Top 3 Livestock Guardian Dogs For Your Ranch

Those with large acreage and a herd of animals may benefit from the addition of a livestock guardian dog (LGD). These dogs stay with their assigned animals 24/7! They ward off predators by roaming the fence line and sleeping in the pens at night. They usually get along great with horses! Those with chickens, goats, sheep, and miniature horses can rest comfortably with an LGD on site.

Top 3 Livestock Guardian Dogs

1. Great Pyrenees

Perhaps one of the most common and well-appreciated LGD, the Great Pyrenees is a wonderful addition to your farm. They usually weigh between 90 and 130 pounds. Their lifespan is roughly 10 to 11 years. This breed is know for their thick, double coat in white. Some may have gray, red, or tan around their face.

Great Pyrenees are gentle and protective with young stock. They do have a tendency of wandering though.

2. Maremma Sheepdog

Livestock Dog — Source: iStock.com/marcociannarel

This next beauty comes in pure white. Anywhere from 60 to 100 pounds, the Maremma Sheepdog is very similar in looks to the Great Pyrenees. Their lifespan is 11 to 13 years long. This breed is known as a working dog and does best on large farms or ranches. They need lots of space to roam.

Protective and loyal, Maremma Sheepdogs are gentle enough for small livestock, but tough enough to take down predators. They should be socialized early-on to farm life.

3. Anatolian Shepherd

Loyal and independent, the Anatolian Shepherd also makes a great guardian dog. They’re larger at 110 to 150 pounds. And their lifespan is roughly 11 to 13 years. This livestock dog comes in a few different colors like biscuit, blue fawn, brindle, liver, and white. Furthermore, they can have various markings.

With a keen sense of sight and hearing, the Anatolian Shepherd is quick on their feet. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, as well. This breed is able to protect the herd with little instruction. It’s second nature to them!

Do you have a livestock guardian dog? Make sure to share what breed they are!

Check out ‘Four Fantastic Breeds Of Cow Dogs‘ for more cool farm dogs.