I live on 5 acres and am planning on getting some goats and donkeys. I am wondering what is a good breed that can guard us and our animals. I already have a choc lab/pit mix,7, female who is terrified of her own shadow and has never been dog or human aggressive. A tibetan spanial mix, 12, female who will probably die within a month and four cats, all raised around dogs. Anyone one know of a certain breed(s) that might work? We are planning on going to the shelter to look for dog to replace the little one who is dying.
thanks.

If the dog is going to be guarding and living around the livestock, then you will want to go with a larger herding dog, such as an Australian Cattle dog mix, or the good old standby, the Border Collie. They are more useful for moving animals, but I have been told that they make good all-around farm dogs. If you are looking for a dog to just watch over everything, I have heard good things about the Kuvasz. They are quite large (similar in size to a Great Pyrenees) and have an instinct to protect their family without being vicious. Like the Great Pyrenees, they have been used as a kind of watchful guardian for flocks of sheep, since they come to think of the people and livestock under their charge as their pack. With as much space as you have, exercise shouldnt be an issue. They also tend to have shorter hair than similar breeds, which means less time grooming and more time doing other things. Still, regular brushing, nail trimming, and bathing are a must.

yeah, i was going to mention the Kuvasz, as well, however they are more the guardian rather than the herder....and they would be alot harder to find at the shelters...rescues maybe?.....how about the Rottie?....they were originally bred as drover dogs and do quite well w/ herding sometimes....plus you have your guard dog as well.....i would have one tested for the herding first if that is a high priority.....(and just so you know, in case you don't, donkeys don't herd so good, kinda like horses, they don't like dogs trying to move them...)