Cat Urbigkit
Like other livestock in the Rocky Mountains, sheep need protection fromÂ predators, such as coyotes and wolves. Guardian dogs help ranchers protect their flocks. But they are not the typical herding dogs, and they are not native to the region. The breeds were imported from Europe, where they have beenÂ guarding livestock for thousands of years.Â AsÂ puppies, they are placed in fleece and learn to identify with theÂ smell of sheep. It isn't long before they meet their first sheep and mingle with the flock. With little training, the dogs instinctively know that their job is toÂ keepÂ a lookoutÂ for danger andÂ now and thenÂ do some babysitting.Â Â Cat Urbigkit's engaging photo-essay shows how guardian dogs form a bond with the sheep that lasts throughout the dogs' life.
Nonfiction,Animals,Dogs,Childrens,European Literature,Spanish Literature,Childrens,Picture Books
Brave Dogs, Gentle Dogs: How They Guard Sheep