Re: RC: Re: Livestock Gaurd Dogs

[Laney Humphrey <laneyh@mbay.net>]

Hi Drin -
    One of the most wonderful results of my longago
trip trekking in Nepal was to be able to introduce the Tibetan Mastiff
to America.  Some say that TMs are the original LGDs.  Their
history is full of myths and wishful thinkings but their job in Tibet and
Nepal is to guard.  The male I imported from Jumla, Nepal came with
a large scar on his neck from fighting off a snow leopard while guarding
his village.  His bark was hoarse because of the scar.
    Because of my love for these dogs, I do have to
say that LGDs are not for everyone and not for every living arrangement. 
They take their guarding job very seriously and have also been bred to
be independent thinkers, being alone and in charge of their flock, so some
of them will decide on their own when attack is necessary.  
They do not look for fights and are not aggressive without provocation
(in fact, they often appear downright lazy, relying on their intimidating
size and bark!) but, in human terms, they are not predictable.  So,
in fairness to the dogs, if they are being used to guard, they should not
be treated as pets.  I never asked my TMs to guard (other than by
barking which you can't stop anyway!) but I was still cautious.
Cheers, Laney
 
 


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