Dogs Serve as Essential Companions and Guardians for Herders in Remote Mountain Regions

Myagdi. Him Bahadur Chhantyal of Malkwang, Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-5, Myagdi, has five dogs in his herd. Chhantyal, 50, who returned after working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for twenty years, has raised 'Bhotey dogs' to protect the 600 sheep and goats on his farm.

"For farmers who spend months in herds in dense forests, high mountains, and difficult terrain, dogs are not just domestic animals, but reliable companions and security guards," said Chhantyal. "Dogs have been assisting herders in caring for hundreds of livestock and protecting them from attacks by wild animals."