That doesn't mean some dogs won't be ok around the livestock but the reality is they cannot take down a large predator. As sweet as Mikey is and as great as he is with your goats, no offense, because he is a sweetie... he cannot take on a coyote he is no taller or bigger than your feed bins. There is a reason why these dogs are massive and are still used all over the world as guardians. They must have power, strength and endurance.
When crossing herding dogs with Guardian breeds you will run the risk of having an inadequate guardian. Period. Herding dogs are high prey drive, small, are not submissive to the herd or flock, and have a complete different purpose. Livestock Guardian Breeds are LOW prey drive, first loyal and COMPLETELY submissive to their charges.
My GSD has heart and will go after any predator that comes on the property but she cannot overpower a pack of coyotes. She will easily take a fox or any smaller predator. We are in coyote country here where they are bold and will grab small animals off your porch. Any barking dog can deter, it is when the barking does not deter and the animal is hungry and bold enough to come on through anyway...
Having many years experience with all breeds of dogs there is a reason why breeds are very specific. If I want a hunting dog I don't need a pyr or anatolian or maremma etc. Having always had high end personal protection dogs I can assure you they are NOT the same as LGD's.
On the mountainside throughout Europe you will still see the true livestock guardian dogs with their flocks... no fences... huge ground to cover, they move with their charges.
They think differently and they are different. Those that have LGD's know how these dogs work. They are not easily tricked or fooled. While one targets in the other team members instinctively start running for patrol... coyotes as well as wolves will send in a bait "dog". Sound LGD's are fully aware of this. Depending on the #'s in the team each LGD will do their part.
For those that have seen LGD's in action they are distinctly different in how they take on a predator. Mostly they will come up over the top and crush the spine. That takes shear power, size and large jaws.
Yes, everybody has a story of how their non-lgd breed is a great "guardian"... I get it... the bottom line is there is a reason these breeds have been around and been doing THIS job for centuries.