I don't think our Lab would have ever protected us or the other animals in the house. We always said he would have helped a thief out the door with all our belongings! He was just such a friendly, loving dog. Our Collie on the other hand scared quite a few visitors back off the porch when they approached the house! She was very protective but was fine once she was told the person was alright and we let them in. (After we convinced the people that she was really friendly!)
Herding dogs are much more protective than most hunting dogs in my opinion. But that is what herding dogs are bred for. They do have to be trained to know what they are protecting and tend to look for things to herd. I had to bring our Collie in when the kids were playing football in the backyard because she would try to herd the kids around. They did not appreciate her refereeing their game! One may want to actually try herding your Yorkies!
It would be a hard decision for me to make. Like gemy said it is not a fool proof solution for protection of your smaller dogs. I live out in the country in a very forested area. I really have never had a problem with the wild life but I keep Gracie on a close leash when we walk and stay pretty close to her when we are in the backyard. Really the big prey birds are the biggest threat here and I don't think a big dog would be much help against a bird attack. They strike fast and seemingly out of no where. |