Iconic Portuguese Transmontano cattle dogs have been taking part in a US study to find the perfect ‘guardians’ against wolves.
The experiment came after wolves reintroduced to the American West in the 90s has shown ‘traditional breeds’ up to be a tad too vulnerable.
Say reports, wolves have killed around 50 guard dogs and injured nearly 40 just in the state of Idaho.
Thus the idea to ‘bring in the big boys’: lumbering giants from Portugal, Bulgaria and Turkey – all known for their herding abilities.
The 120 pups have been put through their paces for the last four years, and the consensus is that they have done well “keeping away wolves, and are better than traditional guard dogs at deterring coyotes”.
Bulgaria’s Karakachans, developed by nomadic sheepherders, “really didn’t bond with the sheep” though, said one of the research biologists involved, despite the fact that they seem to have been dubbed the “most vigilant” of the pups brough over.
The Turkish Kangals have been “the most inclined to investigate”, while the Portuguese Cão de Gado Transmontano have been described as “better at assessing threats”.
Research papers are due to come out in the next few months and will hope to be able to steer American cattle-farmers towards the ‘best big dog for the job’.
natasha.donn@algarveresident.com
