Last Updated on October 30, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Prancing Pony Farm Maremma Sheepdogs
Protect Whatever You Love Without Worry and Stress
Get a reliable Maremma Livestock Guardian Dog that protects your livestock, pets, family or whatever you love—so you can enjoy your life without constant worry about predators.
You Shouldn't Have to Choose Between Your Dreams and Your Peace of Mind
You wanted the joy of fresh eggs, goat milk, and that connection to the land. But predator threats, unreliable dogs, and conflicting advice can turn your farm dream into a constant worry. Your animals aren't just livestock—they're part of your family's lifestyle and values.


Your Solution: A Livestock Guardian Dog That Fits Your Real Life
Our Maremmas protect your valuable and beloved animals while fitting into your busy family schedule. No 24/7 farm management required—just reliable protection that lets you enjoy the life you wanted.
We're One of the Few Maremma Breeders Who Openly Places Our Dogs in Companion Homes.
Some breeders refuse to sell to pet homes, do it on the down-low or only place their "failed" LGDs as companions. We proudly breed dogs that excel as both working LGDs and companions. One type of home isn't better than the other, just different. If you're picturing a Maremma as devoted protector for your children, a hiking buddy or a snuggle-buddy while you binge-watch Netflix, this is worth a read.
An Introduction to Maremma Sheepdogs and LGDS
What actually makes a great livestock guardian dog? In this conversation with Bulldog Social Club, I break down what the Maremma breed is built for, set to a video slideshow of the dogs themselves. Give it a listen.
Watch My Interview On The Honest Dog Breeder
Ethical breeding isn't just a buzzword — it's a set of hard decisions made long before a litter is ever planned. In this conversation with Julie, I talk honestly about what that actually looks like in practice. Watch it here.
🎉 Introducing Maremmas Made Easy
A new membership for anyone who wants real support with a Maremma — or any livestock guardian dog. Live Q&A calls, a real community, and guidance from a KPA Certified Training Partner and Licensed Family Dog Mediator who's placed 200+ Maremmas. Free for Prancing Pony Farm puppy families; open to everyone else at founding-member pricing.
Real Stories, Real Results
When Sarah contacted me from Hawaii wanting one of my Maremma puppies, most people would have said it was too complicated. Six months of paperwork, strict quarantine requirements, and 2,500 miles between us—it seemed impossible.
But when you find the right breeder and the right dog, "impossible" is just another word for "worth it."
Follow Caia's journey from California farm to Hawaiian paradise, and see what proper socialization, ongoing breeder support, and committed owners can create together.
Don't Settle for an "Affordable" Livestock Guardian Dog
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.
Learn why cutting corners on your livestock guardian dog could cost you more in heartbreak and expenses than you ever imagined.

Your Breeder Shouldn't Disappear After Pickup
My support starts the day you reserve and lasts your dog's whole life. Free consultation calls, quick texts, and real answers, for as long as you have a Prancing Pony Maremma.
See what lifetime support looks like →
Why Busy Families Choose Our Maremmas

Health-Tested for Peace of Mind
Minimizes the chance of surprise vet bills interrupting your family budget or heartbreak from losing a dog you've grown attached to.

Proven with Animals and People
Our puppies live with chickens, goats, and family pets and are socialized with adults and children, ensuring they will fit into your unique family.

Support That Fits Your Schedule
Phone consultations that fit around work and family commitments. Email and text support when you need quick answers.
Wondering if a Maremma is the right LGD for you?
Book a 1-on-1 consultation with Kim — and if you reserve within 30 days, your consultation fee is credited toward your Prancing Pony Maremma.
I Waited 50 Years for My Farm Dream—And Almost Lost It to Predators
From the time I was a little girl, I dreamed of having a farm. But my husband's Navy career meant constant moves, and that dream stayed just out of reach for 50 years.
When we finally bought our farm in California at 50, I quickly discovered a harsh reality: predators were everywhere, and theft was a real concern. I knew we would need Livestock Guardian Dogs to protect our goats and other animals.
My first Maremma, Olaf, changed everything. Suddenly, I could sleep peacefully. I could actually enjoy my homestead life instead of spending it anxious about the next attack.
That first dog was soon joined by a second Maremma, and I realized I wasn't just protecting animals—I was protecting my lifelong dream.
I breed because I know what my dogs have made possible for me. They gave me the peace of mind to actually live my dream instead of just worrying about losing it. And I want to share that gift with other families pursuing their own homestead dreams.

