Fierce sheepdogs raise worries

Turkish sheepdogs prized for their fierceness are raising concerns that they may be a little too tough for the southwest Colorado communities where ranchers are using them. The Akbash dogs weigh up to 120 pounds and are especially aggressive toward animals near the sheep they guard. That can include hikers and backcountry visitors — and some people are concerned that they are scaring away tourists. "We've had a lot of heat over these dogs," said Mayor Terry Kerwin. Hikers and bicyclists in the Little Molas Lake area have reported that the sheepdogs intimidate them. The dogs snarl and, according to some reports, chase them. A number of ranchers graze sheep, under guard of herders and dogs, on public lands in the summer and fall. "We cut our loss to predators by 60 to 70 percent when we introduced dogs," said Republican state Rep. J. Paul Brown of Ignacio. He said he has been around sheep for 40 years. AP