Using Guardian Dogs to Protect Farm Animals

From ducks and lambs to chickens and alpacas, Virginia farmers turn to livestock guardian dogs to protect their animals and their livelihood.
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Jeff Ishee and Amy Roscher take us into the heart of agriculture to explore the innovations, challenges, and unique solutions impacting today’s farmers, livestock producers, and consumers.
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[@franciscotraverzoperez1665]

Great video. The wolves and other predators are necessary in the ecosystem. Instead of eliminate them, the use of guard dogs allow their existence. There is a video of shepper dogs in Spain and the proprietary of 450 sheeps say: "the wolves are necessary because they reduce the population of certain herbivores that transmits brucellosis. This disease may infect the sheeps and the humans as well."

[@Rocadog]

Great to see happy working dogs!

[@giordanodimarco8198]

The name in Italian is: Pastore Maremmano Abruzzese. I live in Abruzzo (a region in central Italy). And I have two authentic ones.

[@jua7265]

Very informative. Thank You.

[@kkdoc7864]

That’s cool! Wonder which do better the Maremma or Great Pyrenees?

[@theinkbrain]

You lucky man. Take good care of them.

[@ChristopherMosley-dj3kt]

Is it true that this dog was actually two different breeds from two different towns

[@bigbob1699]

I love working dogs who are smarter then any boss I ever had .

[@NuisanceMan]

How much is that saying?

[@bigbob1699]

@@NuisanceMan Everything!

[@knottide64]

We have two amazing Great Pyrenees and we purchased them from the Great Pyrenees Rescue Association for $250.00 each. They are pure breed and are awesome at guarding our goats. There are too many of these dogs, who have been abandoned by their owners, sitting in the rescue centers waiting to be adopted to be paying a breeder $2500 on a pair.

[@JamieM470]

In the 1990's dalmations were purchased like crazy after each movie release, then the shelters were overwhelmed with them across the country. It's just people being impulsive and dumb. They see a type of dog like a Pyrenees and they fall in love with the way they look ("It's a gentle giant teddy bear! I must have one!"), so they get one, and they have no clue what that breed requires, how to properly train, or anything about them (even in the internet age, which is kind of mind-boggling). Then they wind up euthanizing or dumping them somewhere, or tossed in the backyard and ignored. I've seen so many people do this because they can't be bothered to do a tiny bit of research. It's sad, but those type people will never see a comment like this. Preaching to the choir lol--bunch of dog-lovers here :)

[@alvaroakatico9188]

Jamie Madison I love all dogs, especially the 10 to 20 lbs. I have seven, four of them strays, and one big dog (60 lbs). I just can’t take more in as much as I would like. I keep telling my friends that when I hit the lottery, I would have a colony of dogs, all types so wish me luck in hitting the lottery. 😄 It’s so sad seeing the homeless dogs fighting for their survival day in and out because some schmuck decides their dog is no longer needed, or got tool old. That’s not right!

[@jorgecarmona8246]

Where is this rescue please? and the Pyrenees are good with childrens?

[@mythicalmountancentralasia6183]

My Central Asian Ovtcharka have sold for upwards of $100,000.00. I will be using AI to beed a Uzbekistan imported female with the frozen semen of my former UKC Grand Champion, 194 Pound, 33.5 inches at the withers, 28 inch circumference neck, exceedingly agile male, who Killed 5 Coyote-Wolf Hyrbids, several buck deer, and a bobcat, canines 2X larger than a large male wolf. The puppies will be reserved several years in advance and any male approaching the quality of the sire will bring 6 figures, because he was that unique and superior a specimen and the demand for his lines so great. I rarely breed, but when I do, my intent is always to produce dogs of only the shiest quality, as good for better than what exists, to shift the genetic bell curve to the extreme of quality.

