The Great Pyrenees has been called “the world’s most beautiful dog”,
is deeply devoted to its home and family, and has a natural instinct to
guard and protect. Confident, gentle and affectionate the Great Pyrenees
has become a well regarded livestock guardian dog with alpaca ranchers
throughout the US.
My experience owning a Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dog started
in 1999, as a final, desperate measure to stop domestic dog attacks at
my farm in Russell Township. I found that my five foot high, 3 board
fence, covered with chain link, with electric wire at the top was
ineffective in keeping two determined domestic dogs from scaling the
fence to attack and kill my alpacas. Three dog attacks, 5 cria and one
adult female alpaca dead and it was time for a livestock guardian dog! I
purchased a 10 month old, neutered male – Grizzley – and the domestic
dogs never entered my property again. They came, ran the fence, but left
after seeing and hearing Grizzley. I could finally sleep at night,
knowing my farm was under the watchful eyes of my capable and trusted
Great Pyrenees guard dog.
Grizzley passed away this spring at the age of 11 and is sorely
missed. I had purchased a female Great Pyrenees puppy from Kim Rassi 3
years ago to keep him company. The addition of this female had a
positive impact on his disposition. He became more active and absolutely
adored his puppy, patiently teaching her the ropes. I decided to plan
one litter of pups to produce a replacement for Grizzley and a pair of
females for our main farm, where aggressive coyote behavior has become a
concern.
My female – Squiggley - is white with grey markings on her ears. She
was the largest female in her litter of ten pups and weighs
approximately 110-120 pounds. She is a very devoted guard dog, never
tests the fences to roam and is extremely affectionate to her family.
Her picture on this website was taken when the pups were 5 weeks old. We
sheared her rear feathers to allow for a cleaner environment for
birthing and nursing. She has shed almost all of her massive coat. I
wish I had a picture of her in full coat – she is a very attractive,
large female.
I searched for a stud male, hoping to find one that was AKC
registered, conformationally correct, with excellent disposition and
skill in guarding alpacas. I found such a male in Indiana, owned by Suri
Alpaca breeders Sandy and Ron Hendricks. Ravada’s Kodiak was to be an
excellent match for Squiggley. He was identical in markings to Squiggley
– but it turned out that none of the pups have the markings of their
mother or father – and weighed approximately 120 pounds. The Hendricks
have been very pleased with his disposition and guarding ability.
Registration certificates for both the bitch and stud dog are
available on this website.
The pictures on this website were taken at 5 weeks of age. Many more
pictures of individual pups are available on request.
Puppies are priced between $500-$800 and come with full guarantees. They
will be ready for their new homes as early as 8 weeks of age, but
arrangements may be made to take possession later, after introduction to
livestock.
Please call 216-387-3509 for further information or e-mail
sunnimoor@roadrunner.com
I look forward to telling you more about the puppies! I know they will
be trusted and affectionate guardians for your alpaca herd.
Mary Reed
