A Livestock Guardian Dog, also known as an LGD, is a dog that has been specifically bred to protect animals and livestock from predators. These dogs are generally very large and athletic, with the ability to protect farms and homesteads of varying sizes.
What makes a Livestock Guardian Dog unique?
Through selective breeding, Livestock Guardian Dogs have been designed to protect livestock. While there is some training involved, this desire to protect is completely instinctual.
Having raised several LGDs myself, I have been amazed to witness these guarding instincts in even the youngest puppies. These dogs are very alert and aware of their surroundings. They have excellent hearing and the ability to sprint quickly and run long distances when needed.
Overall, they are amazing animals and a great asset to farms, ranches, and homesteads.
For millennia, humans have relied upon dogs to help them in the fields, on farms, on hunts, and in their homes. One of the most important roles a dog could perform for a farmer or shepherd was that of livestock guardian. Such a dog had to be reliable around livestock like sheep, pigs, goats, and even chickens; have the ability to discriminate between family and potential threats; and have the ability to follow through in deterring true threats to the livestock.
Yasmin Ali // American Kennel Club
Livestock Guardian Dog Traits
Since there are many different dog breeds within the LGD group, traits can vary. In general though, all Livestock Guardian Dogs share these characteristics.
Large Size
Most Livestock Guardian Dogs weigh more than 100 pounds and measure more than 30 inches tall.
Athletic
These dogs are built to run and live outside. They an easily cover long distances and sprint impressively fast for their size.
Independent Thinkers
This is a great trait when you need your LGD to independently identify threats and take care of their livestock. It can also be challenging when this stubborn nature causes your LGD to roam to far, bust out of fencing, or otherwise misbehave.
After raising several LGDs from puppies to adult working dogs, I've found they take a bit longer to mature. But once they have settled in and received some training, they can quickly become one of the best dogs you've ever owned.
Valuable (& Costly)
Between their large size and purpose-built breeding, these dogs can be quite expensive. Expect to pay anywhere from $750-$2,500 for a quality dog.
Prone to Barking
Livestock Guardian Dogs need to bark when doing their job. Their intimidating bark scares off predatory threats and can alert other LGDs on the property as needed. This is another reason they are better suited to rural properties and not recommended for life in the city.
10 Popular Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds
- Colorado Mountain Dog
- Great Pyrenees
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Komondor
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Kangal
- Maremma
- Akbash
- Polish Tatra Sheepdog
- The Kuvasz
Colorado Mountain Dogs come from mixing popular LGDs in order to achieve specific characteristics.
Livestock Guardian Dog Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
A Livestock Guardian Dog is a great addition to any working farm, ranch, or homestead. These large dogs have been bred to instinctively protect livestock. The various breeds have additional characteristics meant to suit different circumstances.