[@mindalteringtrip3062]

@@JamieM470 You're so right. That's exactly what happened to my friend. She's in her forties and got her teenage daughter a female Akita. Bear in mind they've had a Springer spaniel female already... Akira was extremely food aggressive, attacked the spaniel every single time. They got too afraid of walking her so they left two dogs living in the kitchen area for five years. I looked after that Akita for five years, she only showed aggression towards me once and that was it. She respected only me, not any of the family members which she also bit multiple times... I loved her but have a very bad case of allergy. But nonetheless I looked after her whenever my friend asked me to. I wish she didn't have long coat, otherwise I'd have saved her life. They put her to sleep unfortunately because no rescue wanted an aggressive dog which is shameful.

[@bondar770]

Love our maremmas. Best guardians and absolutely affectionate with the family and friends.

[@OdditiesOffcial]

Do you live on a farm or a different type of setting? Just curious, also what’s their temperament like? Thank you!

[@OdditiesOffcial]

@@bondar770 How about for a house in the burbs with a big yard? Thoughts on that setting for that breed? Thank you!

[@OkTxSheepLady]

@Atom Ant if a large yard is five to ten acres ok. But smaller is rather sad, kind of like keeping a ten year old child in a playpen.

[@pearldiver1006]

One of the best drive-in cartoons were the sheep dogs that clocked in and out. Ralph and Sam I think. Looked like this breed.

[@marthajulian7064]

OMG Not a lot of people know these cartoons when I refer to them. I know exactly what you're talking about. It's the original LooneyTunes from the 40's where they greet each other, clock in, perform their "duties" in public, dog barking at the wolf/coyote whatever it is, wolf/coyote chasing the sheep. At the end of the day they clock out and say something like "see you tomorrow". I use this as an analogy to illustrate what goes on behind the scenes of politics at every level. Sorry had to rant:)

[@d.kennedy7627]

Old English sheepdogs?

[@RandyCarpadus]

Except they had the wrong dog for Sam. Old English sheep dogs are herding dogs, not LGDs.

[@eyeball4779]

I have an anatolian pyrenees mix he isnt a guard dog for sheep or goats but he loves kids and will follow them around his yard and keep a close eye on them

[@claudiavonbuening3867]

We have skunks, ferrets,coyotes, bobcat,aerial predators and a mountain lion moving thru the area twice a year. I have 6 that can be used as duos or trios. Great Pyr/ Anatolian and Karachakans. Very effective

[@ChristopherMosley-dj3kt]

What is your male/female ratio?

[@molagballin_]

Norwegian farmers could learn a thing or two from American farmers. We have a grand total of ~40-50 wolves in all of Norway, and rather than just getting some guard dogs our farmers keep lobbying our government to exterminate the last few wolves we have left, because they flip their sh** every time a sheep gets picked off, but when 20+ sheep walk off a cliff and die (read an article about it a year or two ago) then that's just business as usual.

[@rldixon]

LGDs aren't always effective in existing wolf territories, at least in trials in the US. Wolves hunt in packs in their existing territories and are good at picking off LGDs one-by-one to get to the prey. If there is no existing wolf population, LGDs have a better chance at dissuading wolves from hunting in a new territory, but it's still a numbers game.

[@TheLupulalb]

👍👍👍 You are absolutely right, unfortunately there is no wolf in Austria 😢

[@katieliz]

There should be a happy medium. Our country protects things even after they are numerous and causing all sorts of problems. In my state they keep trying to tell everyone there are no cougars even though people have photographs. The deer are everywhere. And the bears are so numerous they are even all over town.

[@grepominer8820]

@@rldixon European wolves are smaller then North-American and will usually give any place with a large guardian dog a wide berth. Its not worth the risk for them as long as there are wild pigs and dear around.

[@tritchie6272]

@@rldixon I watched a video of a big Rancher up in Canada that depends heavily on a Large Pack of LGD to keep him in business. He said he has a heavy Predator load in his area do to being close to a Wildlife preserve. I guess just a couple of dogs or even 1 breed can take care of his needs. If memory serves he started off with a few GP's but they were getting beat up pretty bad. So he added some Anatolians to the pack.

