The UC Hopland Research and Extension Center, with the UC's only range sheep flock, uses various methodologies to protect the flock from risks. One of the methods is the use of guard dogs ... which are entirely different breeds of dogs than those used for herding dogs (like border collies). Over the last two decades HREC has evaluated the effectiveness of several guards dog breeds including Akbash, Great Pyrenees, and Anatolian Shepherds.
In summary, there was no real difference between the breeds, but huge differences between individuals. Each individual dog has positive behaviors and negative behaviors which have to be evaluated and then choices made as to how to most effectively use that dog. For example, one past Anatolian Shepherd worked great to guard ewes and lambs in one particular pasture, but if moved to another pasture the dog would kill lambs... move him back and he was fine again.
Currently HREC has one Great Pyrenees (named Joey) and two Anatolian Shepherd guard dogs in use. In this picture try to find Joey!
