Livestock is an essential part of Africa’s agricultural economy. With the continent’s growing population, experts anticipate the demand for animal products to rise dramatically in the coming decades. Currently, 45 million Kenyans eat chicken, with 27.6% consuming it weekly — calculations suggest a 211% higher need for poultry and eggs by 2050.
To protect their chickens, goats, cattle and pigs, sub-Saharan African farmers should consider employing livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) to get the job done — but which breeds are your best defense? This article will break it down for you.
Why Do Livestock Need Protecting?
Sheep and goats — among other domestic livestock — are susceptible to predator attacks. In parts of Africa, black-backed jackals, baboons and caracals pose a significant problem for livestock farming. Farmers have tried mitigating predators with poison, but they risk damaging the environment and eventually reducing their livestock population the following year.
Yet, it’s impossible to look past the costs of predators’ impacts on farms. Studies show predation costs the livestock farming sector a direct price of 511 million South African Rand annually — equal to almost $30 million. Farmers must invest in livestock protection to prevent future losses in meeting food demand and avoiding economic collapse.
5 Best Breeds for Livestock Protection
One of the best defenses against predators is LGDs. Global agriculture has used dogs to protect livestock from wild animals by marking their territory, aggressively barking to deter predators and physically confronting anything that walks onto the property. Since dogs are impulsive, owners must teach them boundaries to keep them safe on the farm and respond to danger effectively.
Of course, only some dogs breed are suitable for this type of work. Livestock protectors must be agile, strong, passive unless provoked and hard-working. Here are the five best dog breeds to protect your livestock.
1. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is known for its strength and ruggedness. Weighing up to 150 pounds at 27–29 inches at the shoulder, this breed’s sheer size will make its presence known. As one of the oldest dog breeds, the Anatolian Shepherd is intelligent, loyal, responsive and quick to adapt.
They’re also highly protective of their families and farm animals. Owners will need to be expert leaders to manage this breed. Although relatively loving and calm, the Anatolian Shepherd may come across as dominating without receiving proper training.
2. Akbash
The Akbash is a better LGD than a household pet and prefers working on the farm over playing fetch. Farmers can count on the Akbash to keep a watchful eye on their sheep and goats, as this low-energy breed is happiest when lying in a field, but don’t let that trait fool you. They still exhibit vigilant and courageous behaviors.
Generally, the Akbash weighs between 90 and 120 pounds, depending on gender. Females usually reach 28–32 inches, while males often grow to be 30–34 inches. Additionally, these faithful pups live to be about 10–12 years old.
3. Pyrenean Mastiff
Farmers with larger livestock will want an equally large dog — such as a Pyrenean Mastiff — to guard their livestock. Consider that cows graze for 6–11 hours in a field, leaving them vulnerable to predation. You’ll want a dog that’s bred to protect livestock against bigger animals.
Pyrenean Mastiffs are known for defending themselves and others against wolves and bears. Although calm, friendly and intelligent, this breed will use its muscle to face threats head-on. Generally, males reach about 32 inches at the back, while females are usually 29.5 inches. However, the Mastiff is most impressive in the weight department, ranging between 130 and 200 pounds — ideal for guarding livestock.
4. Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma sheepdog has guarded sheep, cows, chickens and goats in Italy’s countryside for centuries. These dogs work all hours of the day and night to ensure their flock’s safety from predators and even human trespassers.
Typically, the Maremma sheepdog weighs about 66–99 pounds, depending on whether male or female. They also live to about 13 years old. Farmers will find Maremma sheepdogs are fiercely loyal and affectionate toward the family and highly courageous. However, they’re not ideal family dogs — instead, they have a job to do and prefer sleeping outside or in the barn with their livestock.
5. Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is another large livestock guardian dog known for its independence and protective nature. They are highly intelligent and observant and can develop strong relationships with the livestock as puppies.
Socialization is critical for this breed — they tend to be highly protective of their families and their guardian instincts may make them respond in a threatening way to those they’re unfamiliar with. Male Kuvasz dogs are quite big at 88–137 pounds and 28–30 inches. Meanwhile, females measure about 26–28 inches and can weigh up to 110 pounds.
Dogs Make the Best Livestock Guardians
When you’re livestock is at risk of predation, you’ll want an LGD to protect them at all costs. Certain breeds have long been bred to handle wild animals on farms and protect domesticated livestock from harm. Consider one of these five excellent breeds to keep your livestock safe.
