Anatolian/Black Lab Mix for LGD?

[SlatyGapSis]

Is this a good mix for protecting chickens and goats? We live on 33 wooded acres in the Ozark Mountains and we (or our neighbors) have seen evidence or actual sightings of all the natural predators that you would expect (black bear, mountain lion, raccoons, hawks, owls, bobcats, loose neighbor dogs, etc.). Our neighbor’s female Anatolian got knocked up by another neighbors black lab. They have offered us a pup, to be born in the next couple of weeks, but I wasn’t sure if the mix was a good one to guard our future animals. I hope to have at least two goats and 6-8 chickens.
My research has indicated it might be good to get the pup shortly before the animals so it has time to learn the boundaries and get some training.
Would love any thought and input your experiences can provide.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Our Lab/border collie is great at killing and chasing away predators, but I have no experience with Anatolians. I suspect you'll get a good guard dog out of it. What's the mother like? Generally, well-behaved mums have well-behaved offspring.

Labradors are good dogs, but it takes them a while to get their brains in, and considering the additional independence of the Anatolian, I'd think about signing up for some classes.

 

[pennyJo1960]

start it early keep it going the lab part is not the great one as it is a bird dog hopefully the Anatolian protection will win out but train the dog from day take in and out to the birds do not leave it out the unattended let it be close otherwise should not be your house pet

 

[centrarchid]

Go for it. In the longer term another dog I advise for back up. Some of what dog does will be a function of how your raise and train it. You will still go through trouble of imprinting the dog on your stock and not getting full performance until dog pushing two years.

 

[Percheron chick]

I have a GP lab and he's the best. The independence of the GP drove me crazy until he was almost 3. Thankfully, I had an older dog who was a homebody to help curb the wandering.
Puppies are tons of work. Only do it if you have the commitment to train, socialize and train some more. It can be a family pet and a protector. My dogs are out if I am gone. They enthusiastically patrol the property but when the chickens and geese are locked up for the night, they come in the house if they so choose.
If the mother is a good guard dog and the puppy will be exposed to chicken and other livestock under proper supervision when leave it with mom as long as you can. A curious puppy getting flogged by a goose is a valuable lesson.

 

[SlatyGapSis]

The mother seems to be a well trained LGD. Protective and suspicious of strangers but not aggressive. We purchased the land from this neighbor and before she was aware that the property was no longer hers to guard, she had us in our car with nothing but a slow trot and some warning woofs. As soon as the neighbors called her back, she went quickly without hesitation and we’ve never seen her on our acreage again.

 

[animals1981]

IT can work out. Depends on the dog. Mutts can be great protectors. The site of the dog often is enough to deter predators. Extreme dogs who will get something like a coyote by the neck and kill it, I have those, but I think any large dog who is protective will deter for sure.