A comprehensive presentation on Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) was delivered by local producer Crystal Emsoff during the Small Livestock Seminar held November 18th at Loyalton Elementary School. Crystal and her husband, Frank, own and operate Emsoff Livestock Company in Long Valley, where they raise sheep, a few goats, and a small herd of cattle. The backbone of their predator-management program is a group of well-trained LGDs.
Emsoff explained that LGD breeds were originally developed in Europe and Asia specifically to guard livestock from wolves and other large predators. These dogs are bred to live outdoors year-round and to remain with the animals they protect. Independent by nature, they rely heavily on instinct.
“They know their job and they do it,” Emsoff said.
LGDs typically have a low prey drive, allowing them to remain safe and calm around newborn animals. Despite their gentle behavior toward livestock, they possess a strong protective instinct that makes them highly effective guardians.
Emsoff outlined several types of LGDs, beginning with what she referred to as the Big White Dogs (BWDs). These breeds are generally easier to manage and make a good choice for producers operating on smaller acreages. However, they tend to be less capable when confronting wolves.
For operations facing greater predator pressure, Emsoff highlighted breeds such as the Kangal, Spanish Mastiff, and Central Asian Shepherd. These dogs are more formidable against wolves but require more management skill. Their role is to create a “canine buffer zone” that deters predators through barking, howling, urine marking, and—only when necessary—direct confrontation.
“The whole idea is to encourage predators to find an easier meal elsewhere,” she said.
At Emsoff Livestock Company, the family uses and breeds crossbred LGDs, including lines with Maremma, Central Asian Shepherd and Spanish Mastiff genetics.
Emsoff cautioned that LGDs are not ideal for people with fewer than five acres, emphasizing the need for solid fencing, a willingness to adapt, and readiness to modify livestock-management routines. While 99% of the dogs’ behavior is instinctual, proper leash training remains essential. Also, cattle can be more difficult for dogs to guard since cattle spread out a lot more rather than staying in a tight flock like sheep, but with the right manangement the dogs can still be useful with cattle.
Financial preparedness is also important. LGDs are large dogs with ongoing needs—food, vaccinations, and deworming—so producers must be ready for the cost.
The number of LGDs required varies depending on acreage size, terrain, livestock type, and predator pressure. Emsoff recommends starting with at least two dogs, ideally a male-female pair, and increasing numbers as needed. She also noted that wolves present a unique challenge: wolf packs can overpower dogs if there are not enough of them. For this reason, a pack of dogs is required to guard against a pack of wolves. Her ranch outfits their six to eight LGDs with spiked wolf collars for added neck protection.
A strong dog-stock bond is foundational. Puppies should be born and raised with livestock and purchased from breeders who use their dogs in similar working conditions. Upon arrival, pups are placed in a secure pen with gentle stock to build the bond immediately.
Daily handling during chores, consistent leash training, and immediate correction of rough behavior are all essential steps. Since bored puppies are more likely to get into trouble, Emsoff begins letting them out on pasture during the day at four to six months old, but plans on it taking about a year before the dogs are mature enough to effectively guard.
Beyond LGDs, Emsoff also employs other strategies to reduce depredation. Lambing in the barn and night penning keeps animals close to home and easier for the dogs to protect. Grazing their sheep and cattle together in the same pasture ensures they all have the protection of the dogs. Cellular trail cameras also play a crucial role, providing real-time monitoring of pastures and predator activity.
Emsoff explained that LGD breeds were originally developed in Europe and Asia specifically to guard livestock from wolves and other large predators. These dogs are bred to live outdoors year-round and to remain with the animals they protect. Independent by nature, they rely heavily on instinct.
“They know their job and they do it,” Emsoff said.
LGDs typically have a low prey drive, allowing them to remain safe and calm around newborn animals. Despite their gentle behavior toward livestock, they possess a strong protective instinct that makes them highly effective guardians.
Emsoff outlined several types of LGDs, beginning with what she referred to as the Big White Dogs (BWDs). These breeds are generally easier to manage and make a good choice for producers operating on smaller acreages. However, they tend to be less capable when confronting wolves.
For operations facing greater predator pressure, Emsoff highlighted breeds such as the Kangal, Spanish Mastiff, and Central Asian Shepherd. These dogs are more formidable against wolves but require more management skill. Their role is to create a “canine buffer zone” that deters predators through barking, howling, urine marking, and—only when necessary—direct confrontation.
“The whole idea is to encourage predators to find an easier meal elsewhere,” she said.
At Emsoff Livestock Company, the family uses and breeds crossbred LGDs, including lines with Maremma, Central Asian Shepherd and Spanish Mastiff genetics.
Emsoff cautioned that LGDs are not ideal for people with fewer than five acres, emphasizing the need for solid fencing, a willingness to adapt, and readiness to modify livestock-management routines. While 99% of the dogs’ behavior is instinctual, proper leash training remains essential. Also, cattle can be more difficult for dogs to guard since cattle spread out a lot more rather than staying in a tight flock like sheep, but with the right manangement the dogs can still be useful with cattle.
Financial preparedness is also important. LGDs are large dogs with ongoing needs—food, vaccinations, and deworming—so producers must be ready for the cost.
The number of LGDs required varies depending on acreage size, terrain, livestock type, and predator pressure. Emsoff recommends starting with at least two dogs, ideally a male-female pair, and increasing numbers as needed. She also noted that wolves present a unique challenge: wolf packs can overpower dogs if there are not enough of them. For this reason, a pack of dogs is required to guard against a pack of wolves. Her ranch outfits their six to eight LGDs with spiked wolf collars for added neck protection.
A strong dog-stock bond is foundational. Puppies should be born and raised with livestock and purchased from breeders who use their dogs in similar working conditions. Upon arrival, pups are placed in a secure pen with gentle stock to build the bond immediately.
Daily handling during chores, consistent leash training, and immediate correction of rough behavior are all essential steps. Since bored puppies are more likely to get into trouble, Emsoff begins letting them out on pasture during the day at four to six months old, but plans on it taking about a year before the dogs are mature enough to effectively guard.
Beyond LGDs, Emsoff also employs other strategies to reduce depredation. Lambing in the barn and night penning keeps animals close to home and easier for the dogs to protect. Grazing their sheep and cattle together in the same pasture ensures they all have the protection of the dogs. Cellular trail cameras also play a crucial role, providing real-time monitoring of pastures and predator activity.
