[Jacob-list] Dogs and sheep

[Linda]

Excellent point, Matthew. I certainly would not expect a flock of sheep, of any breed, to be able to defend itself against a dog.  Any dog.  Sure, some dogs, no matter the size will be intimidated by being butted by a sheep, but other dogs, also no matter the size, will just latch on.  Sheep have been run to death by dogs the size of Jack Russells and torn apart by 50 lb dogs.  Your sheep may be able to physiologically intimidate a certain dog at a certain time, but when/if the dog strikes back, I doubt your sheep is going to win.

Some dogs are just very gentle.  My Danes always have been.  


Linda
 
www.patchworkfibers.com
Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun Yarn

On Wed, 15 Mar 2006 08:53:46 -0500, Peaceful Valley Farm wrote:

 SO never undersestimate a single dog.  It all
> depends on the dogs size, and mainly its drive, but then again I'm
> sure there are high drive dogs that are very gentle with sheep, so
> it also depends on the temperament.
>
> Sorry, I just had to chime in here.  I love dogs, and have spent
> alot of time reseaching them and been on various message boards
> (especially for working dogs.), and let me tell you, alot of the
> working dogs (especially in the bull and mastiff family and alot of
> the working line Shepherds.) are tough as nails.  You have to
> remember, that alot of them were originally bred for fighting
> bulls, bears, boar, and other dogs.  And nowadays, the Shepherds
> aren't used much for herding, but for police work (which requires
> high-drive dogs).
> Matthew
> Peaceful Valley Farm
> Ringgold, GA
> www.peacefulvalleyfarm.com

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