Can Goats Live With Dogs?

People possess goats for certain reasons and have dogs for other reasons. Sometimes people own both at the same time. Canines may not always make safe goat companions, but there are certain breeds which can live in harmony with goats and actually keep livestock safe. Goats and dogs can live together if the animals' owner takes precautions, does research and is diligent about the goats' safety.

  1. Goats and Dogs Don't Always Mix Well

    • Some dogs are bred for herding or guarding livestock.

      People often notice goats grazing peacefully, munching away at the noxious weeds that can infest pastures. Dairy goats provide people with milk, butter, cheese and other dairy delicacies. Goats have plenty of purposes.

      Dogs, too, have jobs, including guarding goats. However, not all canine breeds make suitable goat companions. Consider a canine friend from one of the livestock guard dog (LGD) breeds. These dogs were bred to guard sheep, goats and other livestock. Other dogs, particularly of the household pet variety, may cause you and your goats grief instead of enjoyment.

    Livestock Guard Dogs

    • Many livestock guard dogs protect not only the livestock but the family, too.

      Livestock guard dog breeds include Great Pyrenees, Akbash, and Anatolian Shepherd dogs. The Great Pyrenees' history as a watchdog and herding dog dates back many centuries. Despite their large size (males can weigh 90 to 125 pounds), these long-coated white dogs are especially gentle with children. Great Pyrenees are known as "gentle giants" They are affectionate, loyal, and obedient.

      Native to western Turkey, the Akbash is also a large, white livestock guard dog. Smaller than Great Pyrenees, Akbash males weigh about 90 pounds. Intelligent, courageous and loyal, these dogs are natural guardians and often bond strongly with the livestock they are charged with protecting, even at a young age.

      Anatolian Shepherd Dogs also hail from Turkey. These extremely large dogs (weighing in at 110 to 150 pounds) often live 11 to 13 years, which is unusual for extremely large canine breeds. The personality of this breed is one of independence, hardiness and loyalty.

    Keep Goats and Dogs Apart

    • Keep your goats in a tightly fenced area, safe from roaming dogs.

      Dogs other than breeds considered LGD do not usually mix well with goats. Some domestic dogs can and will kill goats. Veterinarians at the University of Georgia wrote that dog attacks pose the biggest health threats to goats. Never let dogs chase goats, even in play. If a goat runs from a dog or pack of dogs, the predator-prey instinct may kick in for the dogs, and the goat usually loses. Llamas and donkeys, which some people also use to guard goats, will fight and kick dogs; goats most likely will run, and therefore, will most likely get caught and killed. A goat's best protection against possible dog attacks is fencing, and that fencing needs to be secure on all sides. Good fencing is critical to the goats' safety.

    Tips for Keeping Your Goats Safe

    • Secure fencing and livestock guard dogs will keep your goats much safer.

      If you plan to have goats as part of your life, ensure secure fencing, keep any companion canine you currently have completely away from your goats, and consider getting a livestock guard dog.