LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS AND PREDATORS
The Great Pyranees
Bisquit
I would never, in general, recommend that a farm adopt a rescue dog and expect it to be an effective LGD, especially when the rescue dog is an American-bred AKC-registered breed. An LGD, to be effective, must retain its working instincts and independent mind. An AKC dog may be too inbred, an adult too set in her ways. A rescue may have too much “emotional baggage.” BISQUIT is the exception that proves the rule: an AKC-registered Great Pyranees who came to me at age three from a foster home in Massachusetts.
It took some months for her to find “her place” here, and for Zak to accept her on “his turf.” She and Zak hated each other from sight! Blood was drawn. But finally, thanks in large part to Zena’s determination to make everyone be friends, and also true to form and to their breeds, Zak (a perimeter or territorial guardian) took responsibility for patrolling the perimeter and grounds, deferring to Bisquit (a flock guardian) in the barn area, which is her territory, and around her alpacas, which she protects by placing her body between them and any threat until the threat is vanquished by Zak and Zena.
Unlike Zak, who prefers outside on the highest point, when Bisquit is not working, she is the proverbial couch potato. Where Zak hates the car, Bisquit loves to go for rides (and burgers). While Zak patrols all night, Bisquit prefers to share my bed. Where Zak is intense, Bisquit is more mellow. He hates grooming; she loves it. He is more wolf. She is more dog. But perhaps the biggest difference is in their split of responsibilities and her loving care for the alpacas in her charge.
I don’t ever leave Zak alone or confined with the alpacas. He plays too hard and could do serious harm, and he hates confinement. It goes against his nature. As for Bisquit, I looked out one morning last July and saw a brand new cria in the barn, standing on wobbly little legs, being gently but intently licked dry by Bisquit in its first few minutes of life. She wouldn’t leave his side.
That’s my girl!
PLEASE, IF YOU WANT A WORKING GREAT PYR, GET HER FROM A WORKING FARM OR RANCH LITTER. And remember, these dogs NEED JOBS! They are not for city dwellers.
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