[@hendriktrommel4999]

Very professional ❤🇩🇪👍 thank you

[@Poteluz]

This was great content, hopefully you'll do more.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

My first dairy goat was used as a guard animal for race horses put topasture in the middle of nowhere in nys. Every time a dog or cat or ANYTHING besides a horse or goat came onto my property she got up on the back legs and then went after it. I had a sheltie that thought she could herd that goat. I am glad I had the goat on a leash when she went after the dog. As it was she hooked the sheltie and threw her about 8 feet. She would have continued to go a after the dog if I wasn't there to hold her back. It took everything I had to hold her back from a second charge. P.s. it was a very large toggenburg/ Nubian mix.

[@Br0nto5aurus]

I have a 45 pound Nigerian Dwarf doe who will viciously attack any and every cat she sees. If cats were all we had to deal with here, I wouldn't need an LGD!

[@pmc2999]

Wonderful video, great information in an enlivening format.

[@mike02439]

There is a growing need for guard dogs to protect both farm animals and farmers against vegans

[@brendanmorin9935]

What is with you anti vegans trying to bring it up into literally every conversation🤣💀 like chill

[@4strokes]

mike young I thought it was funny. What’s up with vegans being so serious? BTW the ethical humane treatment of animals is not exclusive to vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

[@alanaadams7440]

😆 😆 lol

[@timonshahbaz8814]

Excellent documentary

[@wudangmtn]

Informative video, thank you.

[@scottriley1913]

This major information, thank you

[@renatajastrzebski3081]

Waterbury Australia!!! He means Warrnambool. The Maremmas protecting those penguins are famous, in a quiet way.

[@jelaifriendsfloreinchannel7888]

The dog knows how to guide the sheep's flock😊Great dogs!

[@bobsmith3291]

Guard

[@gringopapi6985]

This was very informative, thanks!

[@curtherman2708]

I liked this video, I love mine.Shes so protective that if she sees someone at neighbors she barks.I have 3 acres and she does well.Except jumps on the small goats.Only thing I wish I could change on her, when she's in heat,heat, wish she wouldn't get aggressive with my old pit.

[@bibliotek6450]

The island is Middle Island Warrnambool Victoria Aust. where the Maremma look after the penguins.

[@jenat82]

I was curious about this. Can you mix the different livestock guardian dogs into one pack. They would still work together? Cos all the breeds bring their own little special treat really.

[@samanthawhang7498]

Yes and it’s a good idea for some farms. Some breeds stay close to the herd while other breeds like to patrol the borders and wander off. Although some dogs will always stay behind with the herd while others are patrolling. Some breeds are more aggressive than others (like Turkish kangals). The most crucial thing is the number of dogs. If your dogs are getting into fights with predotors, you don’t have a enough dogs. You should have enough dogs for predators to not want to tangle with them (which was also stated in this video). 😊. Personally I think even 3 is kind of sparse. LGD do very will in large packs. They can have their own shifts, have lots of play buddies, if one isn’t feeling well then there are other dogs to cover, etc. I also agree that new dogs should be introduced as puppies.

[@eledhwenmare2403]

Mine work together. Anatolian Pyrenees Komondor and one that is ??? But works well with all.

[@OdditiesOffcial]

You can but one has to do it right and if you males then integrate females and viceversa.

[@131dyana]

Love the dogs and so do your animals. It keeps coyotes because the dogs bark.

[@joshmccloud6789]

This is great!

[@curlyhead_toniocurlyhead_t8429]

FUN FACT: the border collie sheep dog bite force is 238psi

[@boris2873]

Gaurd Llamas work great to

[@jamesmichael5475]

The Central Asian Ovtcharka and Kangal are the best LGD's with regard to protecting livestock against medium to larger predators and particularly avian predators. The CAO dogs are vigilant in their protection against hawks and eagles, and routinely look to the skies and chase any large bird flying overhead. Their being significantly larger in comparison to other LGD breeds makes them a more effective deterrent against wolf packs, because in nature, might makes for right, and predators are more wary of attacking a pack of dogs who are much larger in size than they are. They being said, one or two of the most athletic and strongest CAO dogs could not succeed against a pack of wolves, therefore LGD numbers must be sufficient to deter and if necessary physically confront the entire wolf pack.

