A ranch owner shared the aftermath of a coyote attack, revealing her guardian dogs covered in blood after defending their herd of goats.
Sierra Conder (@sierra_conderranch), the owner of a ranch in Northern California, was going to do her daily check on the herd when she saw her dogs, Jeff, a 5-year-old Great Pyrenees/Akbash, and Freya, a 1-year-old Anatolian Shepherd/Akbash, with blood all over their faces. The discovery garnered 120,500 likes and 1.9 million views on TikTok.
"Not a scratch on them, but something is bleeding," Conder wrote as the text overlaying the video.
"I knew there had been a battle with a predator. Coyotes run in large packs around our parts. I went and checked the dogs thoroughly for any wounds, but they did not even have a scratch. The blood was most definitely not theirs," Conder told Newsweek.
In the video, Conder shared the dogs lying proudly, guarding their livestock.
Livestock guardian dogs are a special category of working dogs bred to protect livestock from predators such as wolves, coyotes, and bears. These dogs are known for their size, strength, and protective instincts, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Breeds like the Great Pyrenees, Akbash, and Anatolian Shepherd are commonly used for this purpose. Guardian dogs are typically raised with the herd from a young age to develop a strong bond and sense of responsibility for the animals they protect.
The guardian dogs cover 400 acres of land at Conder Ranch, protecting a herd of 150 goats. According to their mom, Jeff takes his job extremely seriously, and protecting the goats is his number one priority.
"He does not like people and will not let anyone touch him or near him, except me. But with that said, he is the most smiley, happy dog and loves to cuddle with me. He was actually a free dog someone needed to get rid of after a divorce, and I almost didn't take him. But he was the best decision we made," she said.
She explained Freya is the largest but sweetest dog who loves attention.
"[She] will make it known that you must pet her. She is a very jealous girl too and will not stand for anyone else to get the attention," she added.
They also have another working dog who was not featured in the video, Thor, an Akbash/Great Pyrenees, who was likely patrolling the fence lines.
"They spend their lives staying close to the herd and protecting them from any predator that may come along and do so very happily. They love their job; they instinctively stay with the herd wherever they go, or the herd follows the dogs around after the dogs have made sure the next area is safe," Conder added.
TikTok users were impressed by the dogs' dedication and bravery.
"Extra and extra and extra treats today for a job well done," said one viewer.
"I was in the middle of nowhere in Wyoming doing a pipeline job. One of those big boys dropped off a wolf's head at my feet and looked up at me, then walked off. My jaw was on the floor for a few hours," said another user.
"Threat neutralized, we're all good here!" joked one viewer. "Our Pyrenees, on the other hand, goes on walkabouts rather than staying close. Some have it, and others are better house dogs."
Conder concluded: "They are honestly just the best and have two very different sides. Fierce protectors and fierce love for their human family and goat family."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@newsweek.com and they could appear on our site.
English (US) ·