dogs | jan-dohner

Blog Posts and Articles

What is a Landrace Dog Breed?

To begin with, what is a dog breed? We often answer this question with a list of breeds recognized by an organization such as the AKC. ...

The Challenges of an LGD Breed as a Companion Dog

I often see folks suggesting one of the livestock guardian dog breeds or LGDs to people who want a companion dog for their suburban...

The Alaskan Huskies of Denali National Park

Although the sled dog breeds were not included in Farm Dogs, they are most definitely true working dogs. On a recent trip to Alaska, we...

Extremely Cold Weather and Working Livestock Guardian Dogs.

As an important tool for coexistence, the use of livestock guardian dogs can be essential to a farm’s protection of its stock from...

Raising Livestock Guardian Puppies

It is common to receive conflicting advice on how to raise a full time working LGD. There are slightly different ways to introduce a LGD...

Winter Care for Working Farm Dogs

Winter is coming and with it lots of well-meaning folks saying that all dogs need to come inside. However, many hardworking farm or ranch...

Help! I Just Brought Home a LGD Puppy? What Should I Do to Give Him the Best Start?

I read this question almost every day on the various online livestock guardian dog forums. First, congratulations! Second, I hope you’ve...

What is the Difference Between a Livestock Guard Dog and a Family Companion?

The first step in selecting a LGD, is determining what role you expect him to perform. This decision can determine which puppy you choose...

Selecting a Working Livestock Guard Dog Puppy

You’ve done your homework – examining your needs, situation, and breed preferences – and now you are ready to select your LGD. This is an...

Before You Buy a Livestock Guardian Dog or Puppy

With the increasing use of livestock guardian dogs, we are seeing more inappropriate breeds or crossbred dogs being offered for sale as...

What is a Breed and Why Does It Matter?

I'm re-posting this wonderful article here because it seems to have disappeared from the web. Written nearly twenty years ago, this is...