FTGU

Livestock guardian dogs have been bred in Europe for thousands of years specifically to protect livestock, with their prey drive instincts bred out of them. Bill Costanzo, Texas A&M Agrilife Livestock Guardian Dog Program Specialist, says this selective breeding results in distinctive behavioral and physical traits: they are calm, methodical, have droopy ears, shorter snouts, and prefer stability. The Texas A&M AgriLife Livestock Guardian Dog Program collaborates with local ranching communities to conduct research and educational activities aimed at reducing conflicts between livestock and wildlife. Not every dog is suited for this role, and those that exhibit behaviors such as biting, grabbing, or killing are not considered suitable for livestock guardianship.