Dutchess

A lot of people have asked; "You have sheep, where is your sheep dog?"

 

The truth is, for the last 9 years we did not have one. While a Border Collie is cute and herding sheep has its merits, on our grain raised sheep farm, to be honest with you a simple rattle of the grain bucket will bring the sheep inside, and being located away from any big bodies of water, having really good sheep fences, and a lot of coyote hunters here, a livestock guard dog was not really required. Or I should say, the yearly cost did not really justify predator losses because they did not occur.

 

But then last Thursday our livestock dealer called and said a goat farm sold out and no longer needed their dog and wanted if we wanted a Great Pyrenees, 5 years old, trained with sheep and goats for $50? We said yes and so Dutchess has a new home.

 

We could not ask for a better dog. She got acquainted with the family and does not bark at us, but for everyone else she certainly does! The wife walked her around the perimeter of the sheep pasture and within 24 hours she was guardian of the flock. While not on our farm, she has has (2) confirmed fox kills, and chased off (2) coyotes, so while she looks tame, she has some bite to her bark. Now the sheep...they are a bit hesitant of her, but it has only been a week and they are warming up to her...slowwwwwwwwly.

 

It is a bit tough NOT loving on her like a family dog, BUT that is her job, what she was born for, and what she does.

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Dutchess