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| Our Komondor and Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dogs (LGD.s) fill a very necessary position here at Melport Meadows Farm protecting our animals in the pasture, and warning us of any unusual happenings. We also thoroughly enjoy our huge, furry companions whether out with their stock, watching everything that comes and goes through the place, or accompanying us at our everyday work. We may be prejudiced...but there's really nothing the "peer" of our Koms and Pyrs! |
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ABOUT CAPTAIN AND BEAUTY, OUR KOMS
Captain is a content guy who, when first moving into the pasture with the animals, never tested his boundaries, but seemed happy with his new purpose in life. His second year of his life at Melport Meadows, though, he's switched roles with Beauty and has become the general farm guardian- faithful and always in his place. He also loves to romp for short periods of time, becoming very excited and running wildly when we make it clear we're ready to play! Cap began his life on a farm in Hungary, born to dual-purpose parents: working and show. He was shown several times as a young dog, doing well in his class. He stands 27 inches tall, and weighs around 90 pounds. Cap's hips have been certified as "good" by the OFA.
Beauty is loyal and dependable now that we've won her confidence, which was a bit of a procedure! When she came as a new arrival at nearly 4 years of age we wondered if she would ever warm up to us, but now she's a great addition to the farm's family. She's an excellent guardian, warning us if anything unusual goes on at all. At first, after she'd accepted us, she would rather visit with her people than even to eat the bone we'd come to give her - but now after seeing the spring crop of lambs born, she's seldom out of their sight! She's also doing a wonderful job of teaching the younger Pyrs their manners - for which we are most appreciative! Beauty stands 28 inches tall, and weighs around 110 pounds. Beauty's hips have not been OFA certified, but her mom has received an "excellent" rating. |
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ABOUT MACKENZIE AND HIS GIRLS, OUR PYRS
Mackenzie replaces our original Pyr stud, Gabe, who left us a few years ago. Our retired Belle is replaced by her daughter, Cerise, and by Gretta and Heidi, two young Pyrs we acquired last year.
Mackenzie has a nice pedigree of working and show dogs in his lines. He is large boned, full-coated, and all white. He's a little confused right now as to whether his place is with his sheep or with his girls, some of whom are becoming family ladies!
Cerise has a bright white, full but silky coat. Though tall, she has a narrower frame.
Heidi has a full, coarse winter coat, heavy build, and stands tall. She has a couple of light tan markings and gray ear tips.
Gretta has a very large head, and is tall, though her coat gives her a sleeker look. We're waiting to see her 2-year winter coat, which will tell us if this is the real Gretta or not! She's all white, tall and of medium build. |
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| About Livestock Guardian Dogs ~ |
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| Livestock guardians have a noble history of protecting the flock and herd, as well as the home and the farm, almost since time began. They are bred to be intelligent and independent workers who are loyal to their family - whether animal or human. As companions, they are wary of strangers, and protective of their family. The livestock guarding breeds will not attack a threat, but will first use intimidation. They will use their very size and commanding presence to try to cause the treat to turn away. If he meets a friend, though, his tail will move contentedly from one side to the other as he places his muzzle in your hand in a gesture of friendship. The Komondor is often extremely loyal to the people most involved in his life, whereas the Pyr's circle tends to be wider. These breeds will often stick close to home, although a farm-sized territory will make them very happy! They do not require as much exercise as some more active breeds, and though a pup may love to play like any other pup, most will be calm and dignified as adults. We do recommend a fenced area for these dogs, especially if they do not have a large territory that is their own. As much as they love the people, some humans are simply afraid of any extra-large dog, and a fence will make your neighbors more comfortable. |
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