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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 dogs. However, not all breeders know how to produce trustworthy, dependable Livestock Guardians 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 makes training harder than it should be. The dog could hurt or kill the animals it is supposed to guard. But a puppy not well socialized with humans could become fearful and aggressive. Breeders who neglect health testing their breeding dogs may produce puppies with devastating health problems, which can cause pain and unexpected vet bills and affect your dog's ability to do its job. 

Sadly, many breeders are just looking to make a quick and easy profit, often under the guise of producing "affordable" puppies. New Maremmas owners don't have the experience to raise and train their puppies to maturity without the support an experienced breeder should provide. When problems arise, the "affordable puppy" breeder is nowhere to be found, leaving the new owner in a bind.

​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 & Elbow 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 knowledge of dog training or behavior and/or uses or recommends aversive tools instead of real training.
  • Breeder offers little to no ongoing customer support, leaving the owner to figure things out on their own when problems arise.
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You, your family and your animals deserve better and we can help!

How Our Breeding Program Ensures Your Success

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  • Our breeding dogs are registered with the  MSCA and the UKC and come from the best bloodlines available. 
  • Our breeding dogs are PennHip and OFA tested for hip and elbow dysplasia and DNA tested to screen for genetic defects. This minimizes the chance they will pass debilitating health problems on to their puppies. 
  • ​Our breeding dogs are proven working LGDs who live full-time with and actively guard our dairy goats and other animals.
  • Our program's top priority is working ability and safe, reliable temperaments. Our puppies thrive equally well as LGDs, family companions, or a combination of these.
  • Our puppies live with and are well-socialized with livestock from birth. We utilize Puppy Culture and Karen Pryor Academy's positive reinforcement training methods. We expose our puppies to various people (including children) and experiences from birth. This produces well-socialized, resilient LGDs and 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, training services, and encouragement. We will be there for you every step of the way! 
  • Our free support and training services even extend to Maremmas or other LGDs you aquired elsewhere. As long as you own one at least one of our Maremmas we are happy to advise and help you with ALL of your dogs.
  • 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 prioritize a low price over other traits when it comes to choosing a Livestock Guardian Dog. 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 that low price usually means they cut corners in important areas. The decision to buy from such a breeder may come back to haunt you.

What Our Clients Say

Mayra in Missouri - Chloe, Cooper, Cedar, Chico & Kimmie
​and a lot of goats, too!

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 the owner of a companion Maremma, I also understand the unique needs of companion Maremma owners. 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 you need and to help you create a successful partnership with your wonderful new Maremma Sheepdog!

Want to Stay in the Loop?

Sign up for our email newsletter, and we’ll keep you posted on upcoming litters and available dogs! Our email list members are always the first to know and get first dibs on available dogs. We also send out helpful Maremma Sheepdog care and training articles and links to resources we find helpful.

Step 1

Fill out our contact form below so that we can send you information on our breeding program. 
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​This puts you into our Customer Management Software. This way, we can send you our puppy application and information about our program and available Maremmas. We will also answer any questions and help you decide if one of our Maremmas is right for you.

Step 2

Once you are in our CRM, we will send you our puppy application to fill out.

​This differs from the contact form and gives us more detailed information about your family and your needs and desires for a Maremma. It also gives us your contact info for registration paperwork, the microchip, and other paperwork for your dog.

We can schedule a phone call if you like once you've filled out our Puppy Application.

Step 3

When you're ready to reserve your pup, you will pay the non-refundable reservation fee via GoodDog's secure payment system.

​Then, we will guide you through the rest of the process, including the puppy contract and health guarantee, shipping or pick-up arrangements, medical records, preparing for your puppy, and ongoing support after you take home your Prancing Pony Farm Maremma

Buying a Maremma Sheepdog From us is Easy!

​Our fantastic customer service doesn't end once you take your puppy home. We will be there to support and encourage you for the life of your dog! Whether you need training advice, have questions about health and grooming, or anything related to your dog, we are always just a phone call, text, or email away. And if you can no longer keep your dog for any reason, we will take them back or help you find them a new home!

​"Above the arch there was a lamp, and beneath it swung a large signboard: a fat white pony reared up on its hind legs. Over the door was painted in white letters:
​The Prancing Pony by Barliman Butterbur."
~ from The Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings.

We are located in Lemoore, California.
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