Last Updated on April 30, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
YOUR MAREMMA MATCH:
A Maremma Puppy for Your Family
Maremmas aren't just livestock guardians. In the right home, they're extraordinary family companions — loyal, protective, and deeply bonded to their people.
Companion Maremmas: A Different Role, the Same Incredible Dog
Most of our companion families already know and love the breed. If that's you, you understand what makes Maremmas special — the loyalty, the presence, the independence, the deep bond they form with their people.
If you're newer to the breed, here's the most important thing to understand: a companion Maremma is still a livestock guardian dog. Their protective instincts, their independent nature, their tendency to make their own decisions, their deep loyalty, their impressive bark — all of it comes with them whether they're guarding goats or guarding you or your family.
Understanding the breed and working WITH their nature is what makes the difference between a frustrated owner and a family who can't imagine life without their Maremma.
What Makes Companion Maremmas Different from Other Large Breeds
If you're coming from Golden Retrievers or Labs or other people-pleasing breeds, Maremmas will surprise you. That's not a warning — it's an invitation to fall in love with a completely different kind of dog.
They think for themselves. Maremmas were bred for centuries to make independent decisions while guarding livestock in remote pastures with no human supervision. That intelligence and independence doesn't disappear in a companion home. Your Maremma will learn your rules — and then decide which ones they agree with. This is part of their charm, but it requires patience and a sense of humor.
They take their guardian role seriously. Your companion Maremma will guard your home, your family, and your property whether you ask them to or not. They'll alert bark at strangers, position themselves between your children and unfamiliar visitors, and patrol your yard like they're running security for a small kingdom. This is wonderful if you understand it. It can be challenging if you're expecting a dog who greets every stranger with a wagging tail.
They bond deeply but on their own terms. A Maremma's loyalty is fierce and unwavering — but they're not clingy. They'll choose to be near you because they want to, not because they can't function without you. (Maremmas never suffer from separation anxiety.) They love you enormously. They just don't need to prove it every five minutes.
They need space. A Maremma in a studio apartment is a recipe for frustration on both sides. They do best with a yard, room to patrol, and space to be a dog. A fenced property is ideal.
They need autonomy. Maremmas need the freedom to move between inside and outside on their own schedule — not yours. A dog door opening to a securely fenced yard is ideal. They need to be able to stand in their domain (your yard) and survey their territory, bark when something catches their attention, and patrol when the mood strikes. A once-a-day walk on your schedule while staying indoors the rest of the time isn't enough for this breed. The freedom to make their own decisions about when to go out, when to come in, and when to stand guard is vital to their happiness — and to their success as companions.
Why a Puppy Is Usually the Right Choice
A puppy raised in your home from 12 weeks bonds deeply with your family and adapts to your specific lifestyle. They'll learn your household routines, socialize with your family members (including children and other pets), and grow into a companion who's perfectly tuned to your world.
Our puppies come with the same comprehensive foundation that our working LGD puppies receive — health-tested genetics, extensive early socialization, positive human interaction from birth. The difference is the guidance we provide for raising a Maremma in a companion setting, which has its own unique considerations.
What You Get With a Prancing Pony Farm Companion Puppy
- Health-tested genetics (OFA/PennHip testing, DNA panels) — the same rigorous standards as our working dogs
- Extensive early socialization with people, children, and various environments
- Two-year health guarantee
- Lifetime support from Kim — including companion-specific guidance on training, socialization, and living with an independent breed
- A puppy who's been handled, loved, and given the best possible start
Puppies start at $3,500.
That investment is the same whether the puppy is going to a working home or a companion home — because the health testing, socialization, and lifetime support are the same.
Why We're Open About Companion Placements (When Most Breeders Aren't)
Here's something you may have already run into during your research: most Maremma breeders will tell you this breed can't succeed as a companion dog. Some will refuse to sell to companion homes outright. Others will quietly do it but won't admit it publicly.
We take a different approach. We're open, honest, and vocal about the fact that Maremmas can thrive in the right companion homes — because we've seen it firsthand. Not just through our placements, but in our own home. Our family has a companion Maremma (Titus) who lives in our house full-time. I don't just breed these dogs for companion homes. I live with one every single day. I know exactly what works, what's challenging, and what companion families need to succeed.
That matters more than most people realize. A breeder who's never had a companion Maremma in their own home can sell you a puppy, but they can't truly guide you through the experience — because they've never lived it.
One more thing, and this is important:
You may hear people say that the only Maremmas suitable for companion homes are dogs that "failed" as livestock guardians. Dogs who weren't trustworthy with livestock, so they got redirected to pet homes.
Please hear this clearly: that is terrible advice. If a dog isn't safe with goats and chickens, it is not safe with your children. The traits that make an excellent livestock guardian — nurturing instincts, calm protectiveness, sound judgment, gentle confidence — are the exact same traits that make an excellent companion. We don't place "failed" working dogs in companion homes. We place dogs with the same outstanding temperament we'd trust with any livestock, any family, any situation.
What About Older Dogs?