[@GOATbro_Australia]

I am purchasing a pair of Maremma's this spring to guard Alpaca. My question is, do you need to separate out the dogs when an Alpaca gives birth? My concern is how the dog reacts to the new baby if left in the same paddock. Any input/advise on this? Thanks!

[@OkTxSheepLady]

My untrained Akbash pyrenees year old male cleaned up a newborn lamb, ate the afterbirth, and pushed the lamb to its mother. Instinct kicked in. I’d watch carefully on a new dog. But these breeds have been with birthing animals for centuries so I’d expect a good reaction. I have also heard shepherds report to their LGD’s eating still born lambs. Basically the dogs remove anything that would attract predators.

[@marvona3531]

Thanks for the information✳️🍀✳️🍀✳️🍀

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

SINCE THEY'RE OUTSIDE ALL THE TIME WHAT TICK & FLEA PRODUCT DO YOU USE ? GORGEOUS WORKING DOGS ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ! ENJOYED !

[@jamesbeck738]

David Stillman ....we are get ticks...never fleas....that is our experience

[@Br0nto5aurus]

My pet goats and ducks are too precious to me to wait to get an LGD. Even one loss is too much. Her name is Kayda and she arrives next month.

[@cynthiabeckenbaugh5189]

Our neighbors have coyotes, come in to their barns. We have no problem, our blue healer, keeps us safe. I swear he can hear everything. He has a different bark , when I hear the coyotes at night. God bless our "Buck ".

[@yingmoua9534]

Anyone knows where I can find a pair.

[@eliking3333]

More people should listen to this video. It has the perfect example of what a livestock guardian dog should be. If the dog is fighting wolves and other predators constantly, then it defeats the purpose of having them in the first place.

[@kkdoc7864]

So the maremma dog breed does not escape? I’ve heard that some LGD’s have to have a hot fence to keep them in.

[@hillockfarm8404]

Some LGD's guard close to the herd, and some patrol a large(r) area around the herd. So on a small property the second type may need fencing in.

[@OdditiesOffcial]

Not all of them escape...some tend to roam larger perimeters of the area they are guarding...but dogs like Anatolian Shepard’s do tend to take off for good.

[@lindamclean8809]

👏👏👏

[@suemcfarlane4199]

You don’t want to come out ing he morning to finda dead coyote but also you don’twant to come out to a injured alpaca

[@alliechampagne1404]

He says 'Marahhhmma," like "Llama." It's MarEMMA, like the name "Emma."

[@vivek-1318]

Awesome

[@OdditiesOffcial]

Does anyone know what the breed is the one in the thumbnail? Karacachan?

[@s_lena9286]

Many of these dogs are found in Bulgaria and the correct name is Bulgarian Shepherd Dog as a breed. Greetings.

[@jamesreese4170]

Looks like a Bernese Mountain Dog, which is an odd choice as they aren't typically LGD's. Great working dogs, big with a good strong bark, but not a breed known for being a LGD.

[@ab935]

Maremmas are wonderful urban pets if you don't mind having no lawn.

[@FITZIEBLUE]

a dog of that size , guardian breed or not, would never make a 'wonderful urban pet'...

[@ab935]

@@FITZIEBLUE the standard for a female maremma is 84lbs max. There are many labs and other dogs that are in this size range and up that are urban pets. Are you saying nobody who lives in the city should have one of these dogs either? Or are you unaware of what a maremma is? They are the smaller of the big white dogs, the only thing that would make them bad for the city and burbs is the nocturnal barking. But then urban pets should be kept in at night.

[@larryh7760]

@@FITZIEBLUE you can keep a LGD in urban areas but they need TONS of exercise and socializing. You also have to accept and understand their attitudes towards guarding. It can rather intense.

