[pyrnet] LGDs breeding to Predators

Joe, having not been present during those years that Pyrs were used by the shepherds in the Pyrenees, I can but offer my thoughts on this. Perhaps you are correct in that the bitch in season was removed from the mix. I.E. Left at or taken back to the home while the shepherds and other dogs remained with the flocks. But, if the shepherds used many dogs (big IF, I know) would they not follow pack behavior in that only the dominant male would do the breeding? Without human interference that is to say. Just a thought. Several years ago I attended a seminar in which a study on feral dog behavior was presented. It was VERY interesting. It was presented in the protion on bitches in whelp and why their instincts tell them to move their den and how this can benefit the pups emotional well being. However, a very interesting thing was brought to light. These feral dogs behaved much the same as packs of wolves in that only the strongest and most dominant were allowed to breed.