The Decision to have Livestock Guardian Dogs

These are pure, loyal working dogs that protect our herd of alpacas. We have found the question of whether to employ these animals can be very controversial. For us, we wouldn't have it any other way.

If you are considering owning guardian dogs, please do your research prior to locating a responsible breeder. The decision to use them is a serious one and requires dedication and training. Let's just say that this is a choice that needs to be made by first educating yourself about the breed.

Get to know the personality, requirements and unique make-up of these intelligent, devoted and diligent protectors. Make sure they are right for you and your farm before taking them into your life. For us on a personal level of experience, they have been an indispensable blessing and a true gift.The Maremma are certainly not the type dogs that will chase balls or jog with you on the beach. They don't have time for that nonsense (you can imagine them thinking to themselves) and take their work very seriously.

For further information about maremmas, follow this link.

The maremma dogs checking out and identifying a new member of the herd to protect

Maremma Guard Dog

What are Maremmas Like?

A Maremma is a livestock guardian dog. These loyal animals were originally bred in Italy for centuries where they protected large herds of sheep both in the mountainous regions, and all the way to the plains. There are other old world breeds that have a similar temperament to the Maremma. They include the Great Pyrenees in France, the Anatolian (Turkey) Akbash, and the Tibetan Mastiff in Nepal and Tibet. Originally the Maremma lived both day and night side by side with their flocks protecting them from any predator including frequent life-and-death battles with wolves. The Maremma will surrender its own life for the herd, without hesitation.

Ellen with the maremma guard dogs