For many years I have lived in the country and raised goats as both pets and livestock. However, along with this lifestyle comes the ever present threat of predation from animals who like goats as food. These include coyotes, wolves, as well as bear, fox and various species of large cats. Therefore to have an animal that serves as a livestock guardian is a must. In the past I have used guard Donkeys with much success, but my latest choice for guardian is that of a Great Pyrenees.

I bought a pup of about six weeks old in the Fall of 2006 and named him Oscar. I have read where you might have to go through several pups in trial-and-error until you find the right one for your herd, but undoubtedly I was fortunate enough to have found the right one the first time. It is important to find a reputable breeder, preferably one where the mother and father dog are on the premises. Then the next step is to place the new pup with your herd as soon as possible let him/her "grow up" and bond with them. When Oscar was still small at night I placed him in the shelter with the goats, but he was separated from them in his own gated stall until he was larger. During the day he was allowed the roam freely with the herd. Now that Oscar is grown when the goats are penned at night he has his own large area, separated only by a fence from the goats, and it has worked out wonderfully.

Great Pyrenees, also known as Pyrs, are a rather independent breed, yet they are faithfully bonded to protecting their livestock, property and owners. Known to be a very old breed, dating back several thousand years they are thought to be one of the first domesticated dogs. Their origins are placed near the border of France and Spain. Bred to withstand the very cold temperatures of the Pyrenean Mountains, they possess a thick double coat which insulates quite well from harsh cold weather. Due to their intense instinct to investigate and protect it is imperative to have a well-fenced in yard or property; I believe this is also due to their heritage, of which I was surprised to find out Great Pyrenees belong to the hound group. On more than one occasion at night I have heard Oscar "bay" almost like a hound inbetween regular barking sounds.

Although there is no guarantee that any guard dog can keep predators away 100% of the time, Great Pyrenees do pose as an intimidating foe against animals that could be a threat to livestock, and others that forage at night such as skunk, raccoon, possum, and weasels. They will protect a wide range of animals great and small such as cattle, horses, ponies, sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas, poultry, as well as ostriches. A realistic goal should be set forth in expectation of the dog's abilities, such as placing one dog with a small herd on small acreage, and three or more dogs on a ranch with a large livestock operation and widespread acreage.

If you are thinking of getting a Great Pyrenees as a yard or house pet be prepared for the excessive hair and shedding, which occurs at least once a year, usually in Summer. They are a large dog when grown, males ranging from 110 to 120 pounds and females from 80 to 90 pounds, therefore nutritional needs and possible hip dysplasia need to be taken into consideration. Also these dogs are quite vocal and do like to bark loudly, which makes them not that suitable for city life in a yard but great for warding off predators on property in rural areas.

I love my Oscar and encourage you that if you have livestock that needs protecting, this may be the breed for you. Oscar does not seem to need or desire an excessive amount of affection, and I believe this is true in general of the breed. However, he does appreciate one or two pats on the head, a kind word, and an occasional doggy bone with his meal (he likes the ones put out by Pedigree). Afterall, you want this dog to bond more to your livestock than to you, and what he/she gives in return will be so rewarding to you and your livestock.