We have a new puppy, Patton! Patton is 9 weeks old. He is a livestock guardian breed called a Bulgarian Karakachan. The Karakachan is a very rare breed from Bulgaria that is known for it's excellent flock guardian abilities. Karakachan's are extremely self sufficient and will guard various breeds of livestock animals. Karakachan's although friendly with humans will protect their animal flocks to their own death. They have been successful in guarding against wolves, mountain lions, coyotes, bears, hawks, owls, raccoons, weasels, and other dogs. Unlike some other livestock guardian breeds, Karakachan's are very close guarding, always staying very close to their particular flock.
I was awarded this puppy through a grant program. The grant was to educate farmer's on the benefits of using working livestock guardian dogs to protect their flock. In my case it will be poultry.
Patton will be an active working member of the farm. His job will be to protect my poultry flocks against any and all predators.
I spent this entire weekend at the breeder's farm learning about the behavior of livestock guardian dogs (LGD's) and how to best use them. I got to meet the parents of my puppy and see them work and interact with their animals. It was a very educational experience. Having a LGD will allow me to expand my poultry livestock production. Predation is the number one cause of loss when raising poultry.
I was awarded this puppy through a grant program. The grant was to educate farmer's on the benefits of using working livestock guardian dogs to protect their flock. In my case it will be poultry.
Patton will be an active working member of the farm. His job will be to protect my poultry flocks against any and all predators.
I spent this entire weekend at the breeder's farm learning about the behavior of livestock guardian dogs (LGD's) and how to best use them. I got to meet the parents of my puppy and see them work and interact with their animals. It was a very educational experience. Having a LGD will allow me to expand my poultry livestock production. Predation is the number one cause of loss when raising poultry.