Predator Control
Predator Control is a very large concern for
most livestock breeder, especially those in less populated regions of the
US. Traditionally we think of coyotes as a major predator of sheep
however, the common domestic dog can pose just as great of a threat.
In an attempt to curb predation of our flocks,
guard dogs have become a popular solution for many sheep producers. As a
result guard dogs have become very effective in controlling predators.
Guard dogs are not 100% effective, however they will reduce the risk of
predation greatly. There is some variation between the different breeds of
dogs used for predator control, such as size, disposition, and handling
techniques. Mishandling of the young dogs is one of the greatest errors
make that leads to a guard dog failing. Guard dogs must be properly
trained in order to be successful. Patience, perseverance and discipline
are needed to teach a guard dog to bond and accept the responsibility of
guarding a flock. For more information on how to select and what to expect
from your guard dog, go to the University of Missouri Web site at http://www.case-agworld.com/cAw.LUgdogs.html
this is a paper titled Guard Dogs for Predator Control written by Helen A.
Swartz, Ph.D. the Missouri State Sheep, Goat & Small Livestock
Specialist.
Some of the more popular breeds of guard dogs
are Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Anatolian Shepherd, Akbash Dog, Maremma,
Kuvasz, and Sharplaninac. Below I have given you a brief outline of their
history, and some details about each breed. The associated links many be
used to learn more about each of them. In general the AKC web site may be
most useful for a reference. http://www.akc.org/index.cfm
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is one of the most popular
breeds of guard dogs in the US. Originally known as the "Dog of the
Mountains." They took their name from a mountain range in southwestern
Europe. In the UK and on the continent of Europe, they are known as the
Pyrenean Mountain Dog. France is their native country where they have long
been used as guardians of flocks. In the United States we best know these
dogs as Great Pyrenees.
These dogs have a rich history in the world
and have had an impact on other breeds as well. Most interesting was in
1662; Basque fishermen brought dogs to Newfoundland for companions and
guardians of their new Settlements. Here they became mated to the black
curlycoated retriever, one of the favorites of the English settlers. This
cross-resulted in the formation of the black and white Landseer
Newfoundland.
The Great Pyrenees is a large white dog that
ranges in size from around 25-32 inches at the shoulder, and weights
between 85-140 pounds.
For more information or to decide if they are
right for you, go to The Great Pyrenees Club of America: http://clubs.akc.org/gpca/index.html.
Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is said to be one
of the most majestic and noble animals in the service of man. These dogs
are still heavily used in the rural districts of Turkey. They serve as the
front line of defense form predators, for the Turkish shepherds. Without
the aid of the Anatolian Shepherd, the Turkish shepherds would have a hard
time protecting their property and flock from wild animals. The Anatolian
Shepherd can be found from the Turkish Anatolian plateau to Afghanistan.
The Anatolian Shepherd has extraordinary speed
and agility, which allows them to run down a predator with relative ease.
A common practice of Turkish Shepherds is to equip their dogs with
iron-spiked collars to protection them against attacking animals that
might grab for their throat. Although this is not a practice commonly used
in the United States, I am sure you can imagine this impressive dog
protecting his flock.
These dogs can be seen in a range of brown
colors from somewhat dark to light. General balance is more important than
absolute size. Dogs should be approximately 29 inches at the shoulder and
weigh in a range from 110 to 150 pounds proportionate to size and
structure. Bitches should be approximately 27 inches at the shoulder, and
weigh between 80 to 120 pounds, proportionate to size and structure.
Neither the male nor the female should appear fat.
For more information and to decide if they are
right for you go to The Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America: http://www.asdca.org/.
Komondor
The Komondor is an ancient guardian dog, whose
homeland is Hungary. They are thought to have descended from the Russian
Owtcharka and brought to Hungary by invading Magyars. The Komondor is considered to be the chief of the herdsman's
dogs and was used to protect the herdsman and his animals. Komondors have
been used in the United States to fend off coyotes and bobcats.
The Komondors have been used successfully by
both sheep and goat breeders. These hearty dogs stay with the flocks even
in range situations were there is little to no shelter. They are big
muscular dogs, covered with dense, white cords. However the long corded
coats are not used in this type of production operations, they are
typically clipped in the spring. The cords are left on for show only. Thou
they are large dogs they are not an extremely heavy animal.
Males stand approximately 27" to 31" at the shoulder and
range in weight between 80 and 100 pounds with females being slightly
smaller.
For more information and to decide if they are
right for you go to the Komondor AKC webpage: http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/komdor.cfm
.
Akbash
The name of the Akbash originated in the
Turkish word meaning white head. While in contrast the name Karabash means
black head. The Akbash Dog now found in rural Turkey, where it has been
serving as a livestock protection dog for up to a millennia. In today's
Turkish society the way of life is as it was a hundred years ago, so the
use of the Akbash Dogs as a means of protection from predation is a very
common practice.
The dogs we see in the rural landscape of
Turkey have many of the ideal characteristics of the North American Akbash
Dog. They are most often calm dogs, with a keen protective instinct for
flock and property. Although the Akbash Dogs in Turkey are not used as
pets, and are usually smaller than most American Akbash.
A mature Akbash Dog will range from 28 to 31
inches at the shoulders, while the females will range from 27 to 29
inches. Their weight should be in proportion to size and bone structure,
and result in proper balance. Mature dogs in trim condition will weigh
between 90 to 130 pounds, while the females will weigh from 75 to 100
pounds.
For more information and to decide if they are
right for you go to The Akbash Dog Home Page: http://www.whitelands.com/akbash/
.
Maremma
The Maremma Sheepdog is an Italian guardian,
bred for generations in the Maremma and Abruzzi regions of Italy to
protect both flocks and estates. Today the breed retains the same
instincts and qualities that have made it a successful guardian for so
long. Some of their greatest attributes are loyalty to their own
intelligence, courage, and a strong distrust of strangers. The Maremma
make reliable flock guardians as well as dependable protectors of home and
family.
The Maremma Sheepdog is as some have put it a
"majestic" white dog, of a large size and a rustic appearance. They
are strong, active, and very athletic dogs. Maremmas are truly a working
dog that needs a job to keep them occupied. The Maremma have been working
as a guard animal for thousands of years, they tend to be very devoted to
their owners, and trusting of the people they know.
Maremma's tend to run about 25.5 - 28.5
inches at the shoulder and weight between 77 - 99 lbs., while females will
measure between 23.5 - 26.5 inches at the shoulder and weight between 66 -
88 lbs. They can be a Solid white color or shades of ivory, pale orange or
even lemon is tolerated in certain limits.
For more information and to decide if they are
right for you, go to The Maremma Dog Home Page http://www.akc.org/index.cfm
.
Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is an ancient breed who is among
the oldest of all breeds. The Kuvasz or Kuvaszok is recognized by the
American Kennel Club as a member of the Working Group. While the exact age
of the dogs is in question it is well accepted that the dogs trace back
too as far as Mesopotamia. However it was in Hungry that the breed
achieved its present appearance. The Kuvasz is a guarding
dog, originally used to protect livestock such as horses, sheep and
cattle.
The Kuvasz male should be range between 28 to
30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 100 and 115 pounds. The
female should measure between 26 and 28 inches tall, while weighting
between 70 to 90 pounds.
For more information and to decide if they are
right for you, go to the AKC web page http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/kuvsz.cfm
.
Sharplaninac
Among the rare species of sheep dog the
Sharplaninec is hard to be found today, faces total extinction. It is
believed the home of Sharplaninec is Asia, but other researches points to
the Balkans as their homeland. Now adapted to the severe ambiance of the
Macedonian Mountains the Sharplaninec have been living and surviving in
this reservation for centuries.
Sharplaninec dogs are well known for their
ability to cope well in difficult environments. They are also known to be
very dynamic dogs. They have a strong loyalty for their master, and an
ability to be very protective when provoked.
The Sharplaninec is a strongly built dog with
calm temper, good-natured but very rough. He is faithful to his master and
uncompromising. They should
be well-balanced dogs who should range from 62 to 56 cm tall, with the
females range from 58 to 54 cm. Dogs under these measures should be
excluded from breeding. The male dogs should weight between 35 and 45 kg,
while the females should be between 30 and 40 kg.
For more information and to decide if they are
right for you, go to The Sharplaninec web page at the AKC Page http://www.akc.org/index.cfm