[@adelealsop9037]

@@ab935 Dogs can, and should taught not to bark. Period.

[@OdditiesOffcial]

Do you own Maremmas? And do you have them in a urban setting? If so, can you share more info on your experience with them.

[@sundogtune]

i live in va. how do these dogs take the summer heat and humidity hear in va.? my aussie was fine when younger but seemed little uncomfortable the older he got. ( so i shaved him down) is that what yall do in the summer??

[@mohammadzohirulislam8883]

you need dogs with shorter coat like akbash or anatolian shepherd for protecting livestock EDIT : I am saying this because of the hotter climate he mentioned.

[@mohammadzohirulislam8883]

@William Moody i said that because of the hotter climate he mentioned

[@cynthiabeckenbaugh5189]

I have my healer. De sheded in the spring. Removes under coat.

[@jamesbeck738]

sundogtune ...we are in Goode, VA...have 6 Maremma’s...no issues

[@charlottemajewski5992]

No!!!!! Never shabe a doible coated dog. You are removing his protection from the sun and his coat may not grow out properly.

[@billiecoon9772]

Do your life stock guarding dogs get groomed? I know on some videos that they look like they need a good grooming. I was just wondering.

[@jamesbeck738]

Billie Coon .......generally no....that is unless that start getting matted....and I’ll comb this out.....

[@bradsimpson8724]

My buddy went from Great Pyrenees to Anatolian Shepherds because of this. The wild field that borders his property is filled with burrs, and they played hell in the dog's coats. He also started making a point to spray the shepherds down with Pam cooking spray in the morning. The Anatolians tend to range out further than the Pyrenees ever did, and you see less of them throughout the day. They also seem to dig a bit more, and they seem to be more aloof and distant. But he likes them better and says the maintenance is much easier.

[@adelealsop9037]

Working dogs are well cared for; grooming is not the objective. Not once in this film did I think "oh, that dog isn't groomed". What I saw is healthy and well treated dogs

[@OkTxSheepLady]

I would like to “groom” my Akbash pyrenees but his tolerance level is rather low and unless there is a mat or sticker that is bothering him, he walks off when he’s finished whether I’m finished or not.

[@OkTxSheepLady]

@Brad Simpson are the Anatolians as cold hardy? My dogs moved from Texas to Oklahoma where winters are a bit colder and I’m concerned how the Anatolian will handle the added cold.

[@Cudicut]

that philly/baldimore accent rocks lolol

[@alanaadams7440]

I thought it was New Jersey

[@Cudicut]

@@alanaadams7440 i guess it's similar but you can hear the philly especially when he says words with "o" in them

[@chrisbrauss9248]

Where can I purchase this type of dog?

[@jamesmichael5475]

I would add that when obtaining a LGD to be a working dog, ensure that the specimen comes from true working lines. Currently many LGD's are being breed to be companions or unfortunately in certain instances fighting dogs, and in order to accomplish this transformation changes in temperament and drives have been made in certain lines, that may affect their working ability. A dog from a flighting line, will very frequently have difficulty working with other dogs rendering them poor working dogs. Furthermore, each farmer and rancher must assess the risk posed to their flock by regional predators, be familiar with the type, size, and density of predators in the region. LGD breeds while all possessing an advanced Territorial Defense Drive, perform the essential functions and critical demands that they are tasked with engaging in a slightly different manner, and certain breeds are more appropriately suited for particular species of predator. The maremma is a smaller LGD and accordingly is not best suited for regions where wolf and bear are a primary concern. Generally 1 dog per 100 sheep or goat is recommended, and predator density, wolf pack size also dictates the number of LGD's needed. The Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz, Tibetan Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Pyrenean Mountain Dog are good with smaller to medium sized predators. For a serious wolf or bear issue, I would recommend the Central Asian Ovtcharka, Kangal, Caucasian Ovtcharka. Know that the latter three breeds, as are the Tibetan Mastiff, Kuvasz, and Spanish Mastiff are rather suspicious of humans, as well as strange animals (including neighboring dogs). The COA, CO, and Kangal are frequently considerably (25%-30%) larger than a large Great Pyrenees or Tibetan Mastiff. Certain breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, have a tendency to roam and expand its territorial range to as far as the eye can see and paws can take it, whereas others such as the Central Asian Ovtcharka and Kangal generally roam much less and do not undermine fencing as the Pyrs do. Certain breeds tolerate extremes of temperature better than others, with certain breeds suffering in the summer months. All LGDs tolerate the cold well.

