Choosing the best dog breeds for goats is very similar to choosing the best dog breeds for people. Not all dogs are great with goats, just as not all people are good for animals. Dogs and pets, in general, need to be socialized and trained before possible interactions between animals and humans can safely take place.
Here is a list of herding breeds that we often find working alongside their goat friends:
Border Collies
Border Collies are very energetic, extremely intelligent, and easy to train breed. They are also very friendly towards other animals. If you’re looking for a dog to keep your goats company and help out with their care, the Border Collie may be worth considering.
If you are looking for a dog who can herd animals, then yes, Border Collies are great dogs to keep around your goats. However, if you need a guard dog or protection from predators then it might not be the best fit for your needs.
German Shepherds
All breeds of dogs can make excellent companions for goats. However, German Shepherd are one of the few breeds that are specifically bred to work with livestock like goats.
They can help to protect you and your goats from coyotes, they’re good with kids and other animals, and they need less grooming than most breeds.
They also have a long history as guard animals and they’re often used by police forces around the world for their superior sense of smell and hearing.
German Shepherds are highly intelligent, loyal, brave, and obedient creatures who will keep your goat safe at all times! This makes them ideal companions for goats who love the outdoors! The German Shepherd is also an intelligent dog that is easy to train, which means it will be easier on you too!
If you’re looking for a loyal companion that will keep your property safe while still being gentle around your livestock, then the German shepherd might just be perfect for you.
Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are a good breed for goats. They have been bred to work with livestock and can help keep them calm and safe on the farm, as well as herd them together.
This breed is also very smart and trainable which makes it easy to teach them new tasks like ringing a bell when they spot something suspicious.
If you’re looking for an all-around great dog that will love your goats, then this might be a perfect choice.
It’s important to remember that Australian Shepherds do not make great guard dogs for people or homes, but can be trained in agility courses.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks
This dog breed is known for patience around young goats. They are known to be very gentle and will not harm your goats in any way.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a good breed of dog that can help to keep goats safe. They are strong and agile, making them the perfect companion to watch over your goat herd. If you’re looking for a dog who loves to run around with their pets then this is the right breed for you.
They enjoy being outside in any type of weather and they will be more than happy to protect your livestock from coyotes or predators. These types of dogs have been used on farms since 1890s because they were bred specifically as herding dogs.
However, they do require some maintenance such as brushing off debris, trimming their nails, and bathing once per week or so depending on how dirty they get playing out in the fields all day long
Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherds are a great dog breed to have around goats and other livestock. They’re large enough that they can take on predators but also gentle enough that they won’t hurt the smaller animals. They are a dog breed that has been used for centuries by nomadic tribes to protect livestock from predators.
The Anatolian Shepherds are large, intelligent, loyal animals who would be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a dog to help protect your goats.
Komondor –
This Hungarian breed of dogs is a perfect match because of their gentle nature and thick coats to keep them warm in winter. They are large white dogs with dreadlocks who were bred to guard against wolves and other animals.
Komondor can be great when they’re raised with goats since they’re calm and protective animals who love spending time with humans.
Pyrenean Mastiff
These are the largest of all European breeds, but still agile enough to chase down intruders or wild boars.
Pyrenean Mastiffs are not the typical dog breed you might think of for a goat owner. These giant, gentle giants would be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a large, calm companion to keep your herd safe and happy.
Pyrenean Mastiffs are known as “gentle giants” who love children and other friendly animals like horses or goats. They also have lovely temperaments with people they know well, but maybe hesitant around strangers. If given the chance, these dogs will form strong bonds with their families that can last a lifetime!
The Pyrenean Mastiff has been bred for generations to guard livestock, especially sheep and goats. They are known as the “Chien de berger” or shepherd’s dogs in French.
The Pyrenean Mastiff is also used as a hunting companion, tracker, and guardian of property. This breed thrives on working with their flock of animals and they can be a great addition to any goat farm.
Giant Schnauzers
Giant Schnauzers are good at guarding property because they have a loud bark and will stand their ground even if confronted by an intruder.
They are intelligent, easy to train, and very protective animals that will watch over your goat at all times. This is an animal that you can trust around any farm animals including chickens, pigs, sheep, cows, and horses. I know this because my Giant Schnauzer is the best friend of my pastured dairy goat herd.
It is important you check the temperament of the dog you are after because some Giant Schnauzers can be territorial.
Irish Wolfhound
This is an excellent choice for those with large acreages or who live in colder climates as these dogs can do well in both hot and cold conditions. These dogs were originally bred as hunting companions for royalty in Ireland
They are not typically good pets because they need lots of space to roam around freely.
These dogs require intensive grooming due to their thick fur coat which often becomes tangled or matted.
Many dog breeds are good for keeping goats in their pasture, but Irish Wolfhounds will probably be your best option. Like most big dogs, they love to go on walks and need plenty of exercises. So, you could do with having plenty of land for your new dog to run around on.
They have a mellow temperament so they won’t get too excited around the goats or scare them – making them perfect companions.
