Baby Goat Remembers Livestock Guardian Dog Who Protected Her After Birth
Dogs may be one of the most popular companion animal species out there, but many dogs are built to be far more than just a companion. Canines are no strangers to jobs! In fact, many of the dog breeds we know and love today were bred to perform specific jobs, from hunting companions like Hounds and Retrievers to home guardian dogs like the African Boerboel.
If you're a farmer, a homesteader, or someone who lives in more rural areas, you're likely familiar with livestock guardian dogs. These aren't the same as the agile herding dogs who drive animals from one area to another, but they do live alongside the animals they protect, always making sure everyone is safe.
Judge is one livestock guardian dog from Raventree Ranch in California, and he takes his job very seriously. He bonded instantly with some baby goats who were born early in February, and one of the kids seemed to remember him when the goat family returned home from the vet. It's the sweetest thing!
Aww! This precious baby goat is so brave walking up to a giant dog like Judge, but I have no doubt that the little one remembered him from their first few days on Earth. That nose touch sure seemed to imply as much!
Related: Farmer's Reaction to Goat's Surprise Babies Is Everything
Before anyone worries too much, all is well following the mama goat's trip to the veterinarian. She had a retained placenta and needed vet assistance, so she and her triplets were carried away to stay with the vet for a few days. Luckily, everyone is doing great--including Judge the livestock guardian dog.
It's so cool to see how relaxed Maria, the mama goat, is with this gentle giant around her newborns. Previous videos from @raventreeranch show the Anatolian Shepherd guarding the mom and triplets from inside their enclosure, even giving another farm dog corrections when he runs too fast near the babies!
Livestock Guardian Dogs Versus Herding Dogs
While both kinds of working dogs are essential to the well-being of a farm and its animals, they have completely different jobs. Judge is an example of a livestock guardian dog who focuses on protecting the animals from predators such as coyotes, foxes, or even other dogs.
On the other hand, herding dogs help their owners move a herd of animals from one area to another. Even though herding provides protection in its own way, and a herding dog may decide where to move the herd based on safety, the job of herding dogs isn't to protect.
Raventree Farm has both livestock guardian dogs and herding dogs on their property, but it's hard to imagine any of the pups getting closer with these baby goats than Judge. He's basically their uncle!
Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos.
Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
