Livestock guardian dogs protect livestock including sheep, goats and cattle from predators such as bears, wolves and even robbers. Rather than move their animals around, like a herding breed would, livestock guardian dogs remain with the livestock deterring and defending them against threats.
Known for their protective instincts and bravery, livestock guardians are a great match for farms and those living rurally. Many of the breeds are calm and most are independent, usually forming close bonds with the animals and humans they spend time with. Their imposing presence helps ward off predators, meanwhile their loyalty and companionship is loved by owners the world over.
What is a livestock guardian dog?
Unlike a herding breed or retriever, the term livestock guardian dog is more of a functional title than a quantifiable classification. It refers to dogs bred and trained for the purpose of guarding livestock, but there is no standardised, agreed-upon official list that formally defines or ranks the dogs within this category.
It is much more of a working category, with the dogs within it recognised for their role, instincts and historic function. Most kennel clubs categorise breeds by groups, such as terrier and herding. You could think of livestock guardian dogs as an unofficial subgroup within the working or guardian groups, of which the latter is often broken into flock guards and mastiffs.
Livestock guardian behaviour
Here are some of the traits that characterise a livestock guardian breeds:
Instinct to protect: They have a natural instinct to watch over and guard their livestock, which they do without being aggressive towards their flock.
Alert: These are highly independent and alert animals that are used to making decisions on their own and staying on high alert for any threat.
Strong and large: As part of their role involves deterring predators, it makes sense that they are big and strong breeds.
Calm but confident: These dogs are not anxious or prone to getting in a flap – instead they have a calm demeanor and a quiet confidence that they can handle things.
Bonded: Raised alongside livestock, they naturally become bonded to them.
Livestock guardian dog breeds
Because there is no official list of livestock guardian dogs, we will focus on dogs that fulfill the role and are traditionally used for this purpose. We have taken into account common consensus across breed clubs and academic sources to round up the best and most widely recognised livestock guardians.
1. Great Pyrenees
A majestic mountain dog if ever there were one, the Great Pyrenees is known for its thick white coat and adoration of its family. The breed originated in the Pyrenees Mountains and was used to guard sheep from local predators like wolves and bears.
These are big dogs and their thick double coat needs thorough and frequent grooming. They can be stubborn and will require consistent training, yet a well trained Great Pyrenees is a loyal and loving companion.
2. Anatolian Shepherd
Prized for their intelligence and endurance the Anatolian Shepherd is a big, agile dog originating from Anatolia, Turkey. These dogs are seriously good workers, they are independent and territorial meaning they can work without being micromanaged. As such, they can form deep bonds with their livestock.
They'll need lots of early socialisation and even then they are a discerning dog prone to giving strangers the cold shoulder.
3. Maremma Sheepdog
This fluffy white Italian native is known for its fierce loyalty juxtaposed with gentle nature within a family centre. Originally bred to guard sheep in open pastures, the Maremma Sheepdog has a dense weather-resistant coat and has a deep, vocal bark used to warn off intruders. So consider yourself warned: you'll need to groom regularly and not be offended with a bit of barking
4. Kuvasz
Characterised by its striking white coat, the Kuvasz is as protective as it is courageous. Originating as a royal guard dog for Hungarian nobility, this large, powerful dog is protective of family and highly wary of strangers.
Their dense coat requires regular grooming, and their stubborn nature and high work ethic mean you'll need to engage with plenty of training.
5. Akbash
Calm and intelligent, the Akbash is a Turkish breed known for its zen-like confidence. These independent workers are able to work in harsh environments and have strong instincts when it comes to guarding livestock. Their short white hair helps provide camouflage with the sheep they protect.
6. Komondor
Instantly recognisable with their long, corded coat that can look a little like dreadlocks, the Komondon is a Hungarian breed bred to protect. Their unique and durable coat provides plenty of protection against the weather and predators, allowing them to get on with their job of protecting livestock.
7. Kangal
This Turkish national treasure is known for its immense bite force, speed and dedication to its flock. It's highly protective and territorial and while they have a calm demeanour with their family, they need an experienced handler, oodles of outside space and early socialisation aplenty.
With one of the strongest bite forces of any dog – sometimes compared with that of a lion – it goes without saying that owning a Kangal comes with a lot of responsibility.
8. Šarplaninac
Hailing from the Shar Mountains in the Balkans, the Šarplaninac or Sharr dog, is a rugged mountain guardian dog known for being fearless and highly territorial. Its large size and thick double weatherproof coat are well suited to protecting livestock across punishing terrain. Highly intelligent and alert, you'll need a good training plan and plenty of socialisation.
9. Tibetan Mastiff
This ancient Himalayan breed is known for its huge size (weighing up to 150lbs!) and impressive thick double coat, well suited for working long shifts in the cold. The Tibetan Mastiff is highly protective and known for its deep, booming bark. The magnificent coat requires plenty of grooming and you'll need to train and socialise well.
10. Polish Tatra Sheepdog
A vigilant guard dog at work, a calm force around the family, the Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a joy of a dog. Originated in the Tatra Mountains in Poland, the dogs' all-white coat helps keep them warm in the harsh climate.
11. Caucasian Shepherd
Hailing from the Caucasus Mountains, this large Russian mountain guardian dog is famed for its brute strength, fearless nature and protection. The thick double coat can be both short and long, and is often brindle, grey or white.
While they are bonded and loyal to their family, they require early socialisation and plenty of training.
12. Spanish Mastiff
Built for Mediterranean climates, the Spanish Mastiff is a master in protecting flocks from wolves over challenging terrain. The short-to-medium length coat is easy to groom, and this dog is calm and gentle around the family.
13. Bulgarian Shepherd
A hard worker hailing from Bulgaria’s karst mountains, the Bulgarian Shepherd is intelligent and independent. Also known as Karakachan dogs, this breed has been bred to defend sheep and other livestock from predators like wolves and bears.
14. Estrela Mountain dog
This smart and mighty Portuguese guardian breed is able to guard flock across rough mountain terrain.
Originating in Portugal’s Estrela Mountains, the Estrela Mountain Dog is well used to working across tough landscapes to protect flocks of sheep, goats and other livestock from wolves and bears.
