Working Akbash Dogs - Livestock Guardian Dogs

Livestock guardian breeds are unique in their ability to bond with other species. They form a strong social pack with the flock, herd, or individual animal they are tasked with protecting. Akbash dogs, for example, were first used with sheep in North America, but soon it was discovered that they could also protect goats, ostriches, exotic fowl, miniature horses, and almost any other species. Their protective and territorial instincts make them excellent guardians for a wide range of animals, making them a valuable asset for small livestock producers.

In 1980, the USDA initiated a livestock guard dog project at the U.S. Sheep Experimental Station in Dubois, Idaho, led by Dr. Jeff Green and Roger Woodruff. The results of the studies indicated that Akbash Dogs exhibited high aggression towards wild predators and intruding dogs, while Maremma dogs showed similar behavior but were more aggressive towards people. Additionally, Akbash Dogs were found to be less inclined to bite people compared to Komondors and were less prone to chasing and injuring sheep than Anatolian Shepherds. These findings highlighted the effectiveness of Akbash dogs as livestock guard dogs and the need for careful selection of breeds based on specific guarding requirements. The project contributed valuable insights into the behavior and suitability of different dog breeds for livestock protection.

Successful guard dogs begin to display good guarding behavior as early as 3 months old. Their temperament can be evaluated as early as 8 weeks, but it may be inconsistent up to the age of 18 months. A shy puppy may bond to livestock, while a confident one may be more reliable as a protector. It is important to determine if the puppy is shy towards people due to a lack of human contact. Often, such a dog will be very brave with its livestock and can learn to tolerate being handled, such as being moved from one flock to another or given vaccinations. Neutered and intact guard dogs showed no difference in guarding ability, and both males and females were equally aggressive as livestock protectors.

The success of a livestock guarding dog depends on a variety of factors, including the behavior of the animals it is protecting, the type of pasture they are in, and the level of predator pressure in the area. The nature of the livestock, such as whether they tend to bunch together or spread out, can impact the dog's ability to effectively guard them. Additionally, the terrain and vegetation of the pasture can determine how many dogs are needed to protect the stock. Rough terrain or heavily wooded areas may require more dogs to cover the area effectively. Ultimately, the presence and level of predator pressure in the area will also influence the success of the guarding dog. These factors all play a role in determining the effectiveness of livestock guardian dogs in protecting the animals under their care.