Six Reasons Why Working Line Livestock Guardian Dogs Trump Show Line Dogs Every Day of the Week

Choosing a livestock guardian dog for sale from proven, working lines can really improve the odds of your protection dog actually getting the job done! The best livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are those dogs whose bloodlines trace back not decades, but centuries. The result of centuries of careful selection, the job of these dogs has been to assist humans in protecting sheep, goats, cattle, and other livestock from animal predators. Established working lines are dogs descended from generations of dogs whom have consistently displayed effectiveness in guarding livestock across. This means they don’t kill the animals they protect. And when coyote, mountain lions, bears or other predators show up, these dogs keep their animals safe and alive. Here are six reasons why it is a smart choice to invest in an LGD from established working lines. Ingrained Protective Instincts A significant factor in purchasing an LGD with proven working lineage is the existence of well-developed guarding instincts. Dogs in these bloodlines have been selectively bred over many generations to display innate protective instincts, guaranteeing they have the essential qualities to effectively protect livestock (Green & Woodruff, 1990). This natural behavior involves staying near the group, being alert for dangers, and facing off against predators if needed. LGDs from unverified backgrounds may not possess these crucial protective instincts, necessitating additional training time and effort for effective learning. Coppinger and Coppinger (2001) suggest that dogs from unproven lines may exhibit unreliable guarding behaviors, which can make them less effective in protecting livestock. Established working bloodlines consistently produce dogs that possess the necessary temperament and instincts to carry out their tasks effectively without needing extensive training. Additionally, dogs bred for work are less likely to stray from their assigned areas, increasing their effectiveness as guardians of livestock (Lorenz & Coppinger, 1986).

Great adaptability to animals and surroundings

Great adaptability to a range of livestock and environments is a hallmark of LGDs from established working lines. Being adaptable is crucial for effective livestock guardians, who frequently operate in various environments including open fields and rough terrains. Tested genetic lines have been specifically selected to thrive in varying environments and with different types of animals, giving them the ability to overcome the obstacles of each specific setting (Smith et al., 2000). For example, certain LGD breeds like the Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherd have shown remarkable ability to adapt to various types of livestock, such as sheep, goats, and even poultry (Gehring et al., 2010). Dogs from unproven lines may not always have the adaptability needed to easily adjust to new environments or various types of livestock, which could affect their ability to effectively guard. Having the ability to adapt is important when dealing with predators of different types and sizes, as it is likely that working lines with proven experience and instinct are better equipped to handle various threats (Marker et al., 2005).  While the scope of this article is insufficient to answer the question of which LGD breed, click here for more information on why to consider a breed that bonds with the animals it protects rather than a breed inclined to mark out and guard the property or perimeter of “it’s land.”

Established lineages show consistent character traits

The temperament of an LGD plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Dogs bred from established working lines display a dependable and consistent temperament, making them better equipped for the challenging role of protecting livestock (van Bommel & Johnson, 2012). These dogs are usually peaceful, self-assured, and assertive without being excessively hostile, allowing them to handle predators without endangering the livestock they guard. On the other hand, dogs from unverified lineage may exhibit varied behaviors such as extreme aggressiveness or lack of confidence, which can hinder their effectiveness as guardians of livestock. The investigation by Green and Woodruff (1990) suggests that temperament plays a crucial role in an LGD’s success, and choosing a dog from established working lines guarantees the presence of this important trait. Andelt (1992) conducted research that highlighted how Livestock Guardian Dogs from reputable bloodlines and with dependable temperaments were more prone to forming a solid connection with livestock, thereby increasing their effectiveness in ensuring protection.

