It was on 18 June 2005 that Grupo Lobo delivered its hundredth livestock guardian dog. This is a significant milestone, as it proves the success of the action that Grupo Lobo has been developing since 1996. Indeed, the acceptance of guardian dogs has been growing, as has the number of dogs requested by livestock farmers, as a result of the effectiveness of the specimens already placed. The dogs have mainly been integrated into small ruminant flocks in the districts of Vila Real, Viseu and Guarda. The support provided to livestock farmers, in terms of providing food and veterinary care until the dogs reach maturity, has contributed greatly to reducing the mortality rate, which currently stands at 25%. Of the total 126 dogs delivered to date, 65 belong to the Castro Laboreiro Dog breed and 40 to the short‑haired variety of the Serra da Estrela Dog. The Good‑Excellent effectiveness rating of 90% of the dogs delivered is an indicator of the success achieved.
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