Dr. Jeff Green and Roger Woodruff reported that the success rate in protecting livestock did not vary between Great Pyrenees, Komondors, Akbash, Anatolian Shepherds, Maremma and hybrids, nor did the rate of success differ between males and females or intact and neutered dogs. However, neutering may decrease wandering. In Colorado, ratings of the effectiveness of guard dogs by producers using one breed of dog did not differ among breeds, but producers that used multiple breeds rated Akbash more effective than Great Pyrenees and Komondors. Dogs reared with livestock from less than 2 months old had a significantly higher rate of success than dogs that were older than 2 months when placed with livestock. The major advantages of using guard dogs include predation decreased or eliminated, reduced labor to confine sheep at night, more efficient use of pastures for grazing, reduced reliance on other predator control techniques, and greater peace of mind.
Few owners experience all the problems or all the benefits.
Many of the disadvantages are relatively uncommon. Guard dogs are not compatible with toxicants to control predators. However, any mistakes by the dog are likely fatal. Dogs that have been tied probably will not die if captured in a snare. Most dogs probably will not be injured in traps if removed in reasonable time.