Livestock Guardian Dogs

The farm was founded in California, where the most formidable threat to our herd was the mountain lion (Puma concolor). Numerous trail cameras across the property would capture at least four individual lions that would regularly traverse through the parcel, both day and night, where territories overlapped. Additional potential on-farm predators, especially of our younger stock, included hawks, foxes, and bobcats. Since relocating to Virginia, the mountain lion threat is no longer a primary concern. However, stray dogs, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, and bears are all potential threats at the new farm.

However, with responsible farm management, there is no reason we cannot strive to co-exist with the diverse array of wildlife that we share this land with. The dogs are as vital to protecting our herd, as they are to protecting wildlife. By discouraging wildlife from lurking near our livestock, it removes the need for depredation.

The farm is home to two close-guarding livestock guardian breeds. The Italian Maremma, and Spanish Mastiff.

Our dogs are critical to our ability to farm where we are, and essential members of our farm family. While farms with minimal predator pressures may be able to leave their guardians outside with their herds and flocks both day and night, it is most important to first know one’s predators, and their capabilities. It is also important to understand the limitations of the dogs. A solo dog versus a bear for example, is not a fair fight. While the dogs are vital to keeping predators pushed back, we cannot ensure the safety of everyone with dogs alone. As raising, and training a trustworthy, and effective guardian, is an investment in both resources, and in time, the injury or loss of a dog would create a void that would be impossible to fill quickly. LGD’s are not invincible, so we protect our dogs as much as we protect the goats. During the day we work closely with our dogs, and they are additional sets of vigilant eyes and ears in the pastures with the goats. At night, they are secured in the barns, along with their goats, for their own protection.

Fortezza Tornádo Erben – “Tezza”

We were very fortunate that at the time the new CDC import regulations were announced, we had a reservation for a female puppy from ICh Princess Zita Tornádo Erben and Ch. Maximo, Romulus’ sire.

Fortezza’s breeder, at the time the puppies were born, referred to this cross as her dream litter, and it is easy to understand why.

Princess Zita is a beautifully correct and accomplished female. Strong, with a powerful presence, perfectly angular, with a beautiful level back and ease of movement. Zita is a sixth generation Tornádo Erben female, and fifth generation International Champion at Tornado Erben.

Maximo is a Spanish import with a pedigree that goes back to Tornado Erben through his great grandmother, Sofia Sol Tornado Erben. Maximo was Romulus’ sire, and after bringing Romulus to the United States, we knew we needed another puppy sired by him. While correctness in structure is important in breeding, Maximo’s charming personality and easy-going temperament is so evident in his offspring.

All photos of Fortezza aged 0-10 weeks, Princess Zita & Maximo credit to: Lenka Erbenová, at Kennel Tornádo Erben, Czechia

Elke Tornádo Erben

Elke Tornádo Erben  was born, in April of 2024, one of a litter of ten puppies from Ch Niurka Tornádo Erben, sired by Spanish import, Robin de Laciana.  More about Elke’s parents noted below.

We love this breed, and the goats are very accepting of these dogs. We are fortunate that at the time the new CDC importation rules were announced, our plans to bring Elke into the United States were already underway.

Elke has pure Spanish bloodlines. Her mother, Niurka, was produced from two Spanish import parents, and Elke’s sire, Robin, himself was recently imported from Spain. 

All photos of Elke aged 0-10 weeks, Niurka & Robin credit to: Lenka Erbenová, at Kennel Tornádo Erben, Czechia

Romulus Tornádo Erben – “Roman”

This very special new member of our farm family, Romulus Tornádo Erben – “Roman”, was born November 23rd, 2020. One of a litter of seven puppies from JCh Galaxia Tornádo Erben’s first litter, sired by a very handsome Spanish import, Maximo.  More about Roman’s parents noted below.

This giant, but gentle breed, has proven to be an excellent fit for our busy farm. Intelligent, self-assured, and affectionate, while wary of strangers, and wildlife intruders, but protective of family and stock.

Seeking strength in conformation, with sound disposition, we chose to bring Roman in from Kennel Tornádo Erben, in Czechia. A world-renowned and experienced Spanish Mastiff breeder, and producer of numerous international champions in the breed. We are so grateful to Lenka Erbenová for entrusting Roman to us, and working with us to bring him to California.  

All photos of Romulus aged 0-10 weeks, Maximo & Galaxia credit to: Lenka Erbenová, at Kennel Tornádo Erben, Czechia