someone who has not previously owned a LGD. Don’t think that just because you might have a fence around your yard that the LGD won’t roam. Many do and many cause problems by doing this. If i were looking for an LGD right now the most important question i’d be asking is how good are it’s instincts. There are a lot of LGD’s out there that spend a lot of time away from their flocks. This isn’t good. Also, as someone has mentioned, they are not pets. They must not be rewarded for spending time with people or they will end up being poor guardians of their flocks.
Many of the best LGD’s are not especially good with people but stay with their flocks and are very good about protecting them. i’ve heard reports of a 4 way cross including pyr and komondor that has worked well in the area. If i were you i’d do a lot more research with people who really know LGD’s (and that doesn’t include the yahoo answers by and large) like the lgd yahoo list
You might also look into other livestock protection animals that might fit your needs better like a donkey, mule or llama.
Try a Bearded Collie, they are sheep herding dogs originally from Scotland. After they are trained they work well on their own, unlike some of the herding breeds that only herd with shepard direction.
Great pyrennes are wonderful!!! I have owned 4 and none of them ever had hip Dysplasia.
Check out
Depending on how much room you have, you may want to look at the Kuvasz or Maremma – they’re a little smaller than the Pyr.
Some breed rescue groups have working LGDs that need homes, and that might be a place for you to look – finding a dog that is already experienced with sheep and guinea fowl might be better than raising pups.
One thing to consider – a working dog is not a pet. It lives with the flock and is part of the flock.
There’s also a difference between a Guard Dog (like a Maremma, Pyr, or Anatolian) and a Herding Dog (like a Border Collie or German Shepherd). Guard Dogs live with the flock, Herding Dogs don’t.
I grew up herding sheep. My herd dog was a Spitz. He was wonderful. He could get them rounded up into a group and if there was an unruly ram or something he would just jump on the back of a sheep and run across the top to put the miscreant in his place. He was truly a marvel to watch and he was a wonderful pet as well.
Great pyrnees are the breed that is least likely to get aggressive with people that it might come in contact with so they’re a good choice – especially for someone who has not previously owned a LGD. Don’t think that just because you might have a fence around your yard that the LGD won’t roam. Many do and many cause problems by doing this. If i were looking for an LGD right now the most important question i’d be asking is how good are it’s instincts. There are a lot of LGD’s out there that spend a lot of time away from their flocks. This isn’t good. Also, as someone has mentioned, they are not pets. They must not be rewarded for spending time with people or they will end up being poor guardians of their flocks.
Many of the best LGD’s are not especially good with people but stay with their flocks and are very good about protecting them. i’ve heard reports of a 4 way cross including pyr and komondor that has worked well in the area. If i were you i’d do a lot more research with people who really know LGD’s (and that doesn’t include the yahoo answers by and large) like the lgd yahoo list
You might also look into other livestock protection animals that might fit your needs better like a donkey, mule or llama.