Occasionally we have older dogs who would thrive in the right companion home. If you're open to an adolescent or adult, mention that when we talk.
But know that transitioning an adult Maremma who's lived their entire life outdoors with livestock into a companion home requires careful evaluation. Not every dog is a good candidate for that shift, and I'll be honest about whether a specific dog would actually be happy in that role. Some dogs are born livestock guardians who genuinely prefer living outside with livestock. Others have the flexibility and temperament to love companion life. I know my dogs well enough to tell the difference.
If an older companion dog becomes available, families on our reservation list hear about it first.
A Note About Two Dogs
For working LGD homes, we're adamant that two dogs is essential. For companion homes, the picture is genuinely different.
You're home with your dog. They're part of your daily life. They're not isolated outside 24/7 with only livestock for company. A single Maremma CAN thrive in a companion home if you're committed to providing plenty of interaction, exercise, and mental stimulation.
That said, Maremmas are social dogs who enjoy canine companionship. A second dog — whether another Maremma or a compatible breed — gives them a friend for the times you're busy, at work, or away.
It's not the same urgent recommendation we make for working homes. But it's worth thinking about.
Common Questions from Companion Families
"Will a Maremma be good with my kids?"
Maremmas are naturally protective of children and can be wonderful family dogs. They tend to be gentle and patient with kids they've grown up with. That said, they're large, strong dogs, and supervision is always important — especially during the puppy phase when they're still learning bite inhibition and appropriate play. My credentials as a Licensed Family Dog Mediator mean I can provide specific guidance for families with children.
"Will a Maremma get along with my other dog(s)?"
Usually, yes — especially if introduced as a puppy. Maremmas generally do well with other dogs if they have been socialized with them from puppyhood and beyond. The specifics depend on y our current dog's temperament and the individual Maremma's personality. This is a great topic for your discovery call.
"How much do Maremmas bark?"
Honestly? Maremmas bark. It's what they were bred to do — alert to anything unusual. In a companion home, that means they may bark at the mail carrier, squirrels and neighborhood cats, the neighbor's car door closing, and things you can't see or hear. They will learn to be somewhat discerning and won't bark needlessly, but their barking should not be supressed and should never be punished. If you live in a neighborhood with strict noise concerns or very close neighbors, this is something to think carefully about. I'll talk you through realistic expectations during our discovery call.
"Can Maremmas live indoors?"
Absolutely. Many companion Maremmas split their time between inside and outside. They appreciate access to a yard but are perfectly happy lounging on the couch with you. They do shed — significantly — so prepare your vacuum and your wardrobe accordingly. (I highly suggest a Roomba!)
I highly suggest that you provide your companion Maremma with a dog door that opens into a fenced backyard so they can make their own decisions about how much time they spend inside and outside, and can go out whenever they want to check out any potential threats to their home and family.
Not Ready Yet? Hold Your Place on the Master Reservation List.
Well-bred, health-tested companion-placed Maremmas are genuinely rare — most MSCA breeders don't place them in non-farm homes at all, leaving backyard breeders as the only option for those seeking a Maremma as a pet. (And not something we would ever advocate for.)
Every Prancing Pony Farm Maremma is raised to succeed in any home — working farm, hobby farm, or companion setting. The difference isn't the dog. It's having an owner who understands the breed, accepts them for who they are, and has a breeder in their corner who has placed Maremmas as companions and lived it firsthand.
That support doesn't start when your dog comes home. It starts when you get on the Master Reservation List.
A $500 reservation fee holds your place in line and opens the door to our working relationship — coaching, prep support, and guidance while you get ready. Once our client membership community launches, you'll have access to that too, even before your dog arrives.
Important things to know before you decide:
There's no timeline guarantee. It could be weeks or many months, depending on litter timing and your preferences.
If a spot is offered to you and you pass, it goes to the next person immediately.
The reservation fee is non-refundable, but it can be transferred if your situation changes.
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
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.
Your Next Step
Companion placements are some of my favorite conversations because they're so personal. Your family dynamics, your living situation, your lifestyle, your experience with the breed — all of it factors into finding the right match.
Coming soon: We're building a dedicated resource page for companion Maremma families with breed-specific guidance for non-working homes. When it launches, you'll be the first to know.
You'll also receive our weekly newsletter. Even though a lot of the content is geared toward working LGD homes, you'll find plenty that's relevant to life with a companion Maremma too — because at their core, these are the same magnificent dogs regardless of their job title.
Why Ethical Livestock Guardian Dog Breeding Matters Despite Challenges
“I hate your business,” my husband tells me whenever challenges arise in my Maremma breeding program. Despite the financial strain, sleepless nights, and endless responsibility, here’s why I continue this work—and what it means for the families who trust me with their livestock’s protection.
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.
Last Chance: Why You Need to Reserve Your Livestock Guardian Dog This Week
One urgent call changed everything: “My livestock guardian dog died suddenly yesterday—now I have nothing protecting my herd from coyotes.” This farmer’s nightmare could have been avoided with one simple step, and it’s the same mistake that costs livestock owners thousands every year.
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.
