I’m sure you have heard when talking to a dog breeder, owner, or handler – “He’s a good dog!” “Her hips are good.” or “He’s from good lines.” Did you understand what that person meant when you heard these statements? Because I usually don’t. Northwest Guardians Gratuity – 2019 Sarplaninac So what does “GOOD” really… Continue reading “Good” to Go
Holiday Gift Ideas for the Dog Lover
Are you on the hunt for some great gifts for your dogs, family, friends, and maybe yourself? Check out some of my favorite finds* in the 2020 holiday season! I hope your holidays are peaceful and full of cheer! Even if we can’t all meet in person like we usually do, there are great ways… Continue reading Holiday Gift Ideas for the Dog Lover
Our 2020 Tragedy
As 2020 comes to a close, I am looking back on a year that I don’t think any of us saw coming. If you know me well, you know I’m a planner. I like to have at least a framework plan of how things will go; deviations from the plan aren’t my favorite. This year… Continue reading Our 2020 Tragedy
Our Responsibilities and Expectations
With all the noise online today, it can be tough to remember to start at the basics… I want to address our responsibilities and expectations as LGD owners, since the opinion extremes flow so freely elsewhere. Let’s just start with some simple facts, shall we? When you purchase an animal, you as the human owner… Continue reading Our Responsibilities and Expectations
2020 Sarplaninac Litter
Duke and Selene welcomed eight pups on May 2, 2020. 6 Male and 2 Female The waitlist is full, but a few families are waiting! So we do have a couple of spots available. These pups will go home from Mid to Late July. If you are already on our general/cross waitlist, and would like… Continue reading 2020 Sarplaninac Litter
Crossbreed vs Purebreed
Alright, let’s do this. Why do people crossbreed LGD x LGD? (Because outcrossing is a whole different topic for another day. Maybe later in the day. Past 5 PM when drinking is socially acceptable.) 1. “Availability” This was more of an issue 10 years ago when I was searching for a working line LGD around… Continue reading Crossbreed vs Purebreed
Health Testing – to DNA and Beyond
We have received multiple inquiries from our clients and friends in the last few days regarding the DNA panels our dogs participate in. Many of the same questions and concerns repeated by multiple parties. This post will serve as our official position statement on Health Testing (DNA and beyond) in canines so it is all… Continue reading Health Testing – to DNA and Beyond
Born to be Wild: Solutions
Please read the first post, Born to be Wild: Predator where I gave my take on an adult LGD and her puppies being killed by wolves. Today, let’s look at preventative measures that producers can use to mitigate our losses and set our animals up for success. I mentioned the two primary characteristics that govern a… Continue reading Born to be Wild: Solutions
Born to be Wild: Predator
A 3 year-old post has resurfaced in the livestock guardian dog circles across the internet recently. Normally, this is something I don’t even notice, much less give a second thought to. Who cares if something that happened a few years ago is being brought up? It’s probably still relevant… right? Not always. So you can… Continue reading Born to be Wild: Predator
Breed Profile: Šarplaninac
AKA: Illyrian Shepherd, Macedonian ShepherdNicknames: Shar, Sar, Sarpla The Šarplaninac land race/breed originates in the Balkans, dating well before the Holy Roman Empire. Back when the region was called “Illyria,” these dogs roamed with their owners and their flocks of sheep. Traditional shepherd’s dogs, the Shars were selectively bred to perform guardian work integral to… Continue reading Breed Profile: Šarplaninac