Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Why Choose Prancing Pony Farm?
So Your Dog Doesn't Become One of the 30% of LGDS That Fail
The Real Reason 30% of LGDs Fail - And How We Prevent It
The Problem Everyone Talks About:
Yes, health testing matters. Hip and elbow dysplasia cripple dogs. Genetic defects are expensive. We do all that testing.
But here's what nobody tells you:
Thirty percent of LGDs fail and most of those failures happen because of training and socialization problems, and lack of support, not genetics.
The Problem Nobody Solves.
You know what causes those training failures?
- Puppies locked in barns with no human contact
- Breeders with zero professional training education
- Breeders who abandon buyers after the check is cashed
- Customers left to figure it out from social media
- 20 different 'experts' giving 20 different answers
- Overwhelming confusion that leads to costly mistakes
The result? You're scared, confused, and your expensive dog fails.
Why We're Different From Other LGD Breeders
Here's our secret: I've been where you are.
I had decades of dog experience and still ended up terrified of my own Maremma because of bad information.
So I did something most breeders never do:
I went to professional school to become a certified dog trainer.
Not to train other people's dogs (though I do some of that). To make absolutely sure:
- My puppies are socialized correctly from birth
- My training methods actually work
- My customers never feel the confusion I felt
The Karen Pryor Academy certification + L.E.G.S. Family Dog Mediator + continuous education = puppies that succeed and owners who feel confident.
What This Means for You
When you get a puppy from Prancing Pony Farm:
Health (What Some Breeders Do)
- ✓ PennHip/OFA tested breeding dogs
- ✓ 2-year health guarantee
Training (What Almost NO Breeders Do Right)
- ✓ Extensive full-time socialization from birth with livestock
- ✓ Socialization with a wide variety of humans and experiences
- ✓ Force-free positive reinforcement training methods
- ✓ Proper development through critical socialization periods
- ✓ Foundation professional training before they leave the farm
- ✓ Understand each dog's LEGS (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self)
Support (What Separates Success from Failure)
- ✓ Lifetime access to certified professional trainer (KPA CTP)
- ✓ Lifetime access to a Licenced LEGS Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediator
- ✓ Guidance through every developmental stage
- ✓ Real answers instead of Facebook confusion
- ✓ Someone who answers texts when you're worried at 11pm
- ✓ A lifetime satisfaction guarantee
Result: You never second-guess decisions. You never feel scared of your own dog. You sleep peacefully knowing your livestock is protected.
Start Strong: Prepare for Success Before Your Puppy Arrives
Getting a Maremma Sheepdog is a significant investment—in time, money, and emotion. The difference between a successful working or companion Maremma and a frustrated owner often comes down to understanding your dog from day one.
The Dial Method® helps you:
- Understand what your Maremma actually needs (they're fundamentally different from other dogs)
- Set up your environment and routines for success before the puppy (or older dog) arrives
- Communicate clearly with your independent thinker
- Build confidence instead of second-guessing every decision
Available as an add-on to your Maremma reservation. Think of it as insurance on your investment—a framework you'll use for your dog's entire lifetime.
Why We Breed, Why We Breed: My 50-Year Journey to This Mission
I dreamed of having a farm from the time I was a little girl. But life had other plans—my husband's Navy career meant constant moves, and that dream stayed just out of reach for 50 years. We did have a small farm in Virginia for a few years, but when orders came for California, we had to sell everything and start over. At 50, we finally had the chance to put down roots and make my lifelong dream real.
When we bought our new farm in California coyote country, I quickly discovered a harsh reality: predators were everywhere, and theft was a real concern. I knew we would need a Livestock Guardian Dog to protect our goats and other animals. Five-month-old Olaf joined our farm, and Genevieve followed soon after. Both dogs quickly won our hearts—and saved my dream.
It didn't take me long to realize that Maremmas are extraordinary. Dogs that would lay down their lives to protect an animal of another species are genuinely awe-inspiring. But more than that, I realized I couldn't have this farm—this life I'd waited 50 years for—without them.
We had our first litter in 2017. It was incredible to watch those pups grow and mature into amazing LGDs and place them in homes doing the vital work they were bred to do. I was utterly in love with these incredible dogs and on a mission to help others who needed protection for their animals. Some Maremma breeders believe these dogs should not be made into "pets." I used to believe that, too. My dogs and their families taught me differently.
As I relaxed my idea of what an LGD's role should be, I realized that most of my pups had been multi-tasking "family farm dogs" all along—effortlessly filling the roles of LGD and family companion. The puppies we breed bring great joy and companionship to their families, regardless of whether they guard livestock, other family pets, or their human family, or some combination of those.
