Imagine you’re living somewhere in the West. Everything’s going great. You’re at your ranch and sipping coffee when a mountain lion’s presence startles you. No, sorry, this isn’t some extra scene from a movie that got deleted.
This is the tough reality of farmers living in regions prone to mountain lions. Now that you’ve spotted the clever hunter, how will you react? Well, if you had one of the top fighters in your corner, you’d never be worried.
Livestock guardian dogs are good examples of barking heroes that will not only protect livestock but also give you peace of mind. Even full-grown mountain lions don’t stand a chance against the world’s finest protection dogs.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 great choices that chase away predators and are great family dogs.
Dog Breeds That Hunt Mountain Lions for Ranch Security
1. Anatolian Shepherd
Important Features
The Anatolian Shepherd is typically 80-120 pounds (females) or 110-150 pounds (males) and stands at 27 inches (female) or 29 inches (male). It can live up to 11-13 years with proper care. It is highly prone to eyelid issues, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism.
These dogs have a short to medium double coat. It comes in various colors, but the most common is light brown and black. It is independent and reserved, but deeply loyal to its dog owners. They also have strong protective instincts and safeguard their territory from threats.
Interesting Facts
Livestock Guardian: This dog was originally bred to protect livestock in Turkey. They are part of the most famous working dogs category.
Paw Patrol: They are easily able to patrol large areas. They have sharp instincts and alert their owners to being attacked quickly.
Cheetah Defense: They have also been used in Africa to protect cattle from cheetahs.
2. Kangal
Important Features
Males weigh up to 110-145 pounds while females weigh up to 90-120 pounds. The average male Kangal is 30-32 inches and females are 28-30 inches tall.
They possess a short, dense, double coat. This protects them from temperature extremes. The color is usually greyish-black or tan. It is a powerful, tough, and strong dog that boasts both speed and agility.
Interesting Facts
The Kangal is a faithful dog of gentle nature. They are protective without being overly aggressive. They also have keen intelligence and assess which threats are easy prey and which require a helluva fight.
The Kangal is also known as the “wolf-fighting dog”. These hold the title for the strongest bite force among pet dogs.
3. Great Pyrenees
Important Features
The Great Pyrenees can live up to 10-12 years. This dog can weigh up to more than 85 pounds (females) and 100 pounds (males). They stand at 25-29 (females) and 27-32 (males) inches tall.
They possess a thick, long double coat. It is mostly white but can sometimes be gray or tan, or reddish. The Great Pyrenees is very patient and affectionate with family. They are also very strong and fast, and face all threats head-on. They are also very nurturing towards the animals in the herd.
Interesting Facts
As PetMD states, it was originally from the Pyrenees Mountains, located between France and Spain. Their fluffy white coat helped them to remain undercover while also protecting sheep from mountain lions. In France, they were considered royal guard dogs.
4. Plott Hound
Important Features
These dogs are 40-55 pounds (females) and 50-60 pounds (males). They stand at 20-23 inches (females) or 20-25 inches (males). It is a highly energetic and bold dog. It is a hunter rather than a guardian of livestock. They have a strong prey drive and require a ton of mental and physical stimulation.
They have a smooth, glossy coat. These typically have striped patterns or are ivory and black. They are generally healthy but are prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections. They can live up to 12-14 years of age.
Interesting Facts
These rare hound breed dogs were originally bred in North Carolina. Now, they are the official dogs for this state! This is one of the rarest dog breeds in America! If you can find one, get it.
Despite their hunting instincts, these dogs are very eager to please and social with other dogs and animals. If you want to keep it a family dog, make sure your kids are grown up.
5. Treeing Walker Coonhound
Important Features
Just like other short-haired dogs, the Treeing Walker Coonhound has a smooth and short coat. It is a typically tricolored coat: white, tan, and black. According to the AKC, these dogs can live up to 12-13 years. They weigh about 50-70 pounds and can reach up to 20-25 inches (females) or 22-27 inches (males).
A very social dog, the Treeing Walker Coonhound gets along with canines, other animals, and humans. They are good with children and are extremely vocal.
Interesting Facts
These dogs are very adaptable and highly trainable. They require exercise and mental stimulation to keep themselves busy.
In Coonhound communities, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is the fan favorite, often referred to as “the people’s choice,” as cited by National Purebred Dog Day. Also, it is not a traditional guard dog. Rather, it is amazing at tracking and treeing predators.
6. Bluetick Coonhound
Important Features
The Bluetick Coonhound is a very hard-working and affectionate dog. It is also incredibly loyal and vocal, prone to barking. From its name, it is obvious that it has a black and blue tick pattern with tan marks. The coat is dense and short with a glossy texture.
They can live up to 11-12 years. They are large dogs. They typically weigh 45-65 (females) or 55-80 pounds (males). They are about 21-25 inches (females) and 22-27 inches in length.
Interesting Facts
The Bluetick Coonhound has a very strong prey drive. It is a smart hunting dog with an exceptional nose, capable of tracking down various prey from raccoons to cougars.
Moreover, it is a natural-born hunter. It is excellent at tracking, trailing, and treeing mountain lions and other game. They make mountain lions and other troublesome land predators afraid by their loud howling.
7. Dogo Argentino
Important Features
Saving the best for last, the Dogo Argentino is another large dog that is incredibly athletic and brave. According to the AKC, they are pack-hunting dogs that are very affectionate with their families.
They have a short, white coat. Their life expectancy is 10-12 years. Common health issues include deafness (which is common in white dog breeds) and hip dysplasia.
They need a strong, experienced handler. If they are not given consistent and proper training, they can be very aggressive, and it would make sense not to have them around humans, especially children.
Interesting Facts
It was originally bred for hunting wild boars and pumas. They are also used for guarding rural areas. These dogs were developed in Argentina by crossing several breeds like the Great Dane and the Cordoba Fighting Dog.
Conclusion
In the western part of the US and Canada, guard dogs aren’t just used for keeping goats and cattle safe. They are born survivors. With their prodigious strength and full speed, they can chase away or attack anything that rages on, despite the barbed-wire fence.
These dogs act as problem solvers to wolves, pumas, cougars, etc. All it takes is one dog and a loud bark, and those troublemakers are running away from your backyard. In a world where ranching and wildlife clash, there is a solution, and all it takes is building a beloved dog home.
