Welcome to the Prancing Pony Farm Family!
Join our mission and become part of our extended family by welcoming a Prancing Pony Farm Maremma Sheepdog into your heart and home. We're more than just breeders - we care deeply for every puppy we bring into the world and for the people who love and rely on them. We're building a community (a family) of people who love these dogs as much as we do.
Our Mission
Our passion for preserving the Maremma breed drives us here at Prancing Pony Farm. By choosing a Maremma from us, you're not just getting a Livestock Guardian Dog - you're helping safeguard these magnificent dogs' lineage for generations to come.
Join Our Family
As breeders we are dedicated to serving those who love and rely on these magnificent dogs to safeguard what they care about, whether that means their valuable livestock, family, loved ones, or all of the above. Every Prancing Pony Farm Maremma puppy owner becomes part of our family. We take the time to understand your unique needs and ensure that every pup we breed is well-socialized and raised in a loving family farm environment, ready to thrive with you.
Unmatched Support
With Prancing Pony Farm, you're never alone. You'll receive personalized attention, lifelong support, and exclusive access to our community of Maremma owners. Whether you're new to the breed or a seasoned owner, we've got your back every step of the way.
Bring Joy Home
Our Maremmas aren't just Livestock Guardian Dogs - they're beloved family members that bring peace of mind, joy, and endless love. You're opening the door to many years of happiness by welcoming one into your home. We're honored to share this journey with you.
Ready to welcome a Prancing Pony Farm Maremma Sheepdog into your family? Contact us today! We know our dogs are extraordinary, and we can't wait for you to experience the joy they bring.
Ready to welcome a Prancing Pony Farm Maremma Sheepdog into your family? Contact us today! We know our dogs are extraordinary, and we can't wait for you to experience the joy they bring.
Finding a Trustworthy, Loyal Livestock Guardian Dog Isn't Easy
Maremma Sheepdogs are one of the best forms of protection against predators and make devoted family farm dogs. However, not all breeders know how to produce trustworthy, dependable Livestock Guardians and pups that are friendly and safe with people. If you're not careful, you may end up with a dog unsuited for either job. A breeder who neglects socializing their puppies with livestock can make training harder than it should be for the new owners. The dog could endanger or kill the animals it is supposed to guard. But a puppy not well socialized with humans and exposed to various experiences when young could become fearful, aggressive, and untrustworthy with people. What's more, breeders who cut corners on health testing of their breeding dogs can produce dogs with devastating health problems like hip dysplasia, which can cause pain, unexpected vet bills, and affect your dog's ability to do its job and live a comfortable life.
Sadly, many breeders are just looking to make a quick profit, often under the guise of producing "affordable" puppies. Most new Maremma owners don't have the experience to raise and train their dogs to maturity without the support and encouragement an experienced breeder should provide. When problems arise the "affordable puppy" breeder is nowhere to be found. The new owner is left trying to figure things out on their own. Thirty percent of LGDs fail. The primary reason for this is disreputable breeders passing off poor quality, unhealthy and improperly socialized puppies on unsuspecting, uneducated owners and leaving them to fend for themselves once the check is cashed.
Don't be a victim! Don't bring trouble on yourself and don't keep these unethical people in business, allowing them to continue harming innocent dogs and taking advantage of unsuspecting people for profit.
Below are some issues you should watch out for when choosing a breeder:
Sadly, many breeders are just looking to make a quick profit, often under the guise of producing "affordable" puppies. Most new Maremma owners don't have the experience to raise and train their dogs to maturity without the support and encouragement an experienced breeder should provide. When problems arise the "affordable puppy" breeder is nowhere to be found. The new owner is left trying to figure things out on their own. Thirty percent of LGDs fail. The primary reason for this is disreputable breeders passing off poor quality, unhealthy and improperly socialized puppies on unsuspecting, uneducated owners and leaving them to fend for themselves once the check is cashed.
Don't be a victim! Don't bring trouble on yourself and don't keep these unethical people in business, allowing them to continue harming innocent dogs and taking advantage of unsuspecting people for profit.
Below are some issues you should watch out for when choosing a breeder:
- Breeder doesn't do any health testing, particularly no PennHip or OFA testing to screen for Hip Dysplasia.
- The parents of the puppies do not live with and actively guard livestock and may not be from working stock at all.
- The puppies get little to no exposure to livestock while under the breeder's care, making training hard on their future owners.
- Breeder neglects to socialize puppies with people and expose them to novel experiences which may cause fear or agression.
- Breeder has no real knowledge of dog training or behavior and/or uses or recommends aversive training methods.
- Breeder offers little to no ongoing customer support, leaving the owner to figure things out on their own when problems arise.
You, your family and your animals deserve better and we can help!
How Our Breeding Program Ensures Your Success
- Our breeding dogs are dually registered with the Maremma Sheepdog Club of America and the United Kennel Club and come from the best domestic and imported lines available. Our pups come with Limited Registration with the MSCA and/or the UKC. (Full registration is available to qualified homes. Ask for details.)
- Our breeding dogs have all had their hips evaluated by the superior PenHip method and have scores that far exceed the breed average, minimizing the chance that they will pass Hip Dysplasia on to their puppies. They have also been DNA tested to screen for genetic defects. Our dogs' health test results are listed on their individual pages on our website.