[@chrissyusa9765]

James Michael great comment! There are people who are anti breeder that have left comments. I’ve bred Goldens for nearly 20 years and have stopped trying to help them understand. It’s like trying to nail jello to a wall. It’s not going to stick. They do not understand how important it is to know the dogs bloodline and genetics. Especially when people are bringing them into their families to do a specific job. I’m all for rescue, but it’s not for everyone. I foster rescue dogs and pups when my dogs aren’t breeding or raising their own puppies. These people also do not understand that spaying and neutering every single dog will lead to the extinction of pure bred dogs. It’s best to leave all breeding to experienced, responsible and reputable breeders.

[@OdditiesOffcial]

You forgot Komondorok, Tornjaks, Bucovinas, Sarplaninacs, Aksaray Malakliksey to name a few.

[@tamaliaalisjahbana9354]

Would such dogs also protect the owner and his family against predators - including human ones?

[@OkTxSheepLady]

Mine bark at adult strangers. It’s rather intimidating to have three dogs barking, the smallest 88 lbs up to 130. Mine have never had a reason to attack. They become quiet and watch when I tell them everything is ok. They all love children and come to love on the children.

[@tamaliaalisjahbana9354]

@@OkTxSheepLady Thank you for explaining that to me.

[@charlottemajewski5992]

Yes

[@virginiaoflaherty2983]

If I were a dog this is the kind i would want to be. Not wearing a baby suit, being rolled in a stroller.

[@flea1683]

Seems cruel to me having a dog brain trapped inside an inferior dog body.

[@davidallen7404]

I have 2 Great Pyrenees with 1/4 German Sheppard mix puppies I'm raising to protect goats, pigs and chickens against bear, mountain lion, etc. very loyal but a mind of their own.

[@RandyCarpadus]

Bad mix. GSDs were heading dogs a one time and herding/LGD mix can produce a very conflicted animal. Odds are you are going to end up with dead stock.

[@ntinamorris]

If the puppy raised in the flock then will protect it from predators

[@therealzooch]

The Alpacas could probably protect the dogs. We've raised them and no kind of predator could come in the yard. The neighbor's German shepherd hid in the field from ours, afraid to move.

[@cjjohnson4278]

MAREmma Mare: like the horse

[@motherthemis344]

Is there a LSG breed that can handle the Florida heat?

[@stuartrinker]

MS Wolfe look at a Spanish mastiff. There’s a place in winnemucca nv that raise livestock guardians that handle the Nevada deserts.

[@motherthemis344]

@@stuartrinker Thank you!

[@christinearmington]

Consider a Catahoula

[@OdditiesOffcial]

There are many of them...Komondok, Tibetan Mastiffs, etc can thrive in any type of weather.

[@Ptomify]

Nice farm . I have goat problem. I use my dogs ti chase away feral goats.

[@aecarina]

väldigt bra

[@aky19832001]

🤣 commands and live stock guardians don't mix. Theyre very stubborn .

[@OkTxSheepLady]

Obedience school dropouts they aren’t. They never registered. But they are rocket scientist at thinking for themselves.

[@Janner-bs2bi]

Non-lethal predator control, that is why I have my LGDs. Lethal is needed, make no mistake. I own Spanish Mastiffs, my small indoor dog is an English Mastiff...... Would not be without them, we have cougar, bears, coyotes, and live well within a pack or 2 wolf ranges. My mini dairy and Kune Kunes live in safety. My neighbor had a llama to 'guard', didn't work out, over the years she has lost dozens and dozens of her sheep. I could never talk her into getting lgds. Too bad.

