Since the advent of agriculture, people have faced the problem of protecting their domesticated herbivores like goats, sheep, and cattle from wild predators like bears, wolves, and big cats.
It must have been readily apparent to prehistoric herdsmen and farmers that a large, fierce dog who felt possessive about his human’s flocks was an indispensable asset.
Many of these breeds are called sheepdogs, but they can often be used to guard any type of livestock: sheep, goats, cattle, etc. In some parts of the world flocks and predators have lived together for centuries, with guardian dogs keeping the peace between humans and the wild animals.
Flock guards are different from herding dogs, who can precisely direct the herd and are not considered part of the flock. Guardians are large, strong, and protective, but they do not control the movements of their flocks, and the livestock accepts them as part of the group.
Flock Guardians as Pets
Flock guardian breeds are typically large and strong. They have the courage to stand up to a carnivorous predator and the strength to make the threat real, but they can be as gentle with their human families as they traditionally were with their flocks.
Because a good flock guardian has to be more committed to his charges than to his owner and trainer, the focus on this trait leaves the dog a bit more aloof than other breeds, extremely loyal to his family and territory but not as committed to socialization with humans or with other dogs.
Flock guardians are also used to making their own decisions and thus are extremely independent, which can make obedience training a challenge.
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