I have a friend that is wanting to start up a small farm. She wants a dog that will deal with predators Mainly coyotes, foxes and stray dogs. I've told her that there are several dog breeds known for handling that. She does not want a greyhound or anything that remotely resembles one. I've tried to tell her that most working dogs aren't pretty, and many pretty dogs won't work. I suggested catahoulas and crosses, bulldogs, boxers( if she can find a working one),pits and crosses.
She suggested going to the pound. I told her it would be more efficient to find a working dog from a working breeder.
I need some input. What kind of dogs would you use to keep predators away?
I know you said she doesn't want a large dog, but in the interest of educating herself, she really ought to look up LGD or Livestock Gaurdian Dog ,
Great Pyr.
Anatolian Shep.
Maremma
Are the three most common, and for good reason. It's what they do. No training necessary, and the long hair is not an issue. These dogs are not pets, shouldn't be inside, and don't care about human interaction.... Just give them stock to take care of, and they are content to do just that.
My preference leans towards the Great Pyr, as I have had a few of them, going back to 1986 when I got my first one. About 6-7 years ago I had a pyr that would take care of the newborn goats while the mother was busy having twins. One particular night it was quite cold out, the goat had a baby, and the dog cleaned up the baby and layed down next to it to keep it warm while the goat had another baby. Once she was done kidding, the pyr got up and went back on patrol, leaving the goat alone with her two babies.
It's not just the long hair. It is also the size. It is no secret that large dogs tend to have lots of health issues. She also has concern about handling. She can't just have a dog that will tear into everybody that comes over, or thinks that it is the boss. I'm teaching her a bit about dog handling,dealing with different dog personalities. She is nowhere
ear ready for a rank driven mastiff type dog. at least with a smaller dog, she might be able to handle it. from everything I've read about catahoulas, they sound like the dog for her. Sound like a dog I'd like too.
