AKC registered Great Pyrenees are wonderful livestock guardian dogs and family pets

In the early days of our farm we lost a lot of chickens to foxes, especially hungry mamas in the spring who were very bold and not scared of people. We lost all but two of our first flock of ducks to a pack of coyotes in a matter of seconds. I have also heard bobcats in the area and neighbors have seen black bears on occasion. A pair of eagles nests about a mile away by the river every spring. The hawks sometimes circle the sky over our chickens or sit in trees around our perimeter for days on end, hoping the dogs will let down their guard.

Since we began having our Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dogs roaming the property, we have rarely lost any birds to predators. Our Pyrenees are protective and very loving and learn to watch over any animal that we introduce to them and show them is ours to take care of, which now also includes mini-cattle, sheep, pigs and turkeys!

Great Pyrenees are wonderful family pets. Our dogs are gentle with and tolerant of children. When bonded to their humans, they will protect them as well as livestock. For example, if I go out after dark, the dogs escort me and take up positions around me and when the kids are playing outside, one of the dogs always takes up the job of being nearby to watch over them.

Having our livestock guardian dogs has completed our farm and given us the freedom to raise a variety of animals without fear of constant predator loss. We can even enjoy outings without racing against sunset to get home and lock the chicken coops (we actually don’t lock the coops at all anymore so the birds can forage as early and late as they chose to).

We hope to contribute to the future of the Great Pyrenees breed, and help ensure that these amazing dogs are available to farms and families who can partner with them and their unique abilities. We love to talk about Pyrs, so feel free to get in touch with any questions you have!

How We Raise Our Dogs

Life on the Farm

Our dogs live outdoors, within the safety of a perimeter fence, guarding all of our animals, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, guineas, mini cattle, sheep, goats and our pet pig.

They spend time with the family every day, including children. They are loved deeply, fulfilled with meaningful work and fed with their optimal health and longevity as our top priority.

Naturally Reared

We strive to feed our dogs an optimal, species-appropriate diet, just as we do for ourselves and all of our animals. Our dogs are fed a natural diet of meat, organs and bones. We also include a variety of herbs and natural supplements. When needed we use homeopathic remedies and essential oils to support their well being.

We originally included more vegetables and fruit in our dogs’ meals, but have shifted more toward a prey-model diet as we observed our dogs.

Sourcing fresh meat from a local butcher and utilizing pieces that aren’t in high demand, such as chicken backs and beef heart, means it costs approximately $2 per pound to feed our dogs real food that is optimal for their health.