Mar
09
hunting instincts?
Byi have a ridgeback/mastiff x (Massback? no! MUTT). a few days ago i spotted a mountain lion (cougar?) a few miles from my house. and i got to thinking about my Rocky. ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt lions and i’m wondering what the odds are that Rocky would go after a big cat if he scented one? i’ve seen him stalk neighbors chickens and stray dogs when they trespass. and he stops if i tell him to or he reaches the yard boundary. but how likely is it that he’ll go after a cat intinctually? he was at one time being trained as a fighting dog (fight free for 2 yrs) and i don’t know if that’ll make a difference. what are you’re thoughts on this?
7 Comments
March 9th, 2010 at 10:51 am
I think it would get scared, it’s not a chicken it’s a moutain lion.
March 9th, 2010 at 11:39 am
Hmmm…well, since dogs have been domesticated for YEARS, i dont think much of the hunting instinct is there anymore, but i could be wrong. just a thought.
March 9th, 2010 at 11:47 am
i know ridgebacks were bred to hunt lions ( i have a ridgeback lab mix ….we think) Ours only hunts animals that are smaller than her …although we dont have mountain lions where I live, but we do have deer, and she just barks at them. I would think that instict would tell your pup not to go after something larger than him. Ridgebacks were bred to hunt lions for people..not for themselves, not to survive, so I don’t think that your dog would even think to hunt one.
March 9th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
he is already showing signs of the hunting breed in him when he stalks the chickens.if you are in an enclosed area it’s not likely(to go after a big cat) as they (ridgebacks )still have to be introduced to hunting to actually know what to do and the ridgeback who now has been diluted with mastiff won’t have 100% hunting instinct.just try to keep him close to home and don’t go walking in the woods by yourself or with your dog the big cat is too close to home you may also want to call your local game warden of a big cat sighting.
March 9th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
How likely? Hard for anyone to say, but I would DEFINITELY be wary if I were you! Keep him contained and on a long lead when your walking your ‘StiffBack’ lol.
{{…*Spontania*…}}
March 9th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
i have a papillon that hunts rabbits and birds. she will actually stalk like a trained bird dog, freezing with the paw up. but this is in her yard.
i would watch yours closely since it seems to like to stalk. maybe report that a lion was seen in area and see if they will remove it.
March 9th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
I think you already have your answer M….I wouln’t risk it,