- Our breeding dogs are proven working Livestock Guardian Dogs who live full-time with and actively guard our dairy goats and other animals. They are also beloved members of our family. Working ability and safe, reliable temperaments are a top priority in our program. We also breed for dogs that are loyal and affectionate with their human families. In the right homes, with dedicated and educated owners, our puppies can thrive equally well as LGDs, family companions, or a combination of both.
- Our puppies live with and are well-socialized with livestock from birth. We utilize Puppy Culture and Karen Pryor Academy positive reinforcement training methods. We expose our puppies to various people (including children) and novel experiences from birth. This causes our pups to be well-socialized and build resilience and adaptability. Our program capitalizes on the puppies' critical socialization window, maximizing their chances of maturing into successful Livestock Guardians and well-rounded family dogs.
- Raising your Prancing Pony Maremma Sheepdog to maturity is a team effort. We provide a puppy contract with a 2-year written health guarantee and lifetime support for our puppies and their owners. We are always available by phone, text, or email for advice and encouragement. We will be there for you every step of the way!
- If you can't keep your dog for any reason, we offer a no-fault, lifetime satisfaction guarantee and return policy. No Prancing Pony Maremma Sheepdog ever needs to end up in a shelter because we will take it back!
The True Cost of "Affordable" Livestock Guardian Dogs
Some people believe a Livestock Guardian Dog should be cheap and "affordable." They elect to buy an inexpensive dog to save money for other things. We get it. Starting a farm or homestead is expensive. However, a Livestock Guardian Dog is an investment in your livestock's safety and your peace of mind. Many breeders are willing to sell you an "affordable" puppy. But is that a wise use of your money or will that decision come back to haunt you?
Testimonials From Google
To see more testimonials from our Maremma clients you can go to our Testimonials Page or check out Google Reviews
Cynthia Jolicoeur Rood
So what you get when you buy a Maremma puppy from Prancing Pony Farm is a pup with excellent breeding (including all the essential health testing on both the sire’s and dam’s sides), raised with all of the benefits of Puppy culture (which gives puppies confidence when they encounter new experiences) and exposed to livestock from Day 1. That’s a terrific foundation to build upon...I have been immensely impressed with the puppies I purchased from Kim. They are bonding easily with me and my family, with my GSDs and with the livestock (horses, goats and chickens). They are good-natured, affectionate and VERY smart and even at just 5 months old are showing their guardian traits.
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Ashley Wilkes
I just purchased our third puppy from Kim, after buying two puppies from her last year to start our farm. Kim met, and continues to meet the criteria of things that are important to me when looking for a breeder...
We love our dogs that came from Prancing Pony Farm. They were among the first members of the family to join the farm, because we knew the importance of having well-bred LGDs to protect our stock. We have not had a single issue with predators on our farm, and we live in an area with coyotes, bears, foxes, wolves, hawks, etc, etc. They guard sheep, pigs, chickens, guinea fowl, and ducks. |
Violet Qu
The reason I decided to invest in an LGD from Kim is because she sets up her puppies for success as LGDs from the day they are born....I also wanted to vouch for the validity of the puppy lifetime support policy that comes with the sale. Since I’ve brought the puppy home, I have been in daily communication with Kim... I’ve received advice on integrating the pup with my resident LGD, fencing, introducing her to the goats, worming, vaccination, etc...Having purchased my first LGD pup from an oopsie litter from a hobby farm, and now the second pup from Kim, I can see for myself what a difference a well bred, well started pup makes. Kim’s puppies aren’t cheap, but they are such a worthwhile investment!
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Hi, I'm Kim Crawmer, Owner of Prancing Pony Farm
As a dairy goat breeder who relies on my Maremmas for the safety of my goats and other livestock, I understand the importance of reliable Livestock Guardian Dogs. As a breeder and dog trainer, I have the skills and experience necessary to produce LGDs that excel in their protective role while being trustworthy with livestock and friendly with their human families. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and supporting new Maremma owners on their journey to raising and training dependable LGDs and companions. With over 150 Maremmas raised and trained, I have learned what it takes to maximize the potential of these incredible dogs, ensuring they become reliable and cherished members of their new families. I am here to provide the guidance and encouragement first-time Maremma owners need but can't find elsewhere. I can help you create a successful partnership with your wonderful new Maremma Sheepdog!
Get Our Maremma Sheepdog Buyers' GuideThis guide will give you all the important topics you need to consider when choosing a Maremma Puppy.
Buying a Livestock Guardian Dog is a serious undertaking. More is at stake than would be if it were only a companion dog you were shopping for. Choosing the wrong breeder and puppy can have devastating consequences. This guide will make it super easy for you to maximize your chances of success and ensure you get the best LGD possible to guard your valuable livestock.
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Prancing Pony Maremma Puppies Learning Their Jobs!
Our pups love their goats!
Training Puppies is Child's Play
Oliver the Excellent Chicken Guardian!
Oliver is a dog from our very first litter, born in 2017. Oliver is an outstanding Livestock Guardian Dog and a beloved family companion.
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