June 17, 2014, Pages 245-260
School of Cognitive Science, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA, United States
Abstract
Dogs that perform
best for guarding and herding livestock have different behavioural
profiles, as stated by the authors: 'herding dogs are selected to show
hunting behaviours, such as eye, stalk, grip or heel. Guarding dogs are
selected to show more of the wild ancestor's puppy-like or juvenile
behaviour, preferring to stay with the "litter" of livestock to which
they are bonded, and to react to novelty by barking an alarm'. In
addition, the chase and bite behaviours are absent in guarding dogs.
Ranchers in the western USA have reported that cattle located in areas
of high wolf predation learn to react to Border Collie
herding dogs by attacking them and so they are no longer useful for
herding. The guarding dog that does not perform threatening movements
towards cattle is tolerated. Ranchers have observed that the
reintroduction of wolves has made mother cows more aggressive towards
domestic dogs. Previously, the presence of smaller coyotes did not cause
mother cows to be aggressive towards herding dogs. The protection of
sheep against wolves will require two to five guard dogs. © CAB
International 2014. All rights reserved.
Author keywords
Border Collie; Great Pyrenean; Guard dogs; Herding dogs; Maremma; Sheep predation
ISBN: 978-178064321-2Source Type: Book
Original language: English
Document Type: Book Chapter
Publisher: CABI International
