[Jacob-list] guard dogs/family dogs

[Neal and Louise Grose]

Linda, I will have to second the Great Dane idea. All dog breeds have a lot of variation within the breed; but, we had a friend that had one that palled around with the sheep and was sweet with her kids, but periodically ate stray hunting dogs that came through her pasture.

Neal
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Linda 
  To: SKimbro ; jacob-list at jacobsheep.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2005 9:40 PM
  Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] guard dogs/family dogs


  This is going to sound abit off the wall, but the best protector/family dog breed I've been around is a female Great Dane.  The breed was developed as an estate dog.  I've never had a male, but my females have been serious homebodies, very gentle around sheep, chickens, rabbits and children, but still quite protective about their "estate".    I won't say they bond to sheep, although Rima did love to clean ears on my flock, but mine have been territorial to the point that nobody is allowed to threaten any beings within their area.  

  Linda


  Getting ready for 2006 lambs!
  www.patchworkfibers.com
  Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun Yarn

  On Tue, 9 Aug 2005 09:35:55 -0700, SKimbro wrote:
  > Hi all,
  >
  > This time I'd like to start a discussion about dogs.  We are
  > getting a dog but haven't yet decided what breed best fits our
  > needs.  I thought I'd poll the group and see what you guys have,
  > what has worked with you and what hasn't. 
  >
  > Let me tell you what I have and what I need/want and then let your
  > suggestions fly.  I have 2 boys, 10 and 8, so young but not little. 
  >  We have llamas, sheep, goats, chickens and cats.  (Retrievers are
  > out, we figured they'd bring us a chicken on the door step
  > daily,,,no thanks.)  We've read really good things about the
  > Pyrenees and Anatolians.  But we also are considering a German
  > Shepard because we are familiar with the breed and know what to
  > expect.  We've also read about the Swiss Mountain dogs
  > "Swissy's",,,,,those sound alot like the other to breeds (pyrs and
  > AS).  We want a dog that will guard but will also be a family pet. 
  > Is that a realistic expectation?
  >
  > Any thoughts would be great.
  >
  > Sheri Kimbro
  > Ranch Abella
  > Shingle Springs, CA




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