Breeding Candidate Puppy Program
Most of our puppies go on spay/neuter contracts on Limited Registration. We will consider breeding placements in homes that are aligned with our values and beliefs about best practices for managing, training and breeding LGD's, whether these are experienced Maremma breeders or those who are interested in becoming breeders. When considering placing a puppy in a breeding candidate home we will look at such things as the potential buyer's experience level with the breed (or similar breeds), their preferred training methods and past experience (if any) in training and breeding LGD’s, their reasons for wanting to breed Maremmas, their willingness and commitment to educate themselves on topics that will make them a good Maremma owner, trainer and breeder, and more. For brand new breeders we have some suggestions (as well as a few requirements) for resources we feel will help them succeed as breeders, which are listed further below.
The Terms of Our Breeding Contract are as Follows:
- All puppies will be sold with Limited Registration papers initially. No puppy leaves here with Full Registration, no matter who the buyer is. These papers may be changed to Full Registration at a later date, after all the requirements have been met by both the dog and the owner. The owner will be responsible for the processing fee to update the registration certificate.
- PPF will select a puppy that we feel has breeding potential in conformation, temperament and working ability. However, no guarantees can or will be made that the puppy will mature into a breeding quality dog as that is impossible to predict with accuracy at such an early age.
- We do not charge extra for breeding potential puppies, therefore if the puppy does not turn out to be a suitable breeding candidate for any reason or if the owners do not meet the terms of the agreement required to procure breeding rights then no compensation will be given.
- Completion of the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Foundations is required to obtain a breeding placement from us. Taking this course is the most important thing you can do if you want to be successful in training the puppy you buy from us, as well as any future puppies you breed. For those with no prior experience breeding Maremmas the course must be completed before we will consider a breeding placement. Experienced breeders may complete the course at a later date, but the puppy will remain on Limited registration until proof of course completion is provided.
- Rewarding of Breeding Rights is at our sole discretion and is not in any way guaranteed.
Requirements the Dog Must Meet to Obtain Breeding Rights
- The dog must be registered with the MSCA before being bred. Initial registration will be Limited, which may be changed to Full registration once all the other terms are met.
- The dog must be a minimum of two years of age for females or one year of age for males before they are bred for the first time. If a dog is allowed to be bred before reaching this age or before the Limited Registration has been revoked then breeding rights will be forfeited for the life of the dog.
- The dog must have a PennHip score of .41 or better or a permanent OFA score of fair or better. A preliminary OFA score will not be accepted. The registration status of the dog cannot be changed until they have passed their permanent hip evaluations. If the dog is bred before they have had their permanent hip evaluation with a passing score as outlined above then breeding rights will be forfeited for the life of the dog.
- Proof must be given that the dog is a Livestock Guardian dog, successfully living with and guarding livestock, before they are bred. The dog will not be awarded breeding rights if it is a companion dog or estate guardian. It must show a temperament that is trustworthy and safe with livestock to ensure it passes good temperaments on to its offspring.
- Any dog with which the PPF dog is to be bred must be a purebred Maremma Sheepdog, fully registered with the MSCA and must be approved of by PPF before Full Registration is given. The PPF dog may not be bred to an unregistered Maremma Sheepdog or with a dog of any other breed or with any mixed breed dog. Using a PPF Maremma to breed "doodles" or any other "hybrid" is expressly forbidden.
- Any dog with which the LGD is bred must be a successful Livestock Guardian Dog, not a companion Maremma or estate guardian. Proof will be required to show working ability. The intended mate must have a PennHip score of .41 or better. In lieu of a passing PennHip score the intended mate may have a permanent OFA score of fair or better with the stipulation that two dogs with a fair score may not be bred together, as this increases the chances of passing hip dysplasia to the puppies.
- Female dogs should not be overbred, bred too often or produce more litters than is healthy in their lifetime. They should be retired from breeding at a reasonable age and spayed to prevent health problems or accidental matings. The specifics of this will be outlined in the puppy contract.
- Male dogs should be bred selectively to quality MSCA registered bitches who meet the MSCA breed standard.
Requirements the Owner Must Meet to Obtain Breeding Rights
- The BUYER must be and remain a member in good standing with the MSCA.
- The BUYER must sign the MSCA Code of Ethics and adhere to it at all times.
- The BUYER must complete the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Foundations Course before breeding rights are granted.
- The BUYER agrees to use only Positive Reinforcement training methods on their dog and any puppies they produce. No aversive methods or "balanced" training is allowed.
- All puppies whelped or sired by a PPF Maremma Sheepdog must be registered with the MSCA.
- The BUYER agrees that any puppies resulting from the breeding(s) will be placed in caring,
responsible homes where they will work as Livestock Guardian Dogs, unless proven unfit either
in temperament or physical health or condition. - The BUYER will not breed for the pet market, nor sell puppies to pet shops, brokers or dealers.