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The LoveTree Livestock Guardian Dogs (LLGDs) are the direct result of our deliberate effort to create a reliable guardian for the varied livestock (including poultry) on farms and ranches in our predator intense region.

While traveling through Spain in 1998 visiting with farmstead cheesemakers, we had the fortunate opportunity to also become acquainted with their working flock guardians, the Spanish Ranch Mastiffs. These dogs were similar in appearance and temperament to our dogs,(Maremma X  Tatra crosses ) with the exception that they were much heavier bone mass, carried more height and came in different colors other than white. We were extremely impressed with their calm demeanor and with their ability to move over large distances very quickly.  In 2003 we returned to Spain and   picked out Spanish Ranch Mastiff pups from working bloodlines to bring   back to our region to cross with our Tara/Maremma LGDs.

The result of this breeding is a very mellow dog that is relaxed and confident in his/ her strength but is very trustworthy around family members and friends. These bloodlines have been selected these bloodlines for their amiable traits around humans by dairy shepherds for the past two thousand years, although they are extremely gentle around family and friends, they present a mighty fortress of protection when challenged by strangers and predators.  The Polish Tatra, the Italian Maremma and the Spanish Ranch Mastiffs all share  the similar “tight” flock guarding style. This guarding style is very desirable if you live in a more heavily populated area and don’t want a dog that ranges outside of its territory. Our dogs have the reputation for being very territorial and maintaining their boundaries, but even after having said that, we recommend parcels of land for livestock operations of 10 acres or more to ensure success with the guardian dogs since they are large beasts that need to be able to romp and play in order to exercise and maintain proper muscle development.

These dogs are great livestock protectors and are very keen on guarding the flock, however, we do not recommend them for any “absent owner “ range style operations since they do thrive when given occasional affection from their owners.

Pups with poultry

For more info on the LoveTree Livestock Guardian Dogs, please contact:

Mary Falk ph. 715 488 2966

maryf@lovetreefarm.com