Australian Shepherds as LGD's?

[MrsCedarstone]

I have never owned a LGD before and now that I will be keeping livestock again, I would like to invest in a guardian who will be good for guarding the animals and the home. They will be outside dogs and need to be kid friendly. From what I have gathered from research Australian Shepherds seems to fit the need but I was wondering if anyone who owns one could weigh in on this. I definitely want to be sure before committing to this.


Location in Northern Indiana.
Livestock-goats, cattle, chickens.

 

[Southern by choice]

Australian Shepherds are herding dogs not livestock guardian dogs.
Their use and purpose is different than that of a LGD.

I would recommend looking at an Anatolian Shepherd Dog or Great Pyrenees. They are relatively easy for first time LGD owners.
There are many threads on this subject... bottom line Herding dogs are not livestock guardians.

 

[MrsCedarstone]

Thanks for the input

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Agreed. They have a prey drive that is much higher than an LGD breed. Nice, smart dogs that can be valuable on a farm but not the same temperament of an LGD. Look into breeds like Anatolian and Great Pyrenees.

 

[MrsCedarstone]

Agreed. They have a prey drive that is much higher than an LGD breed. Nice, smart dogs that can be valuable on a farm but not the same temperament of an LGD. Look into breeds like Anatolian and Great Pyrenees.

Wanatah is about an hour West of me. Do you know anyone who sells Pyrenees?

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Actually, I know someone of two people with litters right now who are west of me. BRB with some contacts for you.

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Actually, I know someone of two people with litters right now who are west of me. BRB with some contacts for you.

Wait, Wanatah INDIANA right? Your tag says you are South Carolina

 

[MrsCedarstone]

Oops...I didn't realize I forgot to change it! Thanks for the heads up. Lol

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Taylor Ridge Farms---the owner is a practicing veterinarian and her dogs are FANTASTIC!!! I wish I had need of another dog right now because they have got the perfect temperament.
d-c-taylor@sbcglobal.net
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taylor-Ridge-Farm/146877725336525?sk=info
(708)258-6539

 

[Pearce Pastures]

Guy Studebaker
He is a 4H poultry judge and I have not seen his dogs but do know he has some GPs right now. Here is his facebook page link.

https://www.facebook.com/guystudebaker?fref=ts