Numerous dog breeds make great livestock guardians. They protect livestock, including horses, sheep, and cattle, against predators, but are extremely gentle with their humans and flocks. Livestock guardian dog breeds are known for their loyalty and protective nature.
Livestock guardian dogs are independent thinkers who do not rely on your command. They can evaluate the threat level of any situation on their own and take appropriate action. Many of them are gentle giants who scare away predators with their mere presence.
They are highly sensitive to livestock behavior and usually have a low prey drive, so they don’t harm farm animals. Most dog breeds that protect horses and other livestock thrive on farms and in large spaces where they get enough room to exercise and play.
Here are the top 9 dog breeds that guard horses from predators.
Dog Breeds That Guard Horses From Predators
1. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees were originally bred for protecting sheep from wolves in the Pyrenean mountains between Spain and France. These affectionate and cuddly canines are equally good for protecting other livestock, including horses.
Great Pyrenees are notoriously protective of their family and flock. Their imposing presence and powerful frame make them the best deterrents against potential threats. The double dewclaws on their back legs enable them to navigate tough terrains while guarding horses.
Pyr’s thick weatherproof coat not only provides thermal insulation in cold weather, but also allows them to camouflage in snow so that they can surprise predators. Pyrs are courageous and independent, yet gentle and loyal to their owners. They make great family dogs.
2. Anatolian Shepherd
Hailing from Turkey, Anatolian Shepherds are devoted protectors with intimidating size and strength. They have a long history of guarding horses, sheep, and other livestock from potential threats. These protective dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners and aggressive towards predators.
While protecting livestock, Anatolian Shepherds had to make decisions on their own, and this independent personality has persisted over the years, explains PetMD. Anatolian Shepherds have a natural desire to protect. So, they bark when they perceive a threat to their home and territory.
Anatolian Shepherds make for outstanding guard dogs and wonderful family pets. As pets, these pooches are devoted, protective, and adaptable. However, their intelligence and independence come off as stubbornness and need strong leadership.
3. Kuvasz
Kuvasz is a large livestock guardian dog breed known for its impressive size and strength. They were originally bred to guard horses, sheep, and cattle from predators. They are incredibly loyal to their family.
These beautiful white dogs easily blend in with the flock so that predators may be surprised. Kuvasz are highly skilled, and their natural suspicion towards strangers makes them an excellent deterrent to threats.
They serve as effective guard dogs and have been used to guard nobility in the past. According to the AKC, Corvinus, a Hungarian King, trusted his Kuvasz more than his personal guards. Kuvasz make great family dogs, but are recommended as only pets in the house due to their fiercely protective nature.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs have been guarding livestock in the Himalayas for centuries. These massive canines have a lion-like mane and look like giant balls of fur. Watch this video to get an idea of how big a Tibetan Mastiff is:
Their highly independent nature and strong protective instincts make them stand firm against predators when it comes to defending livestock such as horses and sheep. Due to their large size, they are not afraid to fight large predators like coyotes and bears.
Their thick double coat is weatherproof and provides insulation, enabling them to perform their guarding duty effectively in harsh weather.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain dogs were initially bred in Switzerland as herding dogs and are now popular as livestock dogs. According to Britannica, Berners served as multi-purpose dogs on farms. They used to pull carts to protect the territory.
Berners are smart, intelligent, and devoted to their families. They use their strength and intelligence to fend off predators. Berners are playful and friendly, but make an intimidating watchdog due to their deep bark and large size.
These protection dogs are easy to train and have an easygoing temperament. Berners are smart and can be trained easily. These pooches are family dogs at heart and make loving companions, once they are done with their work.
6. Akbash
Akbash is a large working dog that was first used as a livestock guardian dog breed in the plains and mountains of Turkey. Their main task was to protect property and livestock, including horses, sheep, and cattle, from wild animals and predators.
While Akbash are gentle and affectionate towards their family, they are suspicious and vicious towards strangers. They can even become aggressive towards people and animals they do not recognize. Early training and socialization make them perfect for family life.
Akbash forms strong bonds with their family. They are brave, courageous, and self-thinkers. They do not solely rely on their owners’ commands, but are capable of making independent decisions when it comes to protecting farm animals.
7. Pyrenean Mastiff
Hailing from Spain, Pyrenean Mastiffs are protective and large dogs. They exhibit a courageous yet calm demeanor. They do not need any training as an LGD, as this ability is ingrained in their DNA.
Pyrenean Mastiffs are gentle and kind with children and do not get aggressive unless they sense a potential threat. They are naturally protective of their families and make exceptional watchdogs. However, they will drool quite a bit.
Pyrenean Mastiffs form strong bonds with their people and flocks. They are a good choice for experienced pet parents or individuals who are interested in learning about the breed and providing them proper care.
8. Maremma Sheepdog
Maremma Sheepdogs are big, fluffy pooches with a white coat and strong protective instincts. Though lesser known, Maremma Sheepdogs are gaining popularity as livestock guardians
They are immensely loyal to their flock and people. Maremma Sheepdogs are devoted pets who get easily attached to their owners. Their loyalty, intelligence, and guarding instincts make them excellent guard dogs for your livestock.
These beautiful Italian dogs are quite good-natured and take their role as LGD seriously, and will always be alert for danger. Maremma Sheepdogs need constant human interaction as they can become aloof and independent when left alone for too long.
9. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Heelers, are a staple for livestock owners. Their muscular build, strength, and endurance make them well-suited for a hard day’s work. They possess strong herding instincts and are known to nip at the heels of livestock.
Australian Cattle Dogs are smart and loyal to their families. They are very protective of their people, livestock, and territory. Their stamina and agility make them suitable for assisting farmers in their tasks. They are often known as the owner’s heelers and helpers.
They are blessed with traits like courage, fearlessness, and extraordinary intelligence. Australian Cattle Dogs are strong-willed and selective in making friends. They need proper physical and mental stimulation. Otherwise, they can exhibit destructive behaviors and anxiety.
Conclusion
While some dogs are bred as companions, others are born as protectors. Livestock guardian breeds possess traits like loyalty, fearlessness, courage, and strength, which enable them to stand guard against predators.
They protect livestock such as horses, sheep, and cattle from all sorts of potential threats, including wild animals. These aggressive livestock dogs are gentle and loving as pets. Make sure to provide proper exercise to your pup to have a happy livestock guardian.
