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It's Not A Sheep Dog

2 comments

IT’S A SHEEP GUARD DOG.  THERE IS A DIFFERENCE, it turns out.

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A sheep farmer in Culpeper County, Virginia, is handling the problem of predators such as coyotes by bringing in an Italian dog breed that is largely unknown in America.  After consultation with a guard dog authority, the Campbell family has placed two Maremma’s on their 1,000-acre farm.

This unusual breed does not herd sheep, such as a border collie does, but it guards and protects the herd.  The dogs actually live with the sheep, wandering with them in the pastures and staying  with them day and night.

Firegeezer finds this to be a very interesting story about an unusual animal and I thought you would enjoy reading this REPORT.

Posted by on June 5, 2008 • Filed under: dogs
  • http://www.thepigpreserve.org/ Rch Hoyle

    Bill…

    Those of us who run animal sanctuaries have long used Great Pyrenees as guardian dogs.

    Here in the mountains of TN…bordered by a couple of huge state parks and national recreation areas…we have a pretty significant wild dog, coyote and even black bear population.

    While the mature farm pigs are pretty immune from attack at 1200+ pounds, the potbellied pigs and smaller, younger farm pigs can often be considered for a posible meal by the dogs and coyotes…both of which hunt in packs.

    The Great Pyrs are quite popular in this area as guardian dogs for sheep, goats, and other animals. They also work very well with the pigs who live in large, pristine areas of pastures and woods.

    Unlike the Italian dogs, they don’t have to be imported from Europe. There are plenty available in the area from breeders or from Great Pyr rescue groups.

    They are marvelous dogs and do a great job guarding the pigs. They are super protective of whatever animal they are raised with.

    Unlike a “regular” dog which will run and bark in an attempt to intimidate and scare off an intruder, the Great Pyrs simply attack any threat they perceive. Most who use them, employ them in pairs.

    Another popular “guardian animal” around here for smaller livestock is donkeys. They have a reputation for being fierce protectors of animals they live with.

    Rich…..

  • http://www.thepigpreserve.org Rch Hoyle

    Bill…

    Those of us who run animal sanctuaries have long used Great Pyrenees as guardian dogs.

    Here in the mountains of TN…bordered by a couple of huge state parks and national recreation areas…we have a pretty significant wild dog, coyote and even black bear population.

    While the mature farm pigs are pretty immune from attack at 1200+ pounds, the potbellied pigs and smaller, younger farm pigs can often be considered for a posible meal by the dogs and coyotes…both of which hunt in packs.

    The Great Pyrs are quite popular in this area as guardian dogs for sheep, goats, and other animals. They also work very well with the pigs who live in large, pristine areas of pastures and woods.

    Unlike the Italian dogs, they don’t have to be imported from Europe. There are plenty available in the area from breeders or from Great Pyr rescue groups.

    They are marvelous dogs and do a great job guarding the pigs. They are super protective of whatever animal they are raised with.

    Unlike a “regular” dog which will run and bark in an attempt to intimidate and scare off an intruder, the Great Pyrs simply attack any threat they perceive. Most who use them, employ them in pairs.

    Another popular “guardian animal” around here for smaller livestock is donkeys. They have a reputation for being fierce protectors of animals they live with.

    Rich…..