I only had a mix, but that was B.C. (before chickens). They are independant, which is desired for the job, and usually aloof with strangers. The ones I met in the vet clinic were a bit suspicious but certainly not aggressive, given the surroundings. I personally LOVE them and plan to get one myself some day. The two boogers I have now (a Cocker and a ShepX) were here also B.C. and I have neglected to work with them to desensitize them with the chickens and cannot be trusted with them off-leash. From what I've read, it's key to keep them around the livestock they are to guard most of the time (after many supervised visits as a puppy). Pyrs seem to have a great reputation as LGDs for the most part but remember they are all individuals and not all will succeed. The best thing is to buy one from someone who already has them around livestock, especially chickens. Anatolians are also of good reputation, but need a lot of socialization (which goes for most dogs anyway). Google something like comparisons of livestock guardian dog breeds and you should be able to find a side-by-side noting their different characteristics.
E.t.a, as mentioned above, they do tend to roam and are known barkers especially at night!!
Again, very sad for your losses
You sound very much like my DH about cleaning up yuck!!!! Sometimes I think it is just to avoid doing it but then his gag reflex kicks in and it's pretty obvious he is not faking!!!
You have not met my crazy woo-woo-wooing Cocker!!!!! Every morning WOO-WOO-WOO....everytime I come in from outside, even if I was only gone for 5min: WOO-WOO-WOO!!! It sometimes happens just when you start talking to her...stub starts wagging frantically, huffing and puffing starts, then WOO-WOO-WOO!!!
i picked the site but must of missed it somehow from my mobile phone. :\
