What to Look For
Signs of a quality LGD breeder:
Working Dogs
- Parent dogs work with livestock: Not just present on a farm, but actually guarding
- Can show you dogs working: You should be able to observe parent dogs in their environment
- Breeds for temperament and function: Working ability is the priority
Puppy Raising
- Puppies raised with livestock: Not in the house or isolated from animals
- Appropriate socialization: Comfortable with handling but focused on livestock
- Clean, healthy conditions: Good nutrition and basic care evident
Health Practices
- Health testing on parents: OFA or equivalent for hips, elbows at minimum
- Veterinary care: Puppies receive appropriate vaccinations, deworming
- Transparency about health: Honest about any issues in lines
Breeder Approach
- Asks questions about you: Wants to ensure a good match
- Provides support: Available for questions after purchase
- Has a return policy: Willing to take dogs back if it doesn't work out
- Knowledgeable: Can answer detailed questions about the breed
- Not rushing: Willing to let you research and decide
Questions to Ask
When evaluating a breeder, consider asking:
- How long have you been breeding LGDs?
- What livestock do your dogs guard?
- Can I visit and see the parent dogs working?
- What health testing do you do?
- How are puppies raised and socialized?
- What is your contract? Can I see it before committing?
- What happens if the dog doesn't work out?
- Can you provide references from previous buyers?
- What support do you provide after purchase?
- Why did you choose this breeding pair?
Working Lines vs. Show/Pet Lines
For LGD work, lineage matters:
Working Lines
- Parents actively guard livestock
- Selected for temperament and function
- May not match breed standard aesthetics
- Usually from farms, not show kennels
Show/Pet Lines
- Selected for appearance and show success
- May have reduced guardian instincts
- Often more human-focused
- Not necessarily suited for working
Dogs from show or pet lines may work, but the odds are better with working-line dogs selected for the job you need.
Visiting the Breeder
If possible, visit before committing:
- See the environment: Is it a working farm? Are dogs with livestock?
- Meet parent dogs: What is their temperament? Are they working?
- Observe puppy conditions: Clean, healthy, with livestock access?
- Ask questions in person: Knowledgeable breeders welcome questions
- Trust your instincts: If something seems off, it may be
Price Expectations
LGD prices vary widely:
- Working-line puppies from health-tested parents typically cost $500-$1500+
- Prices vary by breed, region, and breeder reputation
- Very low prices may indicate issues (puppy mills, poor breeding)
- Very high prices don't guarantee quality
- Price alone doesn't indicate value—working ability does
Take Your Time
Good breeders often have waiting lists. This is actually a positive sign:
- It means demand exceeds supply of quality dogs
- Rushing to get "any available puppy" often leads to problems
- Time spent finding the right breeder pays off over the dog's lifetime
- A well-bred puppy is worth waiting for
Coppinger, R. & Coppinger, L. (2001). Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior & Evolution. Scribner.
Dohner, J. V. (2007). Livestock Guardians: Using Dogs, Donkeys, and Llamas to Protect Your Herd. Storey Publishing.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). (2025). Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) requirements for working breeds.
Rigg, R. (2001). Livestock guarding dogs: their current use world wide. IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group.