Breeder Research Assistance

How We Can Help

Evaluating LGD breeders can be challenging, especially for first-time buyers. We offer educational guidance to help you:

Understand what questions to ask breeders
Recognize red flags and potential scams
Interpret contract terms
Find breed-specific directories and resources
Compare different breeder approaches

Important Disclaimer: Guardians.dog provides educational guidance only. We do not sell dogs or guarantee outcomes. Any final contract is between the buyer and the breeder and at the user's discretion.

Request Assistance

Fill out the form below to request educational guidance. We'll respond with relevant resources and information to help your research.

Your Name

Email Address

State/Region

Livestock Type

Acreage

Fencing Type/Height

Primary Predator Pressure

Experience Level with LGDs

Purchase Timeline

What would you like help with? (Check all that apply)

Questions to ask breeders

Understanding contract terms

Identifying red flags

Finding breeder directories

Comparing breeders

Additional Details (Optional)

Coppinger, R. & Coppinger, L. (2001). Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior & Evolution. Scribner. (Regarding evaluating behavioral suitability).

Rigg, R. (2001). Livestock guarding dogs: their current use world wide. IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group. (Regarding matching dog types to predator pressure).

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2025). Livestock Protection Dogs on Public and Private Lands. APHIS Wildlife Services.

About the Author

Written by Jesika VanFossen — LGD breed consultant with 28 years of hands-on livestock guardian dog experience, 30+ years of animal husbandry, and founder of URMAH LC, the longest-running registered Turkish Boz Shepherd breeding program in the United States. Trained by Turkish dog experts, Jesika directs a network of breed-specific research platforms including Guardians.dog, Database.dog, and TurkishBoz.com, and maintains an active network of procurement specialists, along with veterinary, behavioral, and breed professionals for expert referral.

Required Acknowledgment:

Guardians.dog provides educational guidance only. We act as consultants and brokers, or guarantee outcomes. Any breeder contact is independent and at the user's discretion. We do not endorse any specific breeder or dog.

I acknowledge the above disclaimer and understand that Guardians.dog provides educational information only, not breeder endorsements or guarantees.

What Happens Next: After submitting, we'll respond with general education resources and evaluation guidance tailored to your situation. We do not endorse or guarantee any breeder or dog.