Livestock guardian dogs protect sheep and other livestock from predators. Understanding their welfare needs ensures that these working dogs live good lives alongside their productive role.
Livestock guardian dogs occupy a unique welfare position: highly purposeful, behaviorally fulfilled working dogs that may face neglect in terms of health monitoring and human social contact. Dogs that work remotely on large farms may have their core needs met (food, territory, a flock to bond with) while lacking regular veterinary care, parasite management, and human interaction that companion dogs receive. The welfare of working LGDs is addressed through producer education about the ongoing care requirements of these dogs, ensuring that being a working dog does not mean being a neglected dog.