Cover Guardian
Flock Guardian Dogs
Livestock guarding dogs and livestock herding dogs both fall under the umbrella category of sheepdogs, but it is important to understand that these are two very different dog breeds. Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) were developed and bred to protect livestock from predators such as: wolves, jackals, coyotes, baboons, leopards, bears etc. Herding dogs on the other hand were developed and bred to...well, herd!
Livestock guarding dogs date back several thousand years and even as far back as 2000 years ago were a common sight in many parts of the world. Though many of these working dogs were considered until recently as rare breeds in the West, the truth is there are and have been millions of these dogs plying their trade of protecting livestock all over the world. In fact the protection of livestock could well have been one of the first primary uses mankind had for dogs.
It is not unreasonable to hypothesize that livestock guarding dogs originated from the Middle East especially when one considers that is from there that livestock was first domesticated. Following this pattern of thought it is not unreasonable either to state that livestock protection breeds may be several thousands of years old though they certainly wouldn't predate the first domesticated animals (sheep; circa 8000 years ago). There are plenty of historical references and drawings of livestock guardian dogs dating back thousands of years.
When one thinks of livestock protection dogs typically certain breeds spring to mind. Such breeds include the following:
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Kangal Dog
Akbash Dog
Caucasian Ovcharka
Great Pyrenees
Tibetan Mastif
Kuvasz
Komondor
Maremma Sheepdog
Polish Tatra Sheepdog
Tibetan Mastiff
Sarplaninac
Size And Appearance
The above list is certainly not an exhaustive one and though some of the breeds are quite well known others are not. A striking feature of most livestock guarding dogs is that they tend to be larger in size than most other canines. This actually shouldn't come as too much of a surprise since these canines were bred to ward off predators some of which attain considerable size such as bears and wolves. Another notable feature about livestock protection dogs is that very often they are white (a characteristic more commonly found in European based breeds). There're a number of reasons to explain the tendency to favor white in these dogs ranging from plain superstition to the age-old myth that white embodies purity of strain.
Most local shepherds contend that they prefer white dogs because they blend in with the flock and thus are harder to detect by any marauding wolves or other predators. Another argument along this line of thinking is that the shepherd is less likely to mistake a white livestock guardian dog for a wolf at night and thereby accidentally club it to death. However, whatever the argument, the fact remains that a good number of livestock guardian dogs are white in color which fact probably owes credit to selective culling of litters by local shepherds more than anything else.
Livestock guarding dogs tend to have large litters an aspect that bears an obvious economical burden on the shepherd. Not only is it economically unviable for the shepherd to keep all the puppies, the female dog will naturally tend to be somewhat derelict in her livestock protecting duties for the simple fact that she has a large litter of puppies to attend to. Culling by shepherds tends to favor white puppies for all the above listed reasons, which process (known as postzygotic selection--refining a natural breed) ultimately leads to generations that breed pure for the desired white coat.
Another driving force motivating culling in favor of white puppies is sales to tourists and foreign breed fanciers who are more willing to pay top dollar for snow white puppies. That said, there are plenty of livestock protection canines that are not white and one interesting feature of several regional breeds is that their coat patterns often have a tendency to mirror that of the livestock they guard. Thus for example the Kangal Dog in appearance has a light dun to fawn-gray coat with a black mask head; this pattern unsurprisingly mirrors the features of the sheep found in the region. Undoubtedly the reason why the Kangal Dog breeds pure for these traits is probably because local shepherds favored those animals that displayed such features.
What Defines A Good Livestock Guardian Dog?
Generally speaking the bigger the dog the better it will be as a livestock protector. Ironically the impact of increased size is not so much to ward off predators but rather to ensure that the dog can endure the hardships often encountered by these working dogs. In those countries and regions where shepherds still embark on seasonal migratory treks with their flocks covering huge distances, the toll on the animals (both the sheep and the dogs) can be tremendous.
A bigger dog has the advantage of not only being able to cover greater distances more easily than a smaller counterpart (larger stride), the bigger dog will also be able to endure food scarcities better because it has greater fat reserves. A large dog also has an added advantage; it can endure harsh, cold weather far better because of less heat loss thanks to its lower surface-to-volume ratio.
