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Sheepherder

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We have Katahdin/Dorper cross hair sheep. We also have 2 LGD's, female is Great Pyrenees, male is Maremma/Anatolian Shepherd. Our sheep are lambing, our male LGD is so protective of the lambs that he chases our ram away. Just wondering if this is normal behavior. Sorry for the info dump. Thanks for reading.
 

Baymule

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Yes, normal behavior. My Anatolian male has just become a fantastic lambing guardian. He turned 2 in September, before that newborns confused him and he barked at them. Lambing started in November and he didn’t bark. He finally gets it! He guards the ewe giving birth, even from the other ewes.

I had one, Sentry, R.I.P. that stole newborns with deadly results. Couldn’t let him be with ewes giving birth. After lambs were up, dried off and nursing, he would defend with his life. Just that one little thing……

Your dog is exhibiting instinctive behavior and it is good. Praise him. Anatolians are very sensitive to your moods. Give excessive praise and lots of petting, it’s what he loves for.
 

Baymule

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I started 10 years ago with 4 bred Dorper/Katahdin ewes. Still have one, Ewenique, 11 years old. A few years ago I started moving towards registered Katahdins.

What breed is your ram?
I separate the ram before lambing. Rams get excited by the birthing smells and may try to mount the ewe. Your dog is protecting the ewes, it’s best to give the ram bachelor quarters.
 

Sheepherder

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I started 10 years ago with 4 bred Dorper/Katahdin ewes. Still have one, Ewenique, 11 years old. A few years ago I started moving towards registered Katahdins.

What breed is your ram?
I separate the ram before lambing. Rams get excited by the birthing smells and may try to mount the ewe. Your dog is protecting the ewes, it’s best to give the ram bachelor quarters.
I believe our ram is Dorper. Good information on moving the ram. If you don't mind my asking, what is the benefit of having registered Katahdin s?.
 
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