[@kimphilby7999]

We in Europe,can't understand why is so extreme for the Americans,to think about something,which for us,is a reality for thousands of years:cow or sheep guarding dogs,for example!What can do a bloody lama or alpaka or goose,to fight these wild beasts,you have in your wild country?I simply can't catch it...

[@Janner-bs2bi]

@@kimphilby7999 I agree, I own 3 Spanish Mastiff LDGs, never a loss. My neighbor (a section over) Had Llamas, alpacas, and a donkey 'guarding' her Jacob sheep. One night a couple years ago a female cougar brought her mostly grown babies in to 'play' all told, 1 llama, and 30 sheep were kill that night. I will never understand using prey animals to 'guard' prey animals. If it is a small holding, lock up the stock to protect it. Much more reliable.

[@OdditiesOffcial]

Your small indoor dog is an English Mastiff? You call that small? 😂

[@Janner-bs2bi]

@@OdditiesOffcial Compared to my SMs, she's 49+ pounds lighter (I just find it amusing ;) )

[@OkTxSheepLady]

@Janner99362 lol. Dog sizes are all relative.

[@user-ui1wl6vp5i]

Use turkish kangal albai or kfkaz moutin dogs

[@deanaminchau3553]

I had a kfkaz great dogs !

[@mythicalmountancentralasia6183]

Ranchers and shepherds in the USA are permitting different LGD breeds to interbred and also LGD's to interbred with other mongrelized dogs on their farm, a practice European shepherds frowned upon and attempted to avoid and for good reason. Different LGD breeds employ different strategies, possess different anatomy and kinesiology, slightly different variations in innate drives that allowed them to excel at their jobs employing the generations old patterned strategies to mitigate and interdict predators. When you breed dogs of different breeds, slightly different drives, different physical and temperament characteristics, different strategies you undermine the resulting offspring are an unknown, they may functional well, or they may diminish the effectiveness of a particular breed, sometimes even produce a schizophrenic dog with conflicting drives.

[@vickyhelgren6972]

My maremma looks after my birds .. ducks chickens geese . Only things is she will kill the baby's. Until she knows that they belong there

[@murbo13]

Karacatsan people are Greek, their dogs are Greek large breed sheepdogs. I have one.

[@mcougar1993]

Those dogs are only named after Karakachans and it's officially registered Bulgarian sheepdog breed

[@theinkbrain]

Why does he keep saying MarAma?

[@alanaadams7440]

He's from New Jersey

[@theinkbrain]

@@alanaadams7440 Oh Jeez! Thank you for so kindly explaining.

[@alidogan2199]

if you need to a shepherd dog , Definitly turkish kangal or anatolian shepherd is best choice

[@elhombredeoro955]

There are many good breeds.

[@RandyCarpadus]

No better or worse than any other LGD breed.

[@kkdoc7864]

Wish he’s pronounce Maremma properly.

[@donnieates]

Just what we need, PhD’s overseeing our homesteading.

[@OkTxSheepLady]

The gentleman in the video has done a lot of work both on and off his farm to preserve and promote rare breeds of livestock. We need everyone working together doing their desired individual parts.

[@pinschrunner]

These breeders who dont train are a disaster because many many of these dogs end up either destroyed or in rescues if they are lucky. Failing to train large guardian dogs at an early age is a big mistake. Look at all the Virginia hunting beagles who end up at Labcorp, big pharma, cosmetic companies and others as lab experiments. Some labs even further breed dogs, specifically for more useless experimentation for human vanity

[@rogerlowe4796]

I have a 5 year old Tornjac dog super smart protective FREE purebred dog Moving overseas Please contact Roger

[@bobsmith3291]

What accent is he speaking in there he sounds like an Irish German