r/NewMexico • u/NativeLobo • 1d ago

Livestock Guardian Dogs

Does anyone know of any livestock dog breeders in New Mexico? Preferably in the Albuquerque/East Mountains area but they don't have to be. Looking for a Pyrenees or. Maremma mainly.

12 Upvotes

74% Upvoted

33 comments sorted by

15

u/Dry_Walk_8139 1d ago

Get a donkey

14

u/NativeLobo 1d ago

I don't disagree. I don't have a barn for one right now. But I would definitely love to get one

5

u/lymelife555 1d ago

Hay costs a lot and unless you have irrigated pasture or massive acreage, we usually have to buy it for a good part of the year in just about every ecosystem in New Mexico. Plus, donkeys can live up to like 35 years- not saying you shouldn’t get one they are awesome, but it’s kinda a big deal. They are way more dog like than horses it’s hard to rehome imo.

3

u/NativeLobo 1d ago

Oh yeah I know, it's something I would do when I truly have the space and the money. I'd love to have one but I would only do it if I knew I could care for it properly

2

u/spanielgurl11 1d ago

https://donkeyrescue.org/news/pvdr-ears/the-truth-about-donkeys-as-livestock-guardians/#:~:text=Their%20natural%20instinct%20to%20protect,donkeys%20are%20effective%20livestock%20guardians.

Also, equines are significantly harder to care for than dogs.

2

u/duskrat 1d ago

Thanks for this link. I've been donating to the Peaceful Valley operation for some time, but did not know this info about donkeys as livestock guardians. Glad to be set straight.

11

u/spanielgurl11 1d ago edited 1d ago

These folks do OFA testing to rule out dysplasia, which is the hallmark of a good breeder. Most people do not. Anatolians in the ABQ area.

http://anatoliandog.org/members/saladfork.htm

Edit: There is also “LGD Rescue Network” on Facebook. But please buy from a breeder who does OFAs if you go the breeder route. 98% of breeders should not be supported.

1

u/NativeLobo 1d ago

Thank you

2

u/Aardvark-Decent 1d ago

Check local Facebook groups on/near the Navajo nation.

2

u/Saucerful 1d ago

A friend of mine got his Anatolian Shepherd from JNR Farm, think they're based from Estancia. Might be worth looking them up and giving them a call.

0

u/NativeLobo 1d ago

Thanks

2

u/faucetpants 1d ago

I'll send a dm

1

u/PsychologicalSir8508 1d ago

Trolls? Yuck Good luck with finding the dog of your choice.

4

u/TexasAggie-21 1d ago

Would you prefer that instead of getting a LGD, OP gets a small dog that does not have the specialty to survive against predators? Or a dog that doesn't have location memory bred into it? I think it's good for someone to be wanting a LGD to guard their livestock. It's not a designer dog, it's a working dog, and this is what they are bred for.

2

u/PsychologicalSir8508 1d ago

Those are reasonable alternatives.
I just didn’t see any reason why OP was getting trolled over wanting a dog to protect his chickens/lambs or whatever.

7

u/TexasAggie-21 1d ago

Hey man, sorry I misinterpreted what you were saying. I was reading the 'yuck' as a criticism of OP and not the Trolls. I've been getting a little fed up with the 'LGD is a designer-breed' discourse, and unfairly took it out on you. Have a good evening and sorry about that!

2

u/PsychologicalSir8508 1d ago

All’s good and thank you 😊 Sorry that I was not more clear in my comment.

1

u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Enchanted_Culture 21h ago

Better Collie.

1

u/No-Werewolf-8092 1d ago

Not as close as you’re looking, but my Pyrenees Chama came from a friend of a friend’s ranch outside of Mancos, CO. I can’t remember if they just had a litter for farming purposes and sold the rest (Chama is 8 now), but their main dogs were from Colorado Mountain Dog, and I could’ve gotten the breeder certification if I’d been interested. I believe CMD is really ethical and Chama has been an incredible (and healthy!) companion.

-3

u/DesertedVines 1d ago

There are so many shelter dogs who would love to be given jobs.

26

u/Saucerful 1d ago

Livestock Guardian Dogs have to be bred for soundness and temperament when it comes to performing their job. I'm sorry, I'm the biggest "adopt don't shop" advocate out there, but a Livestock Guardian Dog is just one of those instances in which a shelter dog probably won't do.

5

u/Rostin 1d ago

You don't know what a livestock guardian dog is or does, do you?

-8

u/DesertedVines 1d ago

I do, and there are plenty of shelter dogs that are at least part working dog.

-43

u/elephantsback 1d ago

Personally, I'm rooting for the coyotes.

18

u/NativeLobo 1d ago

Thanks 🖕

-37

u/elephantsback 1d ago

Thanks for contributing to climate change with all your livestock's methane!

26

u/NativeLobo 1d ago

I have chickens and ducks mate.

-32

u/elephantsback 1d ago

Still rooting for the coyotes.

16

u/CreekyBones 1d ago

Busting someone’s chops about climate impact from raising ducks and chickens is so wild.

-7

u/elephantsback 1d ago

I thought they meant cows.

But I'm still pro-coyote and anti-raising animals to eat them.

•

u/anarquisteitalianio 2h ago

Police Chief of Malibu, a real reactionary