Le Patou

Be on your best countryside behaviour

The strong increase of wandering dogs, the reinforcement of bear's population, the return of lynxes and wolves to the mountains of France, and the damage caused by small wild fauna, has prompted a revival of the traditional practice of using dogs to guard the flocks. These dogs are born and raised in the sheepfold, and form strong social and affectionate bonds with the sheep. Their natural instinct is therefore to defend them. As soon as a guarding-dog (also called "pastou") scents danger, he places himself betwwn the flock and the intruder and barks a warning. If the intruder to heed that warning, the dog may be provoked to attack.