Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
To select a dog, you need to fi nd a reputable breeder who regularly sup-
plies dogs for guarding sheep or goats. A dog breeder who also raises sheep is
probably a good choice.
Starting with a Puppy
Purchasing a puppy costs less up front than does purchasing a proven guard-
ian dog, but because not all pups work out as good guardians, for a new shep-
herd it's probably worth the extra expense to purchase a proven dog from a
seasoned shepherd who raises and trains guardian dogs with the fl ock. These
shepherds generally guarantee the dog's abilities as a guardian.
If you do decide to go the puppy route, the ideal age to remove a pup from
the litter is about 8 weeks, although some claim that dogs placed with sheep
before they are 2 months old do better than those reared with sheep when
they are older than 2 months.
While there is no real way to test the puppy before you raise it, you can
observe it in relation to its littermates. Also observe its parents. They should
not be overly shy or aggressive and should be free from hip dysplasia, a heredi-
tary joint problem common to large breeds. Most breeders guarantee that
a pup will remain free from dysplasia until at least 18 months of age. Pups
should have had their shots by 8 weeks of age, confi rmed by a veterinarian's
certifi cate.
Pups that are raised around sheep from a young age bond with them the best.
