Fierce sheepdogs alarming tourists in SW Colorado

AP via Freedom Communications, Inc. ^ | January 29, 2012 | staff reporter

[Daffynition]

SILVERTON — Turkish sheepdogs prized for their fierceness are raising concerns they may be a little too tough for the southwest Colorado communities where ranchers are using them.

The Akbash dogs weigh up to 120 pounds and are especially aggressive toward animals near the sheep they guard. But that can include hikers and other backcountry tourists, prompting debate about whether the breed should be regulated.

The Durango Herald reports that Silverton town trustees met last week to discuss Akbash conflictsU.S. Forest Service officials, sheepherders and outdoors enthusiasts have also entered the debate over regulations surrounding the use of the breed.

[Daffynition]

[Daffynition]

Big dog ping.

[Joe the Pimpernel]

Move someplace to get away from the rat race, then demand that the place you moved to change to be more like where you came from.

Ignorant.

[Leroy S. Mort]

Yikes!

[ibytoohi]

They obviously mistook the tourists for democrats and tried to get them to join the rest of the herd.

[RWGinger]

I can see both sides. If someone is coming toward me there is no way to know their intent so I understand the dog’s caution
BUT this is public lands .

I think the dogs lose on this one
but they are great looking dogs and do their job well

[WayneS]

What could these ‘back-country tourists’ be trying to do to the sheep that’s getting the dogs so riled up? I mean, after all, they ARE from Turkey — I’m sure they’ve seen some things in their time...

[Vigilanteman]

Yep. Damn hippies think Akbashes should be regulated and coyotes should be protected. Let them regulate coyotes instead.

[riverrunner]

We are talking public lands here. Your dog needs to be under control. I well trained dog should be able to tell differants between a animal and a human.

I am sure an overly aggressive dog can be taken care of the same way as a bear, Mt lion ect.

If they are going to bite me I have a cure for that.

[Gaffer]

First question I have is if these ‘tourists’ are hiking on public or private land. Second question I have for the ‘tourists’ is “why do you think that the sheep owners need these dogs?” “Could it be because of wolves and coyotes that the federal government has protected and reintroduced into this area?”. Lastly, I’d like to tell them to go the hell home and complain about the feral cats in their own hometown.

[dfwgator]

They only alarm between 8AM and 5 PM

"Mornin' Sam"

"Mornin' Ralph."

[Daffynition]

Add to the mix *open range laws*, government agencies = a mess.

[Paladin2]

They look like real sweethearts:

[Paladin2]

(Like a small Polar Bear).

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[Baynative]

"Move someplace to get away from the rat race, then demand that the place you moved to change to be more like where you came from."

LIBERALISM defined!

[tumblindice]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MgpRBYIEuw&feature=related

[Paladin2]

"The Akbash personality tends to be calm and aware. As a breed, it is not shy, nor is it aggressive. When used as a protection dog, it is suspicious of strangers in its territory, and unusual sounds and changes in its environment. The breed is not naturally hostile, and is, instead, naturally discerning, bred to think independently. The Akbash can be powerful against predators, yet, when properly exposed, be gentle with newborn lambs and goat kids. The usual first means of protection by an Akbash is prudently warning potential threats by barking or growling. The Akbash will chase away a predator, or physically protect against it, only if it deems that wise and necessary."

Sounds like a good dog to have in areas with active SWAT teams.

[Daffynition]

Like a Great Pyrenees on 'roids. :)

[Daffynition]

It’s somewhat ironic that a breed like this would come from a Muslim nation that without exception, hates/fears dogs.