Livestock guardian dogs protect sheep and cattle from predators but have specialized welfare needs that differ from companion dogs and working dogs in other roles.
Livestock guardian dogs face welfare challenges when their working conditions are poorly managed. Dogs expected to guard but not provided adequate shelter, nutrition, or veterinary care suffer from exposure, malnutrition, and untreated parasites and injuries. Dogs that develop health problems often cannot be replaced easily and continue working while ill. Conversely, dogs that are over-bonded to humans rather than their livestock charges develop anxiety when separated from their livestock family. The right balance of human interaction and livestock bonding requires experienced management.