- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
From the majestic Great Pyrenees to the regal Anatolian Shepherd, Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are strong, gentle, and fiercely loyal. Originally bred to protect farm animals from predators, these devoted companions now aid farmers across rural America—especially in states like Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado—where guarding flocks is still a way of life.
The American Kennel Club recognizes 10 LGD breeds, though many more exist around the world. While each breed is different, they share an instinct to protect their household. “You will typically find that these breeds are wary of strangers,” says Dr. Jordan Beauchamp, DVM, of GoodVets. “They grow a strong and loyal bond to their family due to their guardian nature.”
Whether you have an LGD breed or are thinking of adding one to the family, understanding the unique personalities and needs of these canines can make for a happy home.
Most Popular LGD Breeds
Livestock Guardian Dogs don’t lack in size—their large, imposing presence is a key factor in deterring threats. Common breeds in this group include the following.
Bernese Mountain Dog
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As their name suggests, the beloved Bernese Mountain Dog hails from Bern, Switzerland. They were originally bred to pull carts and watch over livestock on the farmlands. These strong, versatile, and gentle dogs often make excellent family dogs due to their calm and friendly demeanor.
Without enough physical activity, Berners can get restless, so an active home with plenty of space to run around is their ideal environment. Their thick coat also makes them prone to getting very hot very quickly, so they may do best in a climate with colder seasons.
Great Pyrenees
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With centuries-old roots as a farm dog in Europe and the Middle East, the Great Pyrenees gained popularity in the US in the 1930s. Though they can weigh up to 140 pounds, don’t let their massive size fool you—this friendly and good-natured dog makes for a great family pet.
Families with a Great Pyrenees will want to ensure their good boy or girl has plenty of space to roam. They won’t need as much exercise as other dog breeds, but physical and mental stimulation is still important for their health and well-being.
Akbash
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Bred in Turkey, the Akbash is a highly independent and intelligent companion. They are happiest in a home that’s dedicated to providing plenty of mental enrichment due to their sharp minds. These dogs respond well to training and will love working on a puzzle, obstacle course, or other task-driven activity.
If your Akbash isn’t a working farm dog, make sure to provide them with a fenced-in backyard so that they can tap into their natural instincts to patrol their territory. Just stay vigilant—these dogs are incredible escape artists!
Anatolian Shepherd
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Like the Akbash, the Anatolian Shepherd hails from the harsh climate of Turkey’s Anatolian plateau. When fully grown, these dogs can reach up to 150 pounds! Loyal, smart, and protective, this breed has a tendency to be wary of new people, so early socialization and training are key, especially if they’re going to live as a house pet instead of a working dog.
Tibetan Mastiff
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Wild animals will likely avoid the massive Tibetan Mastiff, but don’t let their size fool you. This majestic creature can be a devoted and mellow companion. This ancient breed comes from Tibet, dating back to the Stone Age.
Tibetan Mastiffs are typically calm and easygoing, but they can also be extremely protective. Like other guardian breeds, extra socialization and training from a young age can help them adjust well to domestic life.
Komondor
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Originally bred in Hungary, the Komondor is extremely recognizable with its distinctive dreadlock coat. On the job as a guardian dog, the Komondor’s white coat helps them blend in with herds of sheep, goats, and wintery landscapes.
Typically, Komondors will bond with just one person, making socialization (even amongst other family members) a challenge. This breed thrives most in a farm-dog work setting but can succeed in a household where extra socialization, exercise, grooming, and training are provided.
Kuvasz
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Hailing from Hungary, the Kuvasz is another dog with a strikingly white coat. This exquisite guardian breed is extremely affectionate and makes for a faithful companion. Despite their outgoing nature, their LGD instincts can make them suspicious around strangers.
As with other dogs in this group, early socialization with people and animals is key. With plenty of exercise and play, these dogs can enjoy a full life in a working role or as a relaxed pet.
Pyrenean Mastiff
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Centuries old from the mountains of Spain, the Pyrenean Mastiff was once a protector from wolves and bears. While proper socialization is required, due to their natural inclination to protect, this noble and loving member of the Mastiff family is an affectionate dog that is great with children.
Though this breed isn’t high-energy, the Pyrenean Mastiff loves to take walks and will fare best in an environment with plenty of space, love, toys, and a cooler climate well-suited for their thick, gorgeous coat.
Maremma Sheepdog
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The adorable Maremma Sheepdog has many similarities to the Great Pyrenees, including its temperament and appearance, though it stands a bit smaller. Bred to herd sheep in rural Italy, this beautiful ivory-coated canine is intelligent, strong, and purpose-driven.
This breed isn’t as content in a relaxed household setting as other LGD dogs, as they enjoy working on farms and fulfilling their herding and guarding roles. Without tasks, exercise, and mental stimulation, the Maremma Sheepdog can become bored and unhappy. This marvelous breed is a great companion for those living on farms with land and livestock aplenty.
What Makes a Good LGD Dog?
While a Bernese Mountain Dog and an Anatolian Shepherd make very different companions, many LGD breeds share common traits rooted in their working heritage.
- Trustworthiness. Though an LGD breed usually won’t trust a stranger right away, they are extremely loyal and trustworthy to those in their family. Their guardian nature makes them fiercely loyal and dependable companions.
- Protectiveness. As a protector, these dogs are bred to be vigilant and observant. Whether they’re watching out for threats on a farm or guarding their home, LGD breeds are typically very attentive to what’s happening around them.
- Strong bonds. LGD breeds form strong bonds with their family or the flock they are protecting.
- Low prey drive. Many of these dogs are gentle giants. From a working perspective, their large stature deters wild animals from making their way into a herd of sheep or cattle. Their demeanor with livestock, however, is gentle and non-aggressive, making them great family dogs in the right setting.
Mixed breeds that are a cross between two or more LGDs are likely to share these traits as well. Pets that are a cross between an LGD dog and a non-LGD dog might inherit certain guardian qualities but have a higher prey drive or higher energy, for example.
Non-LGD breeds
“People often assume large ‘gentle giant’ dogs are all the same,” says Dr. Beauchamp. “A Golden Retriever, for example, is usually keen on trusting people right away and might be very social during walks. A dog of the livestock guardian group may not enjoy people coming up to them for pets. Certain overstimulating settings can make these dogs anxious. Early training and socialization can help these breeds become well-adjusted adults.”
Other large breeds that are often confused with a Livestock Guardian Dog include Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Border Collies.
Why Do LGD Make Challenging Companion Dogs?
“If you’re a first-time dog owner or even a first-time LGD dog-owner, it’s important to set yourself and the pet up for success,” says Dr. Beauchamp. She notes that having management strategies is key if your pet isn’t living as a working dog.
- Make sure it’s a lifestyle fit. Active households that can offer plenty of training and mental enrichment are ideal for a dog of this type. “Bored LGDs are more likely to turn to adverse behaviors such as destroying furniture or developing obsessive-compulsive disorders and anxiety,” says Dr. Beauchamp.
- Make sure it’s an environment fit. You may not have acres of farmland, but having plenty of space to roam will bring your LGD joy. Many of these dogs aren’t high-energy, but they still require regular exercise. Dr. Beauchamp also notes that overstimulating settings (such as loud cities) can be difficult for these types of dogs. Understanding when your pet is uncomfortable and gently working through these fears can help them in the long run.
- Provide early training and socialization. “Many of these breeds are prone to a fear period between 10 and 14 months,” says Dr. Beauchamp. “During this time, you may notice they become scared of things they weren’t before. The sooner you notice this, the sooner you can help them work through their stressors with desensitization training.” In addition, LGDs are often wary of new people and animals. Early socialization will help your dog become a well-mannered, happier adult.
- Prepare for grooming. Many of these breeds boast beautiful, thick coats! Understanding the grooming needs of a breed like the Komondor is essential before adopting one as a pet.
- Watch for common LGD health conditions. According to Dr. Beauchamp, adopting from an ethical and reputable breeder can lower the chances of hip dysplasia and other medical issues in your pup. She recommends routine vet visits and starting yearly blood work around age four. Pet insurance can also help defray costs.
Ultimately, Livestock Guardian Dogs will thrive best when they’re able to embrace their instincts to protect and defend. If you’re considering adopting one of these incredible breeds, make sure you’re prepared to care for their unique needs. You’ll likely be rewarded with a loyal companion and an incomparable bond.
