Livestock Guard Dog
A Livestock
Guard Dog is very important
to the security and well-being
of many goatherds.
Blossom was
no exception. She was born
and raised in the pen with her
goatherd. She was embedded
with the herd during the day, except
when she was scattering the coyotes
that come too close to her precious
kids. Blossom was
willing to fight to the death to
protect her goats from predators. A
magnificent animal, she was a
cross between a Great Pyrenees
and Anatolian Shepherd. She was
totally dedicated to her goatherd
and sweet-natured with humans.
Blossom passed away a while ago,
but we felt it important to pay
tribute to her.
Currently, Leo (left) is our livestock
guard dog, and Jack (right) is our
herding dog.
Livestock Guard Dogs are not "Dogs at Large"
Even though some ranchers do not have a
comprehensive understanding of the nature
and value of a livestock guard dog, the
Jackson County, Oregon, Animal
Control Ordinance specifically places
livestock guard dogs and all dogs used
to control or protect livestock in proper
perspective. Reference Ordinance
No 2001-20, Chapter 612.01 (9):
"Dog at large" does not include:
B. The use of a dog:
1. To control or protect livestock;
(or)
2. For other activities related
to agriculture;
Furthermore, in Jackson County, Oregon,
it is unlawful and immoral to shoot a dog
for casual trespass.