Protecting livestock is not the only concern when it comes to managing a farm. You also need to guard the equipment stored outside, as it is vulnerable to theft. Fortunately, several dog breeds are not only loyal companions but also make excellent guard dogs.
Various livestock guardian breeds own a special place on farms and ranches due to their multitasking ability. Besides moving and herding flocks, they also protect the farm and its equipment against intruders and burglars.
Such dogs possess amazing protective instincts and are known for their alertness and trustworthiness. These brave canines form strong bonds with their owners as well as the farm animals. Their physique and size also aid them in protection.
Here are the top 7 guard dog breeds that guard farm equipment outdoors.
Guard Dog Breeds That Guard Farm Equipment Outdoors
1. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a big, fluffy dog from the Pyrenees mountains that was originally bred to scare away sheep-stealing wolves and other predators on snowy terrains. This livestock guardian dog breed is known to be very protective of its human and animals.
Great Pyrenees dogs have a territorial nature, due to which they tend to guard everything on the farm, including the valuable equipment. Their thick and dense coat provides insulation against cold weather and enables them to work in harsh weather conditions.
Underneath the snow-white coat hides a calm dog having a Zen-like charm, explains the American Kennel Club. Great Pyrenees dogs stand around 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh over 100 pounds. Their size, fearlessness, and patience make them perfect for guarding your farm and everything on it.
2. Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherd dogs, also known as Kangals, are the devoted protectors of imposing size and presence. These large dogs were bred to guard livestock such as sheep and other animals on the farm. Anatolian Shepherds are loyal to their owners but a bit reserved towards strangers.
Anatolian Shepherds are smart and independent dogs who tend to guard everything and everyone, including children, smaller animals, and even family cats. With these powerful muscular avengers, the machinery and vehicles are safe on your farm!
They stand 27 and 29 inches tall and weigh up to 150 pounds. Proper training and early socialization are important, but receiving protection and guard dog training can trigger their aggressive behavior. Anatolian Shepherds have a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years.
3. Kuvasz
Kuvasz, affectionately known as Kuv, is a herding dog breed from Hungary. Kuvaszok make amazing livestock guardians and possess strong protective instincts. These large boned canines exhibit a gentle nature towards their family, but are reserved towards strangers, according to PetMD.
These territorial guardians can be aggressive towards other dogs, particularly around their owners. They make wonderful guard dogs who will safeguard every inch of your farm and all that equipment outside as well.
Do you know? Kuvasz also served as guard dogs for the nobility in the late 15th century. The Hungarian King, Matthias Corvinus, prized them so much that he only allowed a few people to have them. He trusted his Kuvasz more than his own guardsmen, as noted by WebMD.
These large white dogs also keep track of sheep, goats, cows, and other animals on your ranch. These fiercely loyal fellows weigh up to 115 pounds and can stand up to 30 inches high. Make sure your Kuvasz is properly trained so that it behaves well around new faces and places.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog with a lion-like mane and a gentle nature. Their thick and dense double coat enables them to work in cold climates. This livestock guardian breed is so massive that it can grow up to 150 pounds. Tibetan Mastiffs possess strong protective instincts.
They might look intimidating in appearance, but they are the mellow fellows who form strong bonds with their owners. However, these wildly intelligent dogs are aloof towards strangers. They will not only protect animals, but also take care of farm equipment outdoors.
Do you know? Chinese people are a great fan of Tibetan Mastiff and consider this dog a status symbol. Legends claim that Buddha and Genghis Khan owned this breed which makes Tibetan Mastiffs highly prized among China’s millionaire class, as given by The Week.
Their protective instincts heighten at night, and they become more vocal, too. They are well-suited for living with the dogs of the opposite sex or by themselves. Tibetan Mastiffs have moderate energy levels and possess an independent streak, which can make training a bit challenging.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is another livestock guardian breed that originated in Switzerland. Today, these dogs make wonderful family dogs and trusted protectors. Berners are smart, trainable, and devoted companions.
Berners are the even-tempered dogs with smiling faces. They are naturally alert and bark to inform their owners about potential threats. Their protective instincts are strong, especially when they see their favorite human in danger.
These territorial guardians will do great as watchdogs who protect everything and everyone on the farm. Berners are intelligent and easy-to-train dogs who respond well to training. They can grow up to 115 pounds and have a lifespan of around 9 years.
6. Akbash
The Akbash dog originated in Turkey centuries ago and resembles the Great Pyrenees dog in appearance. However, Akbash is relatively taller and has a medium or long coat. This ancient dog breed is known for its calm and independent nature and easy trainability.
According to Hill’s Pet, they are bred to be protective and suspicious of strangers. A fully grown Akbash male can weigh up to 120 pounds, whereas females measure around 90 pounds. They intimidate perceived threats by barking and posturing, which may turn into aggression if the threat persists.
In this way, they help to protect farm equipment, animals, and your ranch from burglars and intruders. Like the Great Pyrenees, the Akbash also has a white coat that allows them to blend with the flock and attack predators when needed. They do not need any guard dog training, as they can turn aggressive due to it.
7. Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Mastiffs are strong and sturdy dogs having immense protective instincts. This breed originated in Spain and is named for the Pyrenees Mountains. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a large dog that proves to be courageous, brave, and confident in threatening situations.
They do well with children and are perfect for protecting kids, animals, and farm equipment stored outdoors. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a rare dog that weighs a whopping 190 pounds and can reach a height of up to 31 inches.
Pyrenean Mastiffs are immensely intelligent and loyal dogs. They are well aware of their size and can easily differentiate between a friendly dog and a dog that is a threat. This Mastiff breed has a low prey drive, and it loves and protects all creatures, humans, and animals alike.
Conclusion
Farm owners often need a canine companion for protection purposes, but protecting livestock isn’t the only concern on a farm. You also need to protect the precious equipment outdoors, such as tractors, machinery, and other vehicles.
Some livestock guardian breeds, such as Kuvasz, Tibetan Mastiffs, and Akbash, also serve as astonishing and courageous guard dogs. Proper training and socialization are important to turn them into well-behaved pets and excellent guardians.
