Livestock Guardian Dogs
Our LGDs are registered, purebred Karakachans, which is a very rare