Several dog breeds have been specifically bred to guard and protect. Their natural guarding instincts and protective nature enable them to stand against wild dogs. Various livestock guardians or Mastiff breeds are well-suited for such roles.
These dogs are usually large, have powerful builds, and a territorial nature. According to a research study at ScienceDirect, the presence of guarding dogs reduces livestock predation by wolves by 25.2%. The same holds in the case of wild dogs.
Dogs are frequently used on farms to protect goats, sheep, and breeding cattle from wild dogs. They bark to alert their owners when they sense any danger. Some breeds can scare away predators with their mere presence.
Here are the top 7 dog breeds that stand against wild dogs.
Dog Breeds That Stand Against Wild Dogs In Rural Towns
1. Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian Shepherd dog, also known as the Caucasian Mountain Dog, is a giant pooch hailing from the Caucasus region. These not-so-playful dogs are loyal and calm pets. Their fearless nature and strong protective instincts enable them to protect against predators like wild dogs.
They are wary of strangers and other animals, so they can serve as wonderful guard dogs. While devoted to protecting livestock, they are known for having an independent and strong-willed personality, which can make them hard to handle for inexperienced owners.
These massive dogs can grow up to 28 inches and weigh around 110-220 pounds. They can easily scare away wild dogs with their large size. Their thick and dense coat provides good insulation in cold weather and allows them to protect livestock in harsh weather conditions.
2. Kuvasz
This fiercely protective livestock guardian was originally bred in Hungary. Kuvasz is a strong and muscular dog known for being immensely loyal towards their family. Historically, they were used to protect sheep from wolves and other predators, and they are still good at this job.
These exceptionally smart and confident dogs have an independent streak, which makes training a bit challenging. They can work alone as well as in packs, which makes them an excellent choice for farms and ranches in rural areas.
Their distinctive white coat allows them to blend in with the flock. They are naturally suspicious of strangers and make excellent guard dogs, explains Purina. Kuvasz are so strong that they can even pull a cart or carry a pack. They can also work in water as they like to swim.
3. Komondor
Komondor is an ancient breed that has been used to guard livestock for centuries. They can easily be identified by their long, corded coat. These large and imposing canines stand at least 27.5 inches tall and weigh more than 100 pounds.
They tend to be wary around unfamiliar people and possess natural guarding instincts. As puppies, Komondors are playful and need to be supervised as they tend to play with the sheep and chase them. These independent thinkers can make decisions without direction.
Do you know? Komondors are called the “chief of the herdsman dogs,” but they do not herd animals. In fact, they go with the flocks for protecting them. Their distinct coat can trick predators into thinking they are sheep, as reported by the American Kennel Club.
Their large size, territorial nature, and devotion enable them to stand against wild dogs on farms and ranches. Komondors form strong bonds with their owners. They are gentle dogs and patient around kids. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can ensure they become well-mannered family members.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff has been guarding livestock in the Himalayas for centuries. Their massive size, independent nature, and protective instincts allow them to guard against wild dogs, wolves, and other predators.
According to PDSA, these giant dogs need ample space to roam and play. This is the reason they are a good fit for farms, ranches, and rural areas. They need moderate daily exercise that needs to be in the form of an organized activity. Their thick coats allow them to withstand extreme cold.
Do you know? Tibetan Mastiffs are the “heavenly dogs” who can do a lot. Tibetans claim that Tibetan Mastiffs can guard 400 sheep, take down three evil wolves, and make leopards show their white features.
One of the Reddit threads also shows similar information.
This loyal and brave Mastiff breed has high energy levels and needs a lot of individualized attention. These working dogs are the true “gentle giants” who love spending time with their humans. Tibetan mastiffs are intelligent dogs who respond well to training.
5. Kangal
Kangal Shepherd Dogs, hailing from central Turkey, are the protection dogs known for their calm and loyal demeanor. Their incredible strength and speed make them one of the most powerful dogs to protect livestock from predators like wolves and wild dogs.
Due to their imposing size and intimidating presence, they can easily deter intruders from the farms. They form close bonds with their family. Kangals are intelligent dogs with an independent streak. These territorial dogs tend to bark a lot in response to perceived threats.
Kangal Shepherds need at least two hours of daily exercise to stay healthy and active. Wikipedia mentions that they can run at a speed of around 30mph, so they need a safe space where they can roam and exercise. They are not well-suited for novice owners due to their strong-willed and independent nature.
6. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Blue Heelers, are invaluable for livestock owners and handlers. These compact dogs are built for working hard and possess powerful herding instincts. They need a lot of room to run around and exercise.
They have a laser focus that comes from having a job. Australian Cattle Dogs are quite intelligent and easy to train, but they need to be owned with caution by farms with children or small animals like cats or chickens. This is because they can nip at the heels.
Australian Cattle Dogs possess high energy levels. They require a substantial amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Around two hours of daily exercise provides adequate physical and mental stimulation; otherwise, the dog can become destructive.
7. Border Collie
Border Collies are a common breed on farms and ranches in rural areas. These dogs are the smartest pets and have a high drive and love for working. They are gentle as family pets, but exponentially agile when it comes to moving livestock.
These quick learners are always eager to please their owners. Their agility, strength, and guarding nature allow them to stand guard against wild dogs and other animals. A well-socialized Border Collie behaves well around kids, but boisterous play can trigger their herding instincts.
They will start barking and nipping at their heels. Although they are not getting aggressive, this behavior can be a bit scary for kids. Border Collies are highly protective of their home turf and bark raucously to scare away intruders or predators.
Conclusion
Numerous dog breeds possess natural guarding abilities and strong protective instincts. Their high intelligence, territorial nature, and intimidating appearance allow them to guard livestock against wild dogs and other natural predators, such as wolves.
If you are looking for a large guard dog for your farm, one of these breeds might be the right fit for you. Pet parents should provide basic obedience training to their dogs and socialize them properly to turn them into well-mannered guardians.
