10 Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds

They can protect your flock—or lounge in your living room.

Livestock guardian dog breeds are a specialized group found across the world that are bred to protect sheep, cattle, and other animals. They're large and loyal to their herds and their humans.

These breeds can be lovely pets, too. Many of them are gentle giants who will are content to spend time lounging and playing with their families.

Learn more about these 10 livestock guardian dog breeds—whether or not you're looking for a canine defender for your herd or flock.

Tips

Livestock guardians can be great family dogs but are not ideal pets for small spaces. Because they're so large, they need plenty of space to roam. A job or training will ease their minds, too.

Breed Characteristics

Livestock guardians are typically giant breed dogs with a lot of fur. These qualities help to protect them from both the elements and predators as they protect their flocks and herds. Livestock guardian breeds are often described as being dependable, steady, loyal, brave, and even territorial.

Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees were first bred to protect sheep from wolves, but they're now popular as both pets and livestock guardians. They're sweethearts at home, looking like smaller polar bears. This large breed is affectionate, loves to cuddle, and is very protective of their families and flocks.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (American Kennel Club)

Height: 25 to 32 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 100 to 150 pounds (males); 85 to 110 pounds (females)

Personality/Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, patient, confident, strong-willed, fearless

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Thick double coat; white or white with shades of tan, gray, badger, or reddish-brown

Life Span: 10–12 years

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Also known as the Kangal Shepherd dog, this breed comes from Turkey where they were originally bred to protect sheep and goats. This is a calm and loyal breed that is still fiercely protective of its flocks and herds.

They do need socialization early in their lives, or they can become aggressive toward people and pets.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 27 inches (females); 29 inches (males)

Weight: 80 to 120 pounds (females); 110 to 150 pounds (males)

Personality/Temperament: Loyal, alert, protective

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Short, smooth; blue fawn, brindle, fawn, liver, red fawn, white, biscuit and white, or gray fawn with various markings and masks

Life Span: 11–13 years

Kuvasz

Also known as the Kuv, the Kuvasz (Koo-Vazz) is a Hungarian-bred livestock defender. They are very loyal and can be quite protective, so much so they're recommended to be the only dog in a household. Proper socialization and training is necessary for this breed as they can be stubborn and wary of strangers.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 28 to 30 inches (males); 26 to 28 inches (females)

Weight: 100 to 115 pounds (males); 70 to 90 pounds (females)

Personality/Temperament: Protective, loyal, calm, intelligent, affectionate Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Thick, medium-length double coat that's straight or wavy; solid white

Life Span: 10–12 years

Tibetan Mastiff

Massive is the word that comes to mind when it comes to his dog breed with a flowing mane. Developed in China, the Tibetan mastiff can grow to be upwards of 150 pounds. They're extremely loyal dogs and they are especially protective at night when they also tend to become more vocal. The breed is often best suited for living with dogs of the opposite sex or by themselves.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder

Weight: 70 to 150 pounds

Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, protective, strong-willed, tenacious, aloof

Energy Level: Low

Coat and Color: Double outer coat is fine but hard, straight, and stand-off while the undercoat is heavy, soft, and woolly; black, brown, blue/grey, or gold

Life Span: 10-12 years

Bernese Mountain Dog

Originating in Switzerland, the Bernese mountain dog was first recognized by the AKC in 1937 and is now a common livestock guardian dog breed.

However, you might also see these dogs on TikTok or Instagram because they're wonderful family pets and reliable protectors. They are also smart, trainable, and very devoted to their families.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 23 to 26 inches (females); 25 to 27.5 inches (males)

Weight: 70 to 95 pounds (females); 80 to 115 pounds (males)

Personality/Temperament: Gentle, even-tempered, loyal

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Thick, medium-length double coat; black, rust, and white or black, tan, and white

Life Span: 7–10 years

Akbash

Recognized as a breed by the United Kennel Club (UKC) but not the AKC, the akbash dog breed originated in Turkey centuries ago. This ancient breed is known to be calm, independent, and easy to train. Unlike the Great Pyrenees it closely resembles, the akbash can have a medium or long coat.

Breed Overview

Group: Guardian (UKC)

Height: 28 to 32 inches (females); 30 to 34 inches (males)

Weight: 90 pounds (females); 120 pounds (males)

Personality/Temperament: Alert, independent, courageous

Energy Level: Low

Coat and Color: Medium to long double coat; white, light biscuit or gray shading acceptable

Life Span: 10–12 years

Pyrenean Mastiff

Pyrenean mastiffs are protective, large dogs. The breed originated in Spain—they're named for the Pyrenees Mountains—and is known for its calm demeanor while still being courageous. They are great with children and only switch into guardian mode when they feel threatened. But they will drool quite a bit.

Breed Overview

Group: Working (AKC)

Height: 30-31 inches (males); 25-30 inches (females)
Weight: 120-240 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Quiet, trainable, vigilant, affectionate

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Double coat, medium length; white with beige, biscuit, black, golden, gray, brown, or silver

Life Span: 10-13 years

Romanian Carpathian Shepherd

Originating from Romania, this thick, double coated breed was bred to protect livestock from bears, wolves, and other predators. They can make great family dogs but they are especially loyal to one person.

Romanian Carpathian shepherds also need a lot of mental stimulation so if they don't have a job or something to do, they'll find something and it may result in causing trouble.

Breed Overview

Group: Guardian (UKC)

Height: 26-29 inches (males); 23-26 inches (females)

Weight: 70-100 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Protective, calm, loyal

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Straight and dense, double coated; sable or wolfgray and black, white markings

Life Span: 12-14 years

Komondor

The komondor is a unique breed and is also known as the Hungarian sheepdog. They are easily recognizable from their corded hair but are excellent livestock guardians. Their corded hair helps them blend in with flocks of sheep and also protects them from any harsh weather.

Breed Overview

Group: Working

Height: 27 1/2 inches, minimum (males); 25 1/2 inches, minimum (females)

Weight: 100 pounds or more (males); 80 pounds or more (females)

Personality/Temperament: Steady, affectionate, fearless, independent, calm, gentle

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Long, corded hair; white

Life Span: 10-12 years

Slovak Cuvac

Also known as the Slovensky Cuvac, this all-white dog breed originated in Slovenia. It is a very affectionate breed but does shed its thick, double coat quite a bit. They are naturally very protective dogs which makes them excellent livestock guardians.

Breed Overview

Group: Foundation Service Stock (AKC)

Height: 23-27.5 inches

Weight: 68-97 lbs

Personality/Temperament: Lively, vigilant, fearless, alert

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Double coat; white

Life Span: 11–13 years

Breeds to Avoid

If you're looking for a livestock guardian, you won't want a small dog, one that is easily distracted, or one with a strong prey drive. Some obvious breeds to avoid include those that are in the toy, terrier, hound, and non-sporting groups. These groups include breeds such as Chihuahuas, greyhounds, pugs, West Highland white terriers, and dachshunds.

More Giant Breeds and Further Research

If you like livestock guardian breeds, other large and giant dog breeds may be of interest to you.

• Mountain Dog Breeds

• Search and Rescue Dogs

• Working Dog Breeds

Read Next: 10 Giant Dog Breeds That Make Great Pets

Read the original article on The Spruce Pets.