Results

Integrated Dogs

Since its inception, this line of action has supported more than 380 livestock breeders and the integration, into herds of goats and/or sheep or herds of cows, of more than 690 puppies belonging to the Serra da Estrela Dog breeds, in both short‑haired and long‑haired varieties, Castro Laboreiro Dog, Transmontano Cattle Dog and Alentejo Mastiff, as well as their monitoring and evaluation.

Of the integrated dogs, approximately 55% are male and 45% are female, mostly belonging to the Serra da Estrela Dog breed (with approximately 340 dogs, mostly short‑haired) and the Castro Laboreiro Dog breed (with more than 280 dogs).

Mortality

Livestock guardian dogs, as very particular working dogs, are subject to a large number of dangers (in addition to diseases), such as being run over, shot, trapped, poisoned, or even attacked by wolves (although in this case the number of situations is very small, considering the constant presence of the dogs in wolf territory). These dangers result in a mortality rate of over 40% in the first 2 years of life, although some have managed to live beyond 12 years of age.

The mortality rate obtained is low when compared to that recorded in other projects in the United States of America. In a 6‑year period, in which 449 dogs were integrated, a mortality rate of 50% was recorded before 18 or 38 months of age, depending on the type of farm (Lorenz et al., 1986). In another study with 100 dogs, a mortality rate of 39% was reported in the first two years and 6.3% for the following years (Green et al., 1994).

Assessment

The evaluation carried out concluded that integrated livestock guardian dogs exhibit a very high level of efficiency. According to 90 participating livestock farmers, the presence of the dogs reduced losses caused by wolves in 74% of cases, with the recorded decrease varying between 13% and 100% (Ribeiro & Petrucci‑Fonseca, 2005).

The behavior exhibited by the majority of integrated dogs (>90%) is rated by technicians and owners as Very Good or Excellent (Ribeiro & Petrucci‑Fonseca, 2005).

The participating livestock breeders are generally very satisfied with their dogs, rating their performance as Very Good or even Excellent, and frequently requesting more dogs for their herds.