Certain dog breeds are obviously better suited to the task of protecting livestock than others due to selective breeding for desirable traits over hundreds if not thousands of years. For this reason, innate livestock protecting canines tend to be:
Independent minded (what some describe as aloof or stubborn);
Wary of strangers:
Dog unfriendly;
Territorial; and
Very protective of their wards.
These are all desirable traits in working dogs employed in the livestock-protection profession and such genetic-based traits are what constitute the "nature" component of the "nature vs. nurture" equation. External factors that influence the behavior of prospective flock guardians (nurture component) include the timely socialization of puppies with their future wards so that they ultimately bond as the dogs primary social companions.
Dogs that make the best LGDs are those individuals that are properly socialized within the critical period (normally from 4 - 16 weeks in canines) and also possess the correct genetic makeup for the task. In other words, inherent livestock-guarding dog breeds that are timely socialized with their future livestock wards will make better guardians than timely socialized dog breeds that lack the innate LGDs genetic makeup.
About the Author
Kayye Nynne is the webmaster of http://www.dog-breeds-spot.com
Blind Guardian - In a gadda da vida (Cover) + lyrics
 |
 Dowco Guardian ATV Cover Black 2XL $39.99 Time Remaining: 27d 21h 52m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 VINTAGE 1950S GUARDIAN SERVICE HAMMERED ALUMINUM GLASS COVERED CHICKEN FRYER $69.99 Time Remaining: 1h 36m |
 VNT OLD GUARDIAN SERVICE ALUM ROASTER DUTCH OVEN W ORIG GLASS COVER 40S 50S $24.99 Time Remaining: 11h 54m |
 Guardian Gear Classic Basic Dog Pet Car Seat Cover Polyester Black 55 x 42 $37.95 Time Remaining: 29d 14h 35m Buy It Now for only: $37.95 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Gear GRAY PAWPRINT Pet Dog Car Seat Cover NEW $32.00 Time Remaining: 1h 31m Buy It Now for only: $35.99 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Gear Fairfield Single Bucket Tailored Quilted Car Seat Cover Black $25.95 Time Remaining: 29d 1h 6m Buy It Now for only: $25.95 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Service Ware Aluminum Cookware Roaster Trio Set w Glass Cover Lid MINT $31.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 19h 9m |
 DOWCO GUARDIAN WEATHER ALL PLUS MOTORCYCLE COVER $31.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 4h 2m |
 Guardian Gear Fairfield Single Bucket Tailored Quilted Car Seat Cover Green $25.95 Time Remaining: 29d 1h 7m Buy It Now for only: $25.95 Buy It Now |
 DOWCO GUARDIAN WEATHER ALL PLUS MOTORCYCLE COVER $50.00 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 1m |
 Guardian Gear Fairfield Bench Rear Seat Tailored Quilted Car Seat Cover Black $39.95 Time Remaining: 29d 1h 22m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Gear Pawprint Single Car Seat Cover GRAY $18.99 Time Remaining: 17h 20m |
 Guardian Gear Classic Car Seat Covers for Dogs $28.99 Time Remaining: 17h 16m |
 Guardian Gear Fairfield Bench Rear Seat Tailored Quilted Car Seat Cover Green $39.95 Time Remaining: 29d 1h 23m Buy It Now for only: $39.95 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Gear Classic Cargo Cover ZW09789 Khaki Car Seat Cover $49.99 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 2m |
 Dowco Guardian Custom Chopper Bike Motorcycle Cover 109 $78.94 Time Remaining: 22d 19h 37m Buy It Now for only: $78.94 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Gear Classic Car Seat Cover ZW09389 Khaki Cover $43.99 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 3m |
 Dowco Guardian Weatherall Motorcycle Cover large $75.25 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 8m Buy It Now for only: $75.25 Buy It Now |
 DOWCO GUARDIAN SCOOTER COVER $10.00 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 7m |
 Vintage Guardian Service Heart Shaped Aluminum Pot Pan Casserole w Glass Cover $15.00 Time Remaining: 3d 54m |
 Dowco Guardian EZ Zip Motorcycle Cover XX Large $100.49 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 30m Buy It Now for only: $100.49 Buy It Now |
 KAWASAKI JET SKI STX 12F STX 12F 900 STX DOWCO GUARDIAN COVER ZR 52073 $99.20 Time Remaining: 2d 23h 9m |
 Dowco Guardian Weatherall Plus Motorcycle Cover Large $82.25 Time Remaining: 20d 14h 39m Buy It Now for only: $82.25 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Motorcycle Cover Dowco outdoor WeatherAll Plus Triumph Norton BSA $71.00 Time Remaining: 3d 6h 14m Buy It Now for only: $79.00 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Ware Silver Seal 3 Quart Roaster Sauce Pot Pan Metal Cover Lid $29.99 Time Remaining: 3d 53m |
 GreatShield Guardian S Series Slim Case Cover for Samsung Galaxy S ll S2 BLACK $10.95 Time Remaining: 18d 19h 19m Buy It Now for only: $10.95 Buy It Now |
 VINTAG GUARDIAN SERVICE GLASS DOME LID REPLACEMENT COVER FITS 9 COOKWARE 9 3 4 $5.99 Time Remaining: 3d 2h 36m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Gear Quilted Microfiber Car Seat Cover $26.99 Time Remaining: 5d 12h 21m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Motorcycle Cover Dowco lightweight StoreAway indoor Triumph Norton BSA $35.00 Time Remaining: 3d 6h 10m Buy It Now for only: $38.50 Buy It Now |
 Used Pool Salt Hayward Aquarite Goldline Guardian rite BOX LID COVER SCREWS $30.00 Time Remaining: 4d 1h 44m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Gear Polyester Classic Cargo Dog Cover 59 Inch Khaki New Covers Seat $36.69 Time Remaining: 24d 3h 1m Buy It Now for only: $36.69 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Gear Pawprint Single Car Seat Cover BROWN $18.99 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 20m |
 New Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Urban Camo Sport Bike Motorcycle Cover 50007 01 $84.99 Time Remaining: 8d 16h 58m Buy It Now for only: $84.99 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Gear Classic Car Seat Covers for Dogs KHAKI $28.99 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 16m |
 New Dowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus G100 Large Size Motorcycle Cover 50003 02 $84.99 Time Remaining: 23d 5h 33m Buy It Now for only: $84.99 Buy It Now |
 Harley Guardian custom chopper motorcycle cover with storage bag $100.00 Time Remaining: 2d 20h 54m |
 Guardian Angel Ceramic Coffee Travel MugPlastic Lid Cover NIB OoP 11789 $24.95 Time Remaining: 3d 7h 9m |
 Dowco Guardian E Z Zip ATV Cover Black 2XL $49.99 Time Remaining: 13d 16h 14m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Buy It Now |
 Dowco Guardian Motorcycle Cover Full G100 $70.00 Time Remaining: 5d 6h 10m Buy It Now for only: $85.00 Buy It Now |
 Dowco Guardian Motorcycle Cover Alarm $23.95 Time Remaining: 18d 15h 52m Buy It Now for only: $23.95 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Service 1 Qt Casserole WITH Lid and Slide Handle Covers $35.00 Time Remaining: 5d 20h 51m |
 Jacks Ward or The Boy Guardian Book 1875 hard cover $20.00 Time Remaining: 5d 4h 6m |
 Guardian Traveler Small Universal Motorcycle Half Cover Gray $39.99 Time Remaining: 18d 17h 50m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 PLASTIC CANVAS NATIVITY INSPIRATIONAL BIBLE COVER GUARDIAN ANGEL BLESS PATTERN $4.99 Time Remaining: 3d 2h 28m |
 NEW Guardian WeatherAll TOURING MOTORCYCLE COVER XXL $50.00 Time Remaining: 19h 16m Buy It Now for only: $50.00 Buy It Now |
 Dowco 50124 00 Guardian WeatherAll Plus Motorcycle Cover for Sport Bikes $40.00 Time Remaining: 6d 19h 53m |
 PALACE FILMS The Guardian MARTIN SHEEN LOUIS GOSSETT JR Video Movie Slick Cover $5.95 Time Remaining: 3d 4h 42m |
 Guardian Gear Polyester Fairfield Single Car Dog Seat Cover 42 Inch Black $28.52 Time Remaining: 19h 53m Buy It Now for only: $28.52 Buy It Now |
 DOWCO GUARDIAN WEATHERALL PLUS MOTORCYCLE COVER XXL TOURING BIKES 50005 02USED $75.00 Time Remaining: 6d 21h 29m |
 Dowco Guardian Scooter Lightweight Cover Lifetime Warranty Small $31.94 Time Remaining: 24d 41m Buy It Now for only: $31.94 Buy It Now |
 Guardian Service Ware 12 Cookware L F 81 Glass FRYER Cover Lid Top LF 81 $15.99 Time Remaining: 6d 23h 46m |
 Dowco 50004-02 Guardian WeatherAll Plus Black X-Large Motorcycle Cover List Price: Sale Price: $77.05 You save: $27.94 (27%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 2 days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDowco Guardian WeatherAll Plus X-large sized motorcycle cover is an industry leading full size cover. It is constructed of heavy-duty polyester with special Color-Lok fabric treatment to prevent fading, exclusive ClimaShield Plus fabric protection built in, heat sealed double taped seams and moisture guard vent system allows moisture escape...  |
 Dowco 50010-00 Guardian Gray Medium Scooter Cover List Price: Sale Price: $35.77 You save: $11.22 (24%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 2 days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDowco medium sized scooter cover is tough, lightweight and is made of urethane coated polyester with Guardian exclusive ClimaShield fabric protection. The Dowco scooter covers also feature aluminized panels for covering hot pipes, grommets for added security and a shock cord hem. |
 Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'hoole List Price: Sale Price: $17.49 You save: $11.49 (40%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionLegend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole, 300 director Zack Snyder's debut animated feature, is based on Kathryn Lasky's juvenile novel series Guardians of Ga'Hoole. Soren (voice by Jim Sturgess), a young owl, has grown up listening to his father's stories about the Guardians, a legendary band of heroes who fought to keep owldom free... |
 Guardians of the Galaxy #7, Valentino Variant cover (Guardians of the Galaxy, 7) Sale Price: $14.99 See Reviews For This Product DescriptionTHE STORY: A new story-arc! A new line-up! And Star-Lord...missing! The shocking revelations made at the end of their Secret Invasion adventure have ripped the team apart! Is there anyone left to continue the task of guarding the galaxy? Who are the new additions to the team? Is this issue going to be packed full of shocks and surprises? This is DnA and Pelletier... |
 KlearKase for Kindle 2 - Splash Proof, Transparent Protective Case (Fits 6" Display, 2nd Generation Kindle) List Price: Sale Price: $39.99 You save: $10.00 (20%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionKlearKaseTM is the only splash-proof Kindle case you'll want to use all the time. It shields your Kindle from accidents, and lets you enjoy e-books in places you wouldn't even bring a paperback. Transparent DesignKlearKase is designed so you will forget it is on your Kindle... |
 DOWCO GUARDIAN CUSTOM COVER 124`` #5123500 51235-00 List Price: Sale Price: $96.35 You save: $30.60 (24%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSpecially designed to fit your custom bike Constructed of breathable cotton with a napped interior to provide protection from scratches Sewn-in shock cord on bottom hem ensures a snug fit Reinforced grommets allow the use of a cable lock- cable lock not included Photo`s are for reference only... |
 Intermatic WP1000C Guardian Series Single Gang Weatherproof While-In-Use Cover Sale Price: $10.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description- In-Use Weatherproof Receptacle Cover - Protection for single gang applications - 8 Vertical configurations, one cover - Includes three patented Receptacle Inserts - Mounts vertically - Receptacles in wet locations - 15 & 20 Amps, 125 & 250 Volts |
 Night at the Opera List Price: Sale Price: $13.72 You save: $2.26 (14%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis monumental album was in the writing stages for over two years and the band spent the better part of 2001 in the studio recording it. Featuring some of the most majestic and ambitious metal compositions ever recorded... |
 Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole List Price: Sale Price: $35.99 You save: $4.00 (10%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionStunningly rendered scenes Synopsis The starry night sky holds more secrets, more danger — and more magic — than you could ever imagine. Over treetops, beyond the tallest skyscrapers and above mountains, an entire world teems with mystery and legend... |
