Seriously no other idea's on LGD, come on people!

[77Herford]

Ok, some may know I recently lost my young dogs to Pitbulls that got out of their pen on another farm. Though they are dead now, there is still the concern of Coyotes and Dogs. My wife wants something beefier than Great Pyrenees so I'm open to idea's.

 

[Ms. Research]

Kuvacz

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuvasz

Temperament

The Kuvasz is an intelligent dog and is often described as having a clownish sense of humor which can last throughout their adolescence and into adulthood.[2] They are intensely loyal yet patient pets who appreciate attention but may also be somewhat aloof or independent, as well as thoroughly cunning, particularly with strangers. They rank 42nd in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs. This misconception is due in part to the centuries of imprinting this breed to "think on its own without instruction". They are hard wired with a different type of thought process and are happiest when they are "working/guarding" their flock and not performing tricks. They are always on the job and require an experienced dog handler/trainer. In keeping with their origins as a livestock guardian, Kuvaszok are known to be fierce protectors of their families. Given their intelligence, constant awareness of their surroundings, as well as their size and strength, they can be quite impressive in this role. A Kuvasz should be courageous, disciplined and stable, while hyperactivity, nervousness and shyness are to be faulted.

The combination of intelligence, independence and protectiveness make obedience training and socialization necessities. Furthermore, despite their intelligence, they should not be perceived as easily trained. Their independent personalities can make training a difficult task which can wear on the patience of even experienced owners. As a result, they are not recommended for novices and those who do not have time to train and socialize them properly. An adolescent Kuvasz should be able to learn basic obedience commands and consistently respond to them; however the instinctive need to investigate strangers and protect its owner may cause the Kuvasz to act independently when off leash and ignore the calls of a frustrated handler. Finally, a potential owner should refrain from purchasing a Kuvasz if barking will be a problem at the home. While not all Kuvaszok are prone to barking (socializing them will define what is a threat), many of them fulfill their guardian role by vocally warning off potential threats, both real and imagined. On the other hand, many of these qualities make the Kuvasz excellent guardians for sheep or large estates. The Kuvasz has a very special, close connection to his owner.

 

[goatsnmore]

I would be happy to help you with your questions--I have over 50 years of dog experience, and over 35 years with LGDs.
I would suggest Anatolians or crosses of ASDs.
I have too much information to post here, but if you send me a message, I would be happy to respond. We do have started dogs available most of the time.....

You may also email me directly at mary kellogg at gmail dot com (remove spaces and replace the dot properly!)

 

[ksalvagno]

I can't remember what breed cmjust0 has but you may want to PM him and find out.

http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=8414

 

[Beekissed]

Tibetan Mastiff?

 

[SuburbanFarmChic]

Does this mean you lost Rolly?


I like the Boerboel. We have friends with Komondors and they love them. Also a goat friend that uses a Maremma.



Maybe you'll end up with a cross breed or a mix of a LGD breeds.

 

[fortheloveofgoats]

I agree with the Tibetan Mastiff. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/tibetanmastiff.htm I hope Roley is still in the fight, sorry if he isn't. I hope you will let us know the breed you pick, and pictures?

 

[77Herford]

Yes, Rolley is still alive but he will be limited so we will need more dogs to help him out. Looked up the Sar's and they are interesting but there are none around me. The closest is Indiana and they won't have any more pups until next year. Kuvacz is also a possibility but not too many around me either, lol. Tibetan Mastiff though awesome isn't very common in these parts Closest for them is Canada or China.

I'm actually considering a mix or using Lady, she is still young and could be socalized with sheep and goats.

 

[Beekissed]

I've always wanted to pair an Anatolian with a GP and see what they could accomplish together.

 

[greybeard]

I know you said "beefier than a GP", but I had a blue Heeler that turned into a whirling, fighting ball of fur, teeth and claws any time a varmit came around the cows or the house. His official name was Spot but I called him buzzsaw. Spot took no crap from anything on 4 feet, but getting him sewed up so many times sure got expensive. Gone now, and I need to find another.