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 constantly worrying about losing it. And I want to share that gift with other families pursuing their own homestead dreams.
If this is the kind of relationship you want with your next dog, click on the button below to become a part of the Prancing Pony Farm family.
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.
Our Foundation for Breeding Excellence
At Prancing Pony Farm, we breed and train outstanding Maremma Sheepdog Livestock Guardians and family companions. Our dogs have the genetics, temperaments, and training to excel as trustworthy, dependable Livestock Guardians and family dogs, as well as sound and healthy bodies to withstand the rigors of the job. Our outstanding lifetime client support and virtual training services ensure that your new Maremma will be a joy and a blessing, regardless of the role they play in your life.
Breed Incredible Dogs
It all starts with breeding incredible dogs. We breed sound, healthy dogs with superior Livestock Guardian abilities who also make devoted family or personal companions. Our dogs thrive on modern farms, ranches, and homesteads, big and small. One of our clients (who bought 2 pups from us in 2019 and 1 in 2021) dubbed our dogs "plug and play," and the term says it all!
Understand & Support Our Buyers
My goal is to see you and your dog thrive together. I invest a lot of time in training and handling my puppies, getting to know them, and understanding the kind of home they would do best in. I am adept at matching the right dog with the right family, whether you need an LGD, a family companion, or a bit of both. Your needs and desires, and the well-being of the dogs, are at the heart of what I do.
Provide Unparalleled Lifetime Client Support
My responsibility to you isn't done once you take your puppy home. My outstanding lifetime client support ensures that your new Maremma will be a joy and a blessing, regardless of their role in your life. My extensive background in dog training and behavior and years of experience breeding and training Maremmas enables me to assist you in training your puppy as it matures, so you won't need to figure things out on your own.
What Makes Our Maremmas Different
Working LGDs
Our breeding dogs come from the best MSCA and UKC-registered proven working lines. They all live full-time with and guard our dairy goats and other animals. Our puppies are raised with livestock from birth.
"Plug & Play" Puppies
Our puppy socialization program utilizes Puppy Culture and other positive reinforcement training methods to produce happy, resilient LGDs and family dogs. Our "Plug & Play" pups thrive in a variety of homes.
Healthy Dogs & Pups
Our breeding dogs are PennHip and OFA tested for hip and elbow dysplasia and DNA tested to screen for genetic defects, minimizing the chance they will pass debilitating health problems on to their puppies.
Happy Families
We offer our clients a 2-year health guarantee and lifetime support. We're always available for advice, encouragement, and training assistance. We will be there for you every step of the way, for your dog's entire life!
Why Prancing Pony Maremmas Are Perfect for Homestead Families
Not every livestock guardian dog breed works well with busy families, children, and the unique needs of homestead life. Here's why our Maremmas consistently excel in family situations:
- Gentle with Children, Fierce with Predators: Our Maremmas have the perfect balance—naturally gentle and patient with family members while being protective of their charges. They understand the difference.
- Independent but Manageable: They make good decisions on their own (great when you're at work or soccer practice) but are still responsive to family members when needed.
- Adaptable to Different Animals: Whether you have chickens, goats, sheep, or a mix of homestead animals, our Maremmas adapt to protect whatever they're raised with.
- Work Around Your Schedule: Once established, they don't need constant supervision or management. They protect your animals while you live your busy family life.
- Weather Hardy: From summer heat to winter snow, they're comfortable outside year-round, which works perfectly for busy families.
Years in Business
Years Working Professionally With Dogs
Maremma Puppies Bred & Trained
Happy Families
MSCA Code of Ethics Breeder
I am a Maremma Sheepdog Club of America Code of Ethics Breeder. Code of Ethics breeders set themselves apart from all other breeders by pledging to adhere to the highest standards and ethics in breeding. The Code of Ethics states:
"The Maremma Sheepdog Club of America aspires to protect the development of Maremma Sheepdogs by encouraging breeders to adopt the Code Of Ethics to promote and foster the highest standards among breeders who are concerned with the propagation of physically, mentally and temperamentally sound Maremma Sheepdogs of proper breed type, and to encourage cooperation in the improvement, advancement, and protection of our breed. Code of Ethics Breeders accept responsibility for the protection, well-being, and improvement of the breed…"
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
In April 2024, I completed the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional Program. This rigorous six-month program represents the gold standard in professional dog training, focusing on science-based methods, positive reinforcement techniques, and effective behavior modification strategies.
