Livestock guard dogs are an increasingly popular tool in livestock management, writes Terri Queck-Matzie. Most weigh more than 100 pounds and are bred to live outside with livestock and not as a pet for people’s homes. Anatolian shepherds, Akbash, Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz, and Central Asian shepherds are breeds recognized by the AKC.
Source: Successful Farming, July 11, 2023. Link.
INSIGHTS: These are true working dogs. We noted the comments on neutering, coat care, diets and the need for dogs to be independent-minded problem solvers not dependent on human companionship. Their outside lifestyle demands timely preventatives from fleas, ticks and internal parasites plus regularly updated lifestyle vaccinations.
Also see: AAHA’s Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dogs Guidelines toolkit, AAHA NewStat, August 1, 2023. Link.