Small LGS ?

We live in the country and would be interested in a dog that would protect small animals ( chickens ) plus scare others away from the veg patch . So chasing away Wild Boar, Deer, Fox,Straying bulls and also telling us when human visitors drop by . This being France Wolves Bears etc are not a problem although we have far too many bankers
Any Ideas We have about 5 acres

David

Hi David

Since you are in France, I can't imagine recommending any LGD breed besides the Great Pyrenees. Besides working as full time guardians with sheep, Pyrs have long been country estate dogs - working as a general farm and watch dog.

You can choose to raise a puppy of course. LGD puppies are lovable balls of fluff. At times, folks can rescue a dog that was raised in a more urban environment by owners who came to realize that their dog was not really suited to city life. Dogs like this can be very people oriented and yet they find great happiness by moving to the country where they have room and a job to do. While some can't make the transition to full time guardian, many do very well as general farm dogs.

As to the question of "small" livestock guard dog breeds - these dogs are large because their role was to deal with large predators. Maremmas, from nearby Italy, are generally somewhat smaller than Pyrs.