Re: [pyrnet] LGDs breeding to Predators

[JGentzel@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/25/01 3:17:10 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
bamb@monmouth.com writes:


> 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. 


Good thought.  I really have no idea.  I suspect there were more than one dog 
(dog used here to denote an animal as opposed to male).  At least some point 
in time most recently, many sheep from multiple owners were pastured together 
in a type of cooperative.  There was a shepherd paid by some group to do his 
work and probably had multiple dogs.  All assumptions, but if Pyrs will breed 
with Wolves in season, the human part of the team must have been involved.  

Kerry in the West is it Coyotes and wolves that Pyrs will breed with or is it 
more common with Coyotes?  I know there are not a lot of wolves, but in those 
few areas where they are protected, will a Pyr male breed a wolf female in 
season? Are there confirmed instances of Pyrs breeding with Coyotes or is it 
other breeds or not known?

Joe