Family Farm Friendly LGD Breeds? Opinons, Advice, Experiences??

[kfacres]

anotolian gets my vote. hands down... better yet, check into akbash.. same dog 200 years ago.

Meanest guard dog, I've ever been around-- GP-- went out to check some parents of a pup that we bought-- lady said don't get off the gator, that dog will kill you.

We've had 10 GPs or so over the years, don't know why we keep buying them.. lazy. lay around all day.

meanest most bite friendly dog at our place right now-- tie b/w the two border collies- go figure.

I think a 1/2 GP and 1/2 Anatolian=-= gets' my vote as the best guard dog ever...

 

[southernstardowns]

I highly suggest a Great Pyrenees. We also have small children, chicken, ducks, four cats, goats, and cows. After much research I also decided on a Great Pyrenees to guard. We now have two and I breed them. I have a litter of nine right now. Males are more prone to roam than females but males my male is good about marking his territory. My female actually has a more ferocious bark and would say she is a little better protector. My dogs have not roamed from our farm but they have plenty of room and know their job is to guard our goats. I would suggest raising one from a puppy since you do have small children. I also suggest getting a pure breed Pyr because when you get a mix there is no guarantee what characteristics of which breed will appear. I socialize our Pyrs (especially pups) with everything and take them places too so they are accustomed to other people and surroundings. They do not have to be "trained" just introduced and socialized to what you want them to know and protect. There is a lot of conflicting information about how to treat Pyrs but if you want a friendly dog be sure to socialize them. They instinctively guard so keeping them isolated only with animals is not necessary and it will actually make them unsocial. Pyrs are already independent dogs so they need interaction. I have been to many farms that have "spooky" Pyrs because they were not socialized. My Pyrs do bark at night but I notice that it is on the nights that I also hear coyotes. We have quite a few here, we live in the mountains, and we have never lost an animal. I can't say enough about how much I love my Pyrs and if you raise them right, you will never have a more loyal and loving dog!

 

[kfacres]

I highly suggest a Great Pyrenees. We also have small children, chicken, ducks, four cats, goats, and cows. After much research I also decided on a Great Pyrenees to guard. We now have two and I breed them. I have a litter of nine right now. Males are more prone to roam than females but males my male is good about marking his territory. My female actually has a more ferocious bark and would say she is a little better protector. My dogs have not roamed from our farm but they have plenty of room and know their job is to guard our goats. I would suggest raising one from a puppy since you do have small children. I also suggest getting a pure breed Pyr because when you get a mix there is no guarantee what characteristics of which breed will appear. I socialize our Pyrs (especially pups) with everything and take them places too so they are accustomed to other people and surroundings. They do not have to be "trained" just introduced and socialized to what you want them to know and protect. There is a lot of conflicting information about how to treat Pyrs but if you want a friendly dog be sure to socialize them. They instinctively guard so keeping them isolated only with animals is not necessary and it will actually make them unsocial. Pyrs are already independent dogs so they need interaction. I have been to many farms that have "spooky" Pyrs because they were not socialized. My Pyrs do bark at night but I notice that it is on the nights that I also hear coyotes. We have quite a few here, we live in the mountains, and we have never lost an animal. I can't say enough about how much I love my Pyrs and if you raise them right, you will never have a more loyal and loving dog!

how hot does it get in your area? I shear my GPs each summer-- and they still lay around...

I like to think of our Anatolian as a longer legged, short haired, more athletic version of a GP. They are most def better suited for summer in warmer environmental places.

I have clocked ours running 40 plus- and I have seen them kill a coyote-- no just running them away like a GP>

 

[southernstardowns]

It doesn't get real hot here. It can get up to the nineties but we have a ton of tree cover and shade. There is also creeks running through the property so they get to cool off and we are on a mountain so there is typically a breeze blowing. I don't shave my Pyrs because I also show. They do lay around in the day but they are extremely active at night, which works our great because that is when we need the protection. In an environment that is extremely hot they would need shade and lots of water.

 

[dhansen]

I have an Akbash female that is wonderful. She was born and raised with goats. When I got her, I had her in the house two nights and realized quickly that wasn't going to work! Outside she went with my goats. She barks only when there is a "bad guy" nearby, which is sometimes a whole lot, and other times, not at all. She LOVES people and anyone willing to give her love, but she rarely is out of the goat pen. She loves my golden retriever so sometimes I let her in the goat pen to play. She didn't do real well with the chickens as she played with one and killed it. That was my fault as I didn't take the time to train her with them. I absolutely love this dog and am grateful to no longer worry about the neighbor's pit bull that sometimes gets loose or the coyotes and mountain lions nearby.

 

[BrownSheep]

I've also read that akbash are quiet and calm dogs.

 

[southernstardowns]

They are great dogs. However, we have no complaints with our Pyrenees. They are great with the animals and even protective over our kids.

 

[dhansen]

One other thing about my akbash....I clip her at the beginning of summer. She has super long hair and it gets hot here. She really likes it when there is a kiddie pool filled with water to wade into, also. That way she will stay out of the goats water!

 

[MonsterMalak]

Although it makes sense to research the breeds, I feel it is more important to research the bloodlines.

I have seen many great Pyrenees, and some not worth their hair. But are a different type of dog. Better for some situations.

Have owned some great Anatolians, ans some I had to rehome.

Finally settled on Kangals about 8 years ago. They are more "Go out and get them" type of dogs, and more heat tollerant type of dogs.

Recently got into the Boz, and they are everything the Kangals are, but in a more sociable package that is versatile.

But my advice would be, to look at the parents, older siblings and relatives. Find the type of dogs you want, and research the heck out of them.

Will not guarantee the perfect dog, but will help.

Good Luck!!!