The Reality of Breeding Maremma Sheepdogs

Breeding exceptional Livestock Guardian Dogs isn’t a hobby or easy money-maker—it’s a complex responsibility that requires years of hands-on experience, continuous education, and unwavering commitment to the breed’s welfare. Most of our puppies are placed on spay/neuter contracts because successful Maremma breeding demands expertise that takes years to develop.

Why Experience Matters

Through years of placing breeding candidates, we’ve learned a difficult truth: new LGD owners consistently struggle with breeding responsibilities. Without exception, inexperienced buyers have created problems that hurt both dogs and the breed:

• Accidental (or intentional but unauthorized) litters before health testing – resulting in unregistered puppies and unknown genetic risks
• Inadequate puppy care and socialization – leading to behavioral problems and failed placements
• Cheap “disposal” of puppies – undermining the breed’s value and welfare
• Multiple unplanned breedings – overwhelming inexperienced breeders

These outcomes aren’t just disappointing—they’re harmful to the Maremma breed and contribute to the livestock guardian dog failure rate that already exceeds 30%.

Our New Standards: Experience Required

We no longer consider breeding placements for those new to Livestock Guardian Dogs. This policy protects both our dogs and potential buyers from predictable failure.

To qualify for breeding consideration, you must:

1. Successfully own and manage Maremma Sheepdogs for a minimum of 3 years
2. Have raised at least two Maremmas to full working maturity (we require two because individual dogs vary significantly)
3. Demonstrate proven success with your current LGDs actively guarding livestock
4. Complete required education before puppy pickup (see requirements below)

Investment Required: Education Before Breeding Rights

Breeding rights are earned, not only purchased. Every breeding candidate buyer must show proof of completion of these courses before receiving their puppy:

MANDATORY EDUCATION:

• Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Foundations – Essential for understanding canine behavior and positive training methods
• Puppy Culture Program – Critical for proper puppy development and socialization

Why These Courses Matter: Professional dog training knowledge isn’t optional when you’re responsible for shaping the next generation of working dogs. Every puppy you produce will either strengthen or weaken the breed’s reputation and working ability.

Breeding Candidate Terms & Requirements

Initial Purchase Terms

• All puppies leave on Limited Registration – regardless of buyer experience
• We choose breeding candidates – we select promising puppies based on conformation, temperament, and working ability
• No guarantees – breeding potential cannot be perfectly predicted during puppyhood
• Full Registration earned only after meeting all requirements
• Additional fee due at the time of upgrade to full registration – Once the puppy and owner meet all requirements there will be an additional fee to upgrade to full registration. This fee is generally 25% of the price of our puppies.

Dog Requirements for Breeding Rights

Age & Registration:

• Minimum 2 years old before first breeding
• MSCA registered (Limited changed to Full only after requirements met)
• Proven livestock guardian living with and protecting stock

Health Testing (Non-negotiable):

• PennHip score of 0.41 or better OR permanent OFA Fair or better
• OFA Normal elbows (permanent scores only)
• Complete DNA health panel (Embark or equivalent)

Breeding Partner Requirements:

• MSCA registered purebred Maremma Sheepdog only
• Working LGD with proven livestock guardian temperament
• Must meet same health testing standards listed above
• Approved by Prancing Pony Farm before breeding

 Owner Requirements for Breeding Rights

Experience Demonstration:

• Minimum 3 years owning Maremma Sheepdogs
• Successfully raised minimum 2 Maremmas to working maturity
• Current dogs must be proven, trustworthy livestock guardians

Professional Standards:

• MSCA membership in good standing
• Signed and adhere to the MSCA Code of Ethics 
• Completed required education (KPA Foundations, Puppy Culture)
• Commitment to positive reinforcement training methods only

Breeding Commitment:

• All offspring must be MSCA registered
• Must be primarily breeding working dogs and giving appropriate livestock socialization to puppies (breeding dogs may not be companions only)
• No large scale pet market breeding or commercial sales
• Responsible breeding practices (appropriate frequency, retirement planning – details in contract)

Why These Standards Exist

Protecting the Breed

Maremma Sheepdogs maintain their working integrity because they haven’t been overbred for the pet market. Our standards help preserve their livestock guardian instincts and working ability. Although our experience shows that Maremmas can thrive as companions and we occasionally sell our puppies to pet homes, we breed primarily for working homes and socialize our puppies accordingly. We will not sell breeding candidates to anyone who wants to sell only or primarily to pet homes.

Ensuring Success

The data is clear: experienced LGD owners with proper education succeed. New owners without education consistently create problems that could have been prevented. Even if these owners mean well the poor outcome is the same. 

Supporting Livestock Protection

Every well-bred, properly socialized Maremma strengthens the livestock protection community. Every poorly bred or inadequately trained dog undermines confidence in LGDs and contributes to the 30% failure rate of LGDs.

Ready to Begin This Journey?

If you have the required experience and are committed to excellence in Maremma breeding, we’d be honored to discuss a breeding candidate placement. If you’re new to LGDs and are interested in breeding we suggest you start with a pair of non-breeding dogs first. Raise and train those dogs to maturity and then if you still wish to become a breeder we’d be happy to discuss the matter.

Breeding livestock guardian dogs isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly the point.

Breeding exceptional Livestock Guardian Dogs requires the same dedication you’d expect from any professional endeavor. It’s also a great moral and ethical responsibility. If you’re ready for that level of commitment, let’s talk about how we can work together to strengthen this remarkable breed.