The Vital Element You Need That No Other Maremma Breeder Offers
You're about to invest thousands in a livestock guardian dog. The problem? Facebook tells you 20 different things. YouTube contradicts itself. TikTok is entertaining but useless.
The result? Confusion, overwhelm, and a 30% failure rate.
Here's what's different: I was you. I had decades of dog experience and still ended up scared of my own Maremma because of conflicting advice.
So I became a certified professional trainer - not to train other people's dogs, but to make sure my puppies succeed and my customers never feel that fear.
When you get a puppy from Prancing Pony Farm:
- ✓ Health-tested genetics (minimizing the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia that cripples 30% of working dogs)
- ✓ Professional livestock and human socialization from birth (not Facebook advice)
- ✓ Lifetime expert support (not 20 conflicting opinions)
- ✓ Confidence at every stage (not constant second-guessing)"
Ready to Bring Home the perfect Livestock Guardian Dog? Apply below.
Your Dog's Safety Net for Life
What happens when life throws you a curveball?
Job transfers, health crises, farm sales, family changes - life doesn't ask permission before it disrupts your plans. While other breeders disappear after the sale, we believe ethical breeding means taking responsibility for every dog we bring into the world.
That's why every Prancing Pony Farm Maremma comes with our Lifetime No-Fault Return Policy.
If you ever cannot keep your dog for any reason - at any age, for any circumstance - we will either take them back or help find them an appropriate new home. No judgment, no guilt trips, no questions asked.
Because livestock guardian dogs don't adapt to new homes like pets do, we use our expertise and network to ensure proper placement. Some dogs have even retired here permanently rather than face the stress of multiple moves.
This isn't just good customer service - it's our ethical commitment. As the breeder who chose to bring these puppies into the world, I'm responsible for their welfare forever, not just until someone writes a check.
The peace of mind? Priceless.

FROM OUR VETERINARY PARTNER
"In my client list of over 3,000 she is a top-notch
breeder, animal caretaker and overall upstanding person
in our community. She is extremely ethical in both her
animal welfare and care, as well as all her business
dealings."
— Dr. Kayla S. McCrone, DVM
Valley Veterinary Services, Hanford, CA
Reviews From Our Amazing Clients
I appreciated that she also took the time to vet us to make sure the animals were going to a good home. She was not looking to unload them. She even requires we sign a contract that we get certified in positive reinforcement training and follow guidelines for their healthcare.
A little while after the puppies were born, she let us know that a few from one litter had umbilical hernias (harmless and not uncommon when a mother licks the umbilical cord excessively). She gave us the option to purchase the pup or wait for another litter. She was completely transparent in the entire process. As expected, there is no problem with the hernia.
I am seeing reviews on here from people who have never even communicated with her or purchased from her, so just a reminder to be discerning when reading reviews.
1. Health testing for the parents.
2. Parents are on site and proven LGDs.
3. Early socialization for puppies with livestock, adults, and kids.
4. Proper veterinary care for parents and puppies.
5. Careful selection of parents for genetic diversity, guarding ability, health, and confirmation.
6. Tons of support during the puppy buying process and afterwards. Kim is always responsive and takes time to help me through any issues I've encountered with our pups, offering advice and support.
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.
I'd be remiss without acknowledging the dispute between PPF and Gold Shaw Farms, so I will just say, my husband and I always enjoyed Morgan's content, but we were really disappointed with how he's portrayed Abby and Kim. Our two girls came from the same litter as Abby. They are energetic, happy, and healthy puppies. They require training and patience. What we have experienced with them is not out of the realm of what we were expecting when we got two puppies. I think Morgan's judgement of Abby is based on his experience with Toby and has been unfair to Abby and his judgement of Kim has been inflammatory and uncalled for.
I suspect most people who are looking for a LGD already have experience purchasing dogs and stock, so know what to look for in a reputable breeder. That said, if this is your first time or your first LDG, consider what's most important to you and do your own research. You can't go wrong with someone who ticks all of those boxes and offers support to her buyers.
Even though I am new to goats and LGD, Kim the owner, has really dedicated her time to teaching me about how to raise them. She is always available to answer my questions and provides me with the expertise knowledge. I am sure she is like that with all of her clients, always willing to help.
I bought 2 Maremma LGDs and 18 goats. Yes 18 goats! I go to bed at night knowing my LGDs are protecting themselves and my 18 precious goats.
Now, I am waiting to buy another male maremma LGD since she brought a male Maremma from a Italy. Kim is always making sure her registered LGDs, ND and Mini Nubians have the best genetics possible. I fully trust my LGDs in my fields, I bought Chloe at close to six months old, and I appreciate so much that she had additional training time. In fact, the next LGD I would buy from Kim will be arriving to my farm with additional training time as well.
Prancing Pony Farm has the best quality of LGDs and goats. I will highly recommend Prancing Pony Farm if you are looking for a diverse genetics in Maremma LGDs, Mini Nubians and Nigerian Dwarfs.
I now have a 1 month old Nigerian Dwarf, and I am still getting Kim’s help to assure my kid goat grows healthy. I am just very happy I chose Prancing Pony Farm when I did. Kim is the best out there!
Kim has a top of the line welping house complete with incubators and on call mobile veterinarian.
If you are looking for a well trained Maremma puppy, this is the place to get them. Kim goes the extra mile with early clicker training, and lots of live stock exposure from day one with her puppies.
You will see how much care goes into these amazing live stock guardian dogs, if you buy from her. They are ready to go to work right away.
Thanks Kim we love our new LGD.
Why Families Choose Prancing Pony Farm
- MSCA Code of Ethics Breeder
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
- Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LEGS Applied Ethology)
- Over 200 Maremmas placed in working and companion homes
- Health-tested breeding program with two-year guarantee
- Lifetime breeder and trainer support included with every dog






Expert Insights: Sharing Livestock Guardian Dog Knowledge
Over the years, I've had the privilege of sharing my expertise about Livestock Guardian Dogs and ethical breeding practices with fellow dog enthusiasts through various podcast interviews. These conversations allow me to address the most common challenges farmers face when selecting and working with LGDs, while dispelling the myths and misinformation that often leave livestock owners confused and frustrated.
Each interview represents my commitment to educating the broader community about the realities of working with these remarkable dogs – from the importance of proper health testing and socialization to the critical differences between working and companion LGDs. Whether you're considering your first guardian dog or looking to expand your knowledge, these discussions offer valuable insights from real-world experience.
Should You Get a Maremma Sheepdog?
Not sure if this breed is right for your farm, family, and lifestyle? Take our free 2-minute quiz and find out — before you invest thousands of dollars and years of your life.
The Choice is Clear
✅ With Our Maremmas, You Get:
- Peaceful nights knowing animals and family are protected
- Reliable protection from proven working bloodlines
- Properly socialized puppies
- Lifetime support from a certified professional dog trainer
- Healthy dogs with comprehensive genetic testing
- Clear training protocols that actually work
- Working LGDs that are part of the family
- A lifetime return policy in case life happens
❌ Without Our Maremmas, You Get:
- Continued livestock losses drain your finances
- Poorly bred, low quality dogs
- Improperly socialized dogs create behavioral problems
- Expensive vet bills from genetic health issues
- Constant worry about your animals' safety
- Conflicting advice leaves you frustrated
- Time and money lost on failed solutions
- The worry of rehoming your dog if life happens

Why Choose Maremmas?
Not all livestock guardian dog breeds are created equal. Discover why Maremmas are perfect for busy homestead families—and why our dogs are exceptional.

How it Works
Wondering what it’s like to work with a breeder who is also a certified professional trainer? Learn about our processes and how we guide you every step of the way before and after the sale.

Available Maremmas
Ready for a puppy? In need of an older Maremma? Or planning ahead for the future? Click the link below to see our available pups and dogs and upcoming litters.
Not sure whether you need a puppy, adolescent, or adult Maremma? Take our free 2-minute quiz and get a personalized recommendation. → Find Your Match

Ready to Protect What You Love?
Join scores of happy families who sleep peacefully knowing their beloved animals and family are protected by reliable Prancing Pony Farm Maremmas.
✅ Health-tested bloodlines ✅ Proven working genetics
✅ Lifetime support included
Real Families. Real Livestock Guardian Dogs. Real Results.
Our Maremmas aren’t just puppies — they grow into loyal, trustworthy livestock guardian dogs and beloved companions. Here are real photos and quotes we've received from Prancing Pony Maremma families showing their dogs at work and at play. We’re proud of every one of them, and we’re grateful to our clients for sharing their journeys with us.
Meet the newest member of a very special team. 🤍
Five years ago, Ryan and Rianna got their first two Prancing Pony Farm Maremmas — Delta and Echo. Today those two are working livestock guardian dogs protecting a large meat goat herd in Northern California, doing exactly what they were bred to do.
But predator pressure in their area has been increasing. And when you’re working hard to protect your herd, two dogs guarding two different zones isn’t always enough.
So Ryan made the drive down to pick up their third Prancing Pony Farm Maremma. This five-month-old male is heading home to join Delta and Echo — and specifically to partner up with Delta on goat patrol.
(Echo? She’s got her own beat. The house, the chickens… and most importantly, every time the kids head out to hike, she goes too. When I told Ryan and Rianna that Echo isn’t skipping her job — she’s prioritizing the most important one — they laughed and immediately agreed. 🐾💜)
This is what we build toward. Dogs that know their jobs. Families that trust them completely. And clients who come back — not because they have to, but because they want to.
If you’re dealing with predator pressure or gaps in your livestock guardian coverage, I’d love to talk through your situation. The link in my bio is the best place to start. 🐾 #maremmasheepdog #livestockguardiandog #lgdlife #lgdpuppy #maremma #ClientStories
Child Socialization for Livestock Guardian Dogs: Why It’s Crucial for Family Farms
Child socialization is one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of raising a livestock guardian dog. At Prancing Pony Farm, we intentionally expose our Maremma Sheepdog puppies to children from just a few weeks old—teaching them calm, confident, and gentle behavior that carries into adulthood. #ClientStories
https://prancingponymaremmas.com/lgd-child-socialization/
Aloha, Caia! A Maremma Sheepdog Puppy’s Journey from California to Hawaii
Six months ago, Sarah contacted me from Hawaii with what she called a "crazy" request—she wanted one of my Maremma puppies. The challenge? Hawaii`s quarantine requirements mean a six-month process. But when you fall in love with the right breed, "crazy" is just another word for "totally worth it." Yesterday, Sarah and Casey—first-time dog owners—finally brought home Caia. #ClientStories
https://prancingponymaremmas.com/aloha-caia-a-maremma-sheepdog-puppys-journey-from-california-to-hawaii/
Tofu hoovers up the dog treats as he gets some attention from his family. Tofu and Toothpaste are prancing Pony Maremmas who guard chickens and a bunch of adorable kids in Washington state. 💜
Thinking about getting your own Maremmas? Comment "Maremma," and I`ll send you a link to our 2-minute quiz to see if the fit is right!
#ClientStories #clientstories
#PuppyClientStories
#HappyPuppyOwners
#MaremmaSuccessStories #BearAndChief
#prancingponyfarm #livestockguardiandog #maremmasheepdog #maremma #herdguardian #maremmasmile #flockguardian #workingdog #chickens #chicken
The perfect balance: Maremmas who guard livestock AND love their humans fiercely. These gentle giants from Prancing Pony Farm prove working dogs make amazing family companions, too!
Wondering if a Maremma is the right fit for you? Comment MAREMMA, and I’ll send you our 2-minute Maremma readiness quiz.
#LivestockGuardianDogs #MaremmaSheepdog #FarmLife #WorkingDogs #FamilyDogs #DogLove #PrancingPonyFarm #ClientStories
The One Thing Most Livestock Guardian Dog Owners Skip (But Shouldn`t)
There’s one simple step that can make or break your livestock guardian dog’s success — and many owners overlook it. Learn what it is, why it matters, and how adding this habit will build a calmer, more reliable LGD. #ClientStories
https://prancingponymaremmas.com/the-one-thing-most-livestock-guardian-dog-owners-skip-but-shouldnt/
Why Smart Planning Makes All the Difference: Your Guide to Maremma Success
The families who get perfect livestock guardian dogs all share one secret: they don`t wait until they desperately need a dog to start looking. Discover why the best Maremma placements happen months before the dogs go home, and how smart planning turns livestock protection dreams into reality. #ClientStories
https://prancingponymaremmas.com/why-smart-planning-makes-all-the-difference-your-guide-to-maremma-success/
Five Unknown Benefits of Choosing Adolescent Livestock Guardian Dogs
Why Older Puppies Make Better Livestock Guardians: The Bear & Chief Success Story
Looking for a Livestock Guardian Dog that can start protecting your animals sooner rather than later? Contrary to popular belief, puppies between 6-12 months often make ideal guardians for first-time LGD owners.
#ClientStories
https://prancingponymaremmas.com/five-unknown-benefits-of-choosing-adolescent-livestock-guardian-dogs/
- The Anonymous Letter, the Sheriff, and the Mountain Lion: One Maremma Familys Wild Month
- Should You Get a Puppy or an Adult Maremma Sheepdog?
- What Predator Encounters Teach Us About Livestock Guardian Dogs
- Do Right-to-Farm Laws Protect a Barking Maremma Sheepdog?
- Maremma Sheepdog Fights Off Mountain Lion to Protect Family Farm
- Can a Maremma be a city dog? Ask Jimmy.
- Do You Need a Livestock Guardian Dog in the Suburbs? Why Predator Problems Arent Just for Farms
- The plan only works if you work it
- The Plan Only Works If You Work It: Maremma Sheepdog Success
- Do Maremmas Bark at Nothing? Livestock Guardian Dog Q&A
- Maremma Sheepdog: Working Dog, Companion, or Both?
- A Maremma walks into a bank…
- The training mistake I made before I became a trainer
- Our First Group Call (and my 4:30am tech fail) 🤦🏻♀️
- I got the format wrong (fixing it before todays call)
- Get Your Maremma Sheepdog Questions Answered Live, Every Week
- Why Its Okay If Your Maremma Sheepdog Puppy Doesnt Know Sit Yet
- Why I Recommend Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Foundations to Every Maremma Sheepdog Owner
- This is what a Maremma Sheepdogs instinct actually looks like
- The truth about littermate syndrome




