I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion about the best breed of livestock guardian dog for my future small farm near Marshall, NC. Here are the specs:
Appr 11 acres, with about 1/3 of it in pasture and the rest in hilly woodland
The pasture will be fenced, but probably not the woods.
Livestock may include chickens, pygmy goats, alpacas, and 1-2 horses.
Other animals: 2 or more indoor/outdoor cats and 2 female pet dogs- 1 very mild and the other rather assertive. These 2 dogs will be indoor/outdoor...but mostly indoor.
There will be no close neighbors, but a breed less likely to roam would be ideal...just in case.
Summers will average about 80 degrees. Winters will be relatively mild, but temperatures will sometimes get into the the teens.
Likely predators will primarily include dogs, coyotes, foxes, black bears, racoons, hawks, and owls. Wolves or big cats would be a surprise, and we don't anticipate them.
We would like the breed that is the most LIKELY (understanding that each dog is different), with training, to get along with our pet dogs, and to not automatically regard visitors, and visiting dogs, as a threat. We understand how to take an alpha role with a dog, and are prepared to do that, but would prefer a more laid-back demeanor. To sum it up, we are looking for the most "chill" dog that will still get the job done, will guard multiple kinds of animals, and that will fit well into the physical environment.
I know people just say to research, research, research, but that's what I've been doing and I'm even more confused! All I've managed to do is to rule out some of the more aggressive breeds.
We are in the process of buying this farm, so we won't need a dog right away, and have time to figure all this out.
