Male or Female Livestock Guardian Dogs: Which Is Better for Your Needs

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Whether or not to get a male or female livestock guardian dog is an age-old question. When I first started researching what livestock guardian dog breeds would be best for my ranch, I wondered if male and female dogs would be equally effective.

Do male and female livestock guardian dogs behave differently? Some people believe that males are more aggressive and are more likely to roam and protect the perimeter, whereas females tend to stay with the livestock. However, no data exists to support this claim. The individual personality of the dog likely matters a whole lot more than the gender.

While both male and female livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are effective, it may be important to consider whether or not you should run dogs of the same or different genders together. The issue of spaying and neutering also comes into question when considering running mixed-sex livestock guardian dogs together.

Differences Between Male and Female Livestock Guardian Dogs

Below is a chart showing the supposed differences between male and female livestock guardian dogs. Some of these characteristics are claims that many owners are making (such as males tend to roam more and are more aggressive), but I couldn’t find data to back these claims up. They may be biases rather than truths.

On the other hand, the characteristics pertaining to problems with female dogs in heat (or non-neutered male dogs) are very real.

Despite the claims outlined in the chart above, I prefer professional dog trainer Zak George’s approach in regards to male and female dogs. He says in his book:

When it comes down to it, dogs are individuals, just as humans are. They all have unique personalities.

However, there are some very real physical differences between male and female livestock guardian dogs that may influence which gender you prefer. Read on!

Common Traits of Male Livestock Guardian Dogs

The biggest advantage to having male livestock guardian dogs is their large size. While both male and female LGD breeds are large dogs, the males tend to be slightly taller in stature and tend to be heavier. Male LGDs are believed to have increased territorial instincts – this is what usually drives them to perform more perimeter patrols. When doing these patrols, they mark their territory with their urine, which can be a powerful deterrent against predators of many kinds.

Male livestock guardian dogs do not come without their disadvantages, however. Male LGDs may be more likely to take longer to mature – this means it will take more time and commitment from you to get them fully trained to be trustworthy guardian dogs. Aggression with other dogs also can be a concern with male LGDs (although I’ve heard some pretty nasty tales of female aggression as well).

Lastly, male dogs may be distracted by females in heat – not just by your female(s) but by any in the area. One of the livestock guardian dogs who roams my neighborhood, a Great Pyrenees named Shaggy, has been responsible for several litters of unplanned puppies. Keep in mind that if you have intact male and female dogs, your males also may be more aggressive with each other when competing for a female in heat.

Common Traits of Female Livestock Guardian Dogs

Supposedly, female LGDs tend to stay with the herd or flock which allows for close proximity protection. They are also believed to be more nurturing and protective over newborn and/or young livestock. Again, I’ve not found data to back this up, and this may be an untrue stereotype.

The biggest advantage to having female livestock guardian dogs is that they are likely faster to mature. Some also claim that they tend to be more willingly obedient. If true, this would mean less training time for you and more time for your dogs to work as reliable guardians.

There are downsides to female LGDs as well. The biggest issues arise in females who are not spayed. Females often become distracted while they are in heat – they may become more focused on their reproduction than their duties as an LGD, and they can become aggressive with other dogs.

Their heat cycles can also pose a problem and can disrupt protection by drawing in outside dogs and potentially distracting male livestock guardian dogs in their pack.

Female LGDs obviously will not be as effective if they have a litter of puppies who need their care. Pregnancy (and more particularly, multiple pregnancies) can also be very hard on a female’s body. I have seen that dogs that have had multiple pregnancies close together seem to wear down more quickly. Their bodies just don’t seem to last as well in the long run.

Running Same-Gender or Different-Gender Livestock Guardian Dogs

There are many differing opinions on the subject of whether you should run mixed-gender dogs or not. Some suggest that dogs of the same-sex are more likely to fight and get into spats with one another over food, territory, and their charges. Others say it makes no difference.

Long-time LGD owner and breeder, Brenda Negri, for example, says in her book (The Way of the Pack: Understanding and Living with Livestock Guardian Dogs, here on Amazon) that it really does not matter in the long run. The factors you should be concerning yourself with are (a) the personality of the dog and (b) the quality of the training you can provide. Brenda runs all different types together all the time (she has had over 12 pairs and trios of LGDs in fewer than ten years). She also sells her puppies to families in both same-sex and different-sex pairs (or triplets, etc.) and has been doing so for many, many years without problems.

Should You Neuter or Spay Your Male and Female Livestock Guardian Dogs?

The short answer – either way is fine.

Some people worry that a neutered livestock guardian dog won’t protect his territory as well. This is actually the reason the virile Great Pyrenees, Shaggy, whom I mentioned above, was never neutered. However, having an intact LGD or a neutered LGD will not actually make him a more or less effective guardian.

In females, you may want to spay if you never plan on breeding. Heat cycles can disrupt protection by distracting the female LGD and can potentially draw in male dogs. Any non-spayed female will always be at risk for pregnancy. Although not common, female dogs can interbreed with wolves and coyotes. Although it is your LGD’s task to keep predators away, being in heat can do funny things to a girl. You never know.

In sum, choosing to run mixed-gender or same-gender livestock guardian dogs is going to be based on personal preference, individual experience, and the purposes the dogs will be serving. The very best thing you can do to ensure you are making the right decision for your circumstances is to consult with a reputable breeder. Good breeders will be aware of their various puppies’ personalities and which dogs have bonded more tightly together. These variables will be the best indicators of success, rather than simply choosing dogs by whether they are male or female.

For Love of Livestock