Unfortunately, sheep (both young and adult) and newborn or sick calves face danger from several animals.  A cow can be taken down by a pack of larger predators also - though the size of grown cattle will intimidate and scare off most predators. 

Most often predators that can cause damage to your livestock might be stray dogs, your neighbor's dogs or even your own pet/companion or herding dog; however, Coyotes, Wolves, Cougars, Hawks, Eagles, & even some Owls may also become a danger to your livestock.  The population of some of these creatures, especially Coyotes, is on the rise. 

Check with your local veterinarian, extension agent and other sheep/cattle breeders in your local area to see what predators your livestock might face! 

Especially if you live close to other folks, talk with your neighbors and let them know that you have livestock and ask for their help in keeping their dogs out of the livestock pens/paddocks/pastures.  Not only for your livestock's safety but also for their pets' safety as some cows in defending their calves will take on a dog or two and their pet could be injured or worse.  Work with your neighbors to watch for the other predators, such as stray dogs and Coyotes, that could hurt their pets as well.  Neighbors helping neighbors is a good way to help defend against predators or at least find out if you may have a predator problem brewing.  Sometimes you may find that neighbors really enjoy watching your sheep, cattle, or other livestock and are quite willing to help with watching out for them and their own pets.

Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are one solution to the predator problem and may not be YOUR best solution.  Study, Learn, and ask Questions before you decide on LGDs and the breed of LGD you want.  Also, keep in mind that dogs are individuals, and while they might be an LGD Breed, the individual dog/puppy may not work out for your situation.

Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are dogs which were RAISED and LIVE with livestock.  That is one of the most important thing to remember in choosing LGDs - they are NOT pets/companion dogs or even herding dogs - they are WORKING GUARDIAN DOGS!  IF you are considering LGDs, ASK the owners/breeders questions such as: Are the parents "working" or "show" dogs?  Have the puppies been with the livestock?  What livestock have the puppies/adult dogs been around (have they been around the livestock that they will encounter at your place)?  Have they been around pet/companion or even herding dogs?  Have they been around pet/barn cats?  Have they been around children?  How did the puppies/adult dogs do around young livestock? Are references available?  If references are available, call or maybe even visit if possible the farms/ranches.  Definitely, if at all possible, plan to visit and see the parents or the puppies/dogs themselves in with the livestock!  Also keep in mind that LGDs under the age of 1 year should not be left on their own with young livestock because of "puppy play" and with their large size, LGDs could accidentally hurt (or worse) a small young creature!

Also, continue to watch the dogs' interactions with the livestock they are guarding as the dogs mature in to full protectors in order to correct any problems.

Pedigrees are nice but with LGDs, actions and experience speak louder!

Again, ask questions and seek information from a variety of sources to help with your predator problem!

Sheep Security

Sheba

Anatolian Shepherd

DOB 01-19-06

from

Cheyenne Farm

Buffalo, TX

Bart

Anatolian Shepherd

DOB Sept 2006

from

Cheyenne Farm

Buffalo, TX

Dolly
NOW IN KEWANEE, IL
Thank You
Monroe Family

3/4 Great Pyrenees, 1/8 Wolfhound, 1/8 Komondor

DOB 11-23-06

Patches

Anatolian Shepherd

DOB 03-03-07

from

Cheyenne Farm

Buffalo, TX

Beau

Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees

DOB Feb 2006

from

Cheyenne Farm

Buffalo, TX

Gus

Livestock Guardian In Training!

at 6 weeks old

at 5 months old

DOB 02-03-08

Special Links

Click here to return to the Rafter SB Sheep Home Page

Email Cheyenne Farm

or visit

CHEYENNE FARM in Buffalo, TX

check out Cheyenne Farms' Predator Page to learn more about the predators that Sheep face

Email Wildfire Farm

or visit

WILDFIRE FARM in Wellston, OK

POETRY TRIBUTE to LGDs

Click here to visit Poyner Goat Company and read a breath taking tribute to Livestock Guardian Dogs.  Also view pictures of rare and unique breeds of LGDs. 

Click here for a website from the Livestock Guardian Dog Association which may contain some good information and links for you

REMEMBER: LGD's are big and are puppies for a long time so you will need to keep an eye on interactions between the LGD's which are 1 year old and younger!  Some "young at heart" dogs may require longer monitoring.  But in the long run, a well trained LGD is worth the effort!

LGD's are night owls and may sleep during the day quite a bit!

What is big, fawn colored, and hangs out with baaaaaa  creatures?

A Livestock Guardian Dog named Bart!

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  PLEASE NOTE:  Website was designed and is maintained by ^SB.   All pictures, design elements, information, etc., on this website are property of ^SB and copyrighted  2005.  Pictures given to Rafter SB for pedigree or other informational purposes are copyrighted by their owners. All rights are reserved.  Any pictures emailed or mailed to you in the course of sheep/cattle sales are also property of ^SB and are copyrighted  2005.  Please do not use any of our pictures, design elements, information, unless you have written permission.  For more information or for comments on the website, please email ^SB at raftersb@yahooo.com