Licensed Family Dog Mediator
As a graduate of the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology program and a Licensed Family Dog Mediator, I can empower you to understand your dog's unique L.E.G.S. This understanding will help your dog thrive in their role and deepen the bond between you and your dog. Whether your dog is a Livestock Guardian Dog, a Family Companion, or a bit of both, I can help!
Reviews From Our Amazing Clients
first the dog: cotton candy is a little over 2.5 years old now, and i can honestly say that she has been a very effective LGD since 6mo of age. while she's a sweet and playful big puppy around humans, she has always been very serious about her guardian duties, even when she first showed up as a 3mo pup. she is very nurturing with my barn cats, gentle with the chickens, alerts me when the horses get into mischief, and knows exactly what to do to make skittish goats relax. she's a super quick learner.
now, we have to realize that this wonderful dog is a product of the breeder's hard work and dedication. in addition to good breeding, kim put in a lot of work socializing her puppies with all sorts of farm animals and people, as well as starting their training using positive reinforcement methods. i have another LGD who came to me as an 8wk old, and didn't get the same kind of training and socialization kim gives her puppies. while he is a very good natured and smart dog, he required WAY more management throughout his puppyhood and adolescence. he turned out to be a great LGD. but if you don't have the time or skills to start an LGD on the right path, you would be doing yourself a huge favor by getting a well-started puppy from kim.
kim's puppies come with lifetime support, and that is not a mere sales tactic. in the 2+ years i've had cotton candy, kim has been a great resource on how to understand, communicate with, and care for not only cotton candy, but also my other LGD. she even shares tips on goat husbandry. in the past year, kim completed a professional dog trainer certification program so that she could not only better support her own puppy clients, but also help other LGD owners develop better relationships with their dogs. she is now working on an online course on LGD care and training, which will be made available free of charge to her puppy clients (and for a fee for non-clients). consider how much time, effort, and kim's own money she puts in to continuously improve the lifetime support that comes with the purchase of a dog, the choice is obvious when deciding where to get an LGD.
And it definitely shows in the quality of her puppies. The dogs we brought home are loving, well socialized, and adaptable. We have them caring for our flock of macaws, and even at only 9 months old they are not reactive to the birds even when they fly, but come immediately if the macaws sound a warning call. They get along well with other dogs and people, but are very alert to potential threats. These are our dream dogs and we are so grateful to Kim for all the time and effort that went into giving these dogs that perfect start so that we could enjoy and cherish them for the rest of their lives.
When we decided to start our little homestead we decided on the Maremma Sheepdog based on their typical dispositions. After considerable research, I picked Prancing Pony based off reviews and from what I learned about their facilities and practices. But they had two things against them - they are located in California and the price tag was steep.
I ended up purchasing a Maremma that was on this side of the Mississippi. I’m not going to bash anyone here, this is only for comparison sake - but the breeder understood this would be our first LGD and had glowing reviews about the girl she was selling. I trusted that they understood our situation and where we were in our journey. But what we got was a beautiful loving dog who has proven repeatedly that she can’t be trusted with any of our livestock or pets.
By the time we brought her home, I was already in talks with breeders (again) trying to find her partner and went back to Prancing Pony for talks about their offerings. Fast forward a few months, and a couple of hiccups, I could not be more pleased with our boy Daxo. I do have regrets that I didn’t get two from her when I first considered it.
Listen, they’re not cheap, I get it. There’s likely added expense with shipping... I get that too. Knowing what I know now, going through the experience of having a dog that just didn’t fit our lifestyle is so exhausting AND costly. Our boy literally came as a Plug-N-Play model, he’s just THAT good because Kim listened to our wishlist and understood our needs. Will we go anywhere else for our third attempt? Absolutely not.
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 have a small farm and needed a dog who can live with and/or guard a variety of animal species. Most breeders I’ve talked to have some of the animal species, but none had all. Kim happened to be the only one. And that’s not an accident. Kim actually goes out of her way to acquire animals just so that her pups are well prepared to take on any job in their new homes. She also spends time teaching her pups basic skills via positive reinforcement. When I picked up my pup at 13 weeks old, she knew how to give me attention and target. She also understands that it’s her good behavior that earns her praise and treats, and is very motivated and quick to figure out what I want from her. Since she has been on my farm, she has made my adolescent Great Pyrenees a much happier and mentally mature dog. She has not chased a cat or chicken (it doesn’t mean she hasn’t thought about it. One does need to pay attention and redirect BEFORE the pup does something undesirable). She’s been in and around horses and are very good at reading their body language and staying out of harm’s way (not that my horse try to hurt her, but they’re just so much bigger). And most amazingly, she’s already showing guarding behavior with my goats! At less than 4 months old!
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. She was at a clicker training workshop the week following my puppy pickup and had class from morning all the way through evening. She still found time to answer my texts to make sure the pup is settling in well. 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!
2 YEAR UPDATE:
The pup I purchased from Kim in 2022 just turned 2. She has been a great LGD. I had an adolescent Great Pyrenees before I bought CC from Kim. Though my GP worked his butt off, I still had a chicken go missing and a barn kitty mauled by coyotes (kitty recovered).
As soon as CC joined the farm at 3 months of age, she immediately showed guarding instincts, protecting my goats while sleeping in the barn with them at night. When she was about 6 months, I took my GP in for his neuter surgery. For about a week she had to work the whole property while my GP was on kennel rest. It was a nerve wracking week as I live in coyote country with the occasional visit from mountain lions. Amazingly, I lost nothing. The streak has continued to this day. Since CC joined the farm, I lost nothing to predation.
Not only did CC form an effective team with my GP as LGDs, she has also saved his life by telling him off when he approached a rattlesnake last summer. One night I heard the dogs bark at something, then all of a sudden turn against each other. I rushed out the door to see what was happening, only to hear the distinct rattling sound. Then I saw my GP move towards that sound, and CC T-boning him, growling, to tell him to stay away. Thanks to CC's amazing instincts, I was able to remove the snake before anybody got bit (my cats and goats were all curious about it at that point).
This update wouldn't be complete without a comment on Kim, CC's breeder. 2 years in, and I am still in regular contact with her. She promised lifetime support, and has gone beyond that - she even answers questions regarding my GP or my goats, in addition to anything concerning CC's training, well-being, etc.
I highly recommend Kim and her dogs!
Dave
Dogs are incredible as well 😍
Not only does Kim have dogs from two top-notch Maremma breeders in her breeding program (Benson Ranch and Unfinished Acres) but she raises her litters with Puppy Culture, a program I have used with my own German Shepherds. AND she has an amazing Puppy Parlor that allows the puppies to be raised around goats and other animals from birth.
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.
Kim spent many hours in conversation with me, answering my questions about introducing the puppies (yes I got a pair!) to my pack of German Shepherds and about the pros and cons of having one puppy or two. Every question I had she was happy to answer (I had many!) and she shared resources I hadn’t previously discovered. She listened closely to my description of my home, my animals and my lifestyle and suggested two of her male puppies; as a matchmaker she was spot on.
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. Although they look almost identical and both have great temperaments I can see differences in their personalities with one more of an observer who waits to engage and one more likely to investigate actively - that difference will work well when they are working together.
Bringing a LGD puppy home means making a commitment to build on the foundation they’ve received with their breeder, working one-on-one to develop a partnership and to shape their lives with their stock. Puppies from Prancing Pony Farm are set up for success from day one and in the hands of a good shepherd will develop into trustworthy, responsible and awesome protectors.
If I decide to add another Maremma [or two] to my pack I know where I will be going to find the perfect match for my boys Arthur and Merlin.
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.
See Our Commitment in Action
Everything I've told you about my breeding program—the socialization, the support, the adaptable dogs—isn't just marketing. It's real.
Meet Caia: our first Hawaii puppy, a first-time dog owner's dream come true, and living proof that Prancing Pony Farm Maremmas can thrive anywhere.
From her first week with goats and chickens to her current life guarding chickens on a Hawaiian homestead (and sleeping peacefully in the house at night), Caia's story shows what's possible when you combine quality breeding with proper socialization and ongoing support.
Want personalized guidance on the right age LGD before you even apply? Take our free Maremma Match quiz — it's like a mini consultation with Kim. → Find Your Match
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.
Some of Our Pups and Their Happy Owners
Like What You See? Don't Wait Until You're Ready to Act.
The families who bring home the best matches aren't the ones who found us at the last moment — they're the ones who got on the Master Reservation List before urgency made the decision for them. For $500 applied toward your purchase, your spot is held, and our relationship begins.
Ready to Protect Your Homestead Dreams?
Join scores of happy families who sleep peacefully knowing their beloved animals are protected by reliable Prancing Pony Farm Maremmas.
✅ Health-tested bloodlines ✅ Proven working genetics ✅ Lifetime support included
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