Goats and Dogs

A dog can be a goat's best friend or worst enemy.

Dog attacks pose one of the biggest health threats known to goats. As many a goat owner has found out to their dismay, the sound and smell of fearful goats can bring out the predator in even mild mannered and well groomed family pets like the ones shown above. All too frequently, entire herds of caged goats are decimated by packs of otherwise domesticated dogs. The goat below barely survived a dog attack!

On a positive note, dogs with special guardian instincts that have been raised with sheep or goats can become loyal protectors of the herd or flock. They have been known to chase away other dogs, coyotes, and a few two-legged predators. The Great Pyrenees and Anatolian shepherds are two breeds of dogs that have been bred specifiically as guardian dogs for livestock.

^  Top of page