I used to use LDGs with my goat herd to keep predators, mostly stray dogs, away from the goat kids. I switched to a donkey....They take no prisoners, just make sure your house dog doesn't stray into the pasture, it won't stand a chance. I use only jennys, standard size, really donkeys not mules. A good one will keep EVERYTHING away, but again , they don't play around, they kill dogs and coyotes.
The advantage is they don't need a special diet, they eat what the goats and horses eat. When I had an LGD I saw signs of coyotes in the pasture, sometimes around afterbirth piles, because the dogs stayed with the goats. The donkey Patrols the pasture, she is mostly by the goats but she does charge off down into the pasture if she sees something she doesn't like. Now I only see coyote signs outside the wire.
Another advantage, I think, is a donkey will bray so loudly the windows shake in the house whenever they "think" something isn't right. That includes you being late for feeding time or the water level it the tank is getting low. If I hear her I head out to see why all the noise, especially during kidding season. Usually its nothing but I do keep the 22/250 by the back door just in case.
let me add...all LGD are NOT LGDs...at least from my experience with them...LDGs raised around a herd from puppyhood are priceless...LGDs from a rescue with mysterious backgrounds or no "herd" experience are there for a reason and Should Never Be Trusted around your herd...If they haven't been raised as a protector , They are just Dogs...Dogs chase and eat goats, chickens, sheep, anything that runs from them...JMO
