Activity Books Wool & Sheep Activity Book | Page 23

SHEEP DOGS
There are two kinds of sheep dogs: working dogs and livestock
protection dogs. Working dogs are very smart and work with the herder to
move the sheep. They run around the sheep quietly to herd them. Most young
working dogs first learn how to herd sheep by watching their mothers. A dog
trainer will also help them learn. Herders may have two to three working dogs
for every 1,000 sheep. Some working dogs are Border Collies and Australian
Shepherds.
Livestock protection dogs are used to protect the sheep from wild
animals such as coyotes, bears and mountain lions. Livestock protection dogs
are not treated like pets. People do not play with livestock protection dogs.
Livestock protection dogs like to be with sheep and are very protective of
them. Livestock protection dogs stay with the sheep day and night and scare
wild animals away. Some livestock protection dogs are the Komondor, Great
Pyrenees and Akbash. Other animals like llamas, mules, donkeys, cattle,
ostriches, and goats are also used to protect sheep.
Livestock Protection Dog
Sheep farmers and ranchers across the United States depend on livestock protection dogs to protect their flocks.
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