At the time of its publication, the most recent Governance, Public Safety, and Justice Survey, released in late August this year, reported that there were an estimated 1,4 million house break-ins in South Africa in 2021/22. It also stated that approximately 205 000 incidences of home robberies occurred during the same period.
Furthermore, statistics show that the homes of people who own large guard dogs are less likely to be broken into.
On farms, dogs serve many purposes: they make wonderful family pets, they can be used for personal protection, they guard the property and livestock, and they can also be used for herding purposes.
WHICH BREED TO CHOOSE?
Before choosing a dog, there any many things to consider. As valuable as they can be, if the wrong dog is selected for your particular setting and isn't given the proper training for the specific task, things could turn out badly, warns Dr Elize van Vollenhoven, senior lecturer of ethology (animal behaviour), law and ethics at the University of Pretoria's Veterinary Faculty.
Van Vollenhoven subspecialised in animalwelfare science, law and ethics at the European College of Animal Welfare and Behaviour; specialised in veterinary animal welfare and behaviour in South Africa; and is a certified canine-rehabilitation practitioner.
“The answer to the question of which dog is best for your home or farm depends largely on your preference. You must like the dog you choose and be able to form an emotional bond with it.
“In most cases, if a dog perceives itself to be part of the family, such a dog will automatically guard and protect the family,” she says. Van Vollenhoven recommends obtaining as much information as possible about the various dog breeds available, as certain breeds are more suited to certain tasks than others are. For example, some breeds make excellent guard dogs or faithful companions, while others are exceptional ratters or dutiful herders. In addition, some are calm and relaxed, while others are highly energetic.
“All dogs have certain traits in common; use