Decreased time and effort required for training

A major benefit of buying an LGD from established working lines is the decreased amount of time and effort needed to train the dog for its job. LGDs bred from these lines possess a natural grasp of their responsibilities, typically requiring little instruction to adjust to their surroundings and livestock (Coppinger & Coppinger, 2001). Having fewer training needs helps save time and resources, which streamlines the process of incorporating the dog into a livestock business. On the other hand, dogs that come from unverified origins might need a lot of training in order to learn the essential skills and behaviors for successful guarding duties. Training may take a lot of time and might not always lead to the desired results, especially if the dog does not have the innate instincts and temperament of established working lines (Smith et al., 2000). Livestock owners can have assurance in the quick adaptation and reliable protection of their LGD by selecting a dog from a proven working line, requiring minimal intervention.

Superior Health and Longevity

Dogs bred from established working lines usually enjoy better health and live longer than those from unproven lines. In working lines, selective breeding focuses on guarding traits as well as the dogs’ general health and vitality. This leads to a decreased occurrence of genetic health problems that could affect the efficiency of an LGD in carrying out its tasks effectively (Gehring et al., 2010). LGDs that are in good health are better equipped to carry out their duties as protectors, as they are able to stay energized, vigilant, and quick to react to possible dangers. Moreover, an extended lifespan allows the dog to offer continual protection for numerous years, minimizing the necessity for frequent replacements (van Bommel & Johnson, 2012). On the other hand, livestock guardian dogs from untested bloodlines may experience genetic health issues that affect their livestock protection skills or shorten their working lifespan, thereby causing higher expenses for the livestock owner.

Dependable Protection Dogs

The main objective for all breeders of LGDs is to produce litters of livestock protection dogs for sale that will grow up to be reliable and consistent protection for livestock. Dogs bred from established working bloodlines have a documented history of achievement in this task, having been evaluated and verified through many generations (Green & Woodruff, 1990). This reliability guarantees that the dog will carry out its tasks efficiently, giving peace of mind to farmers who depend on them for safeguarding. LGDs from unestablished lines might show varied performance because they do not have a proven lineage of selective breeding for developing crucial guarding characteristics. Therefore, these dogs might not react appropriately to dangers or may lack the strength and stamina needed for extended guarding duties (Coppinger & Coppinger, 2001). Selecting an LGD from a reliable working lineage can give livestock owners assurance in the dog’s capability to safeguard their animals, even in difficult circumstances. Final thoughts Purchasing a livestock guardian dog with a successful history of working can provide various advantages, such as well-developed guarding instincts and dependable performance and health. These dogs have the qualities needed to protect livestock efficiently, offering livestock owners a reliable and enduring answer to predator dangers. Purchasing a dog from unproven lines may have a lower initial cost, but opting for a livestock guardian dog for sale from proven working lines offers greater long-term benefits, guaranteeing a successful collaboration between the dog and its livestock.

Bibliography

• Andelt, W. F. (1992). Effectiveness of Livestock Guarding Dogs for Reducing Predation on Domestic Sheep. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 20(1), 55-62.
• Coppinger, R., & Coppinger, L. (2001). Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior & Evolution. Scribner.
• Gehring, T. M., VerCauteren, K. C., & Landry, J.-M. (2010). Livestock Protection Dogs in the 21st Century: Is an Ancient Tool Relevant to Modern Conservation Challenges? Bioscience, 60(4), 299–308.
• Green, J. S., & Woodruff, R. A. (1990). Livestock Guarding Dogs: Protecting Sheep from Predators. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RM-213.
• Lorenz, J. R., & Coppinger, L. (1986). Raising and Training a Livestock-guarding Dog. National Research Council Report.
• Marker, L. L., Dickman, A. J., & Macdonald, D. W. (2005). Perceived Effectiveness of Livestock-Guarding Dogs Placed on Namibian Farms. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 58(4), 329-336.
• Smith, M. E., Linnell, J. D., Odden, J., & Swenson, J. E. (2000). Review of Methods to Reduce Livestock Depredation: II. Aversive Conditioning, Diversionary Feeding, and Guarding Dogs. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A – Animal Science, 50(4), 304-315.
• van Bommel, L., & Johnson, C. N. (2012). Good Dog! Using livestock guardian dogs to protect livestock from predators in Australia’s extensive grazing systems. Wildlife Research, 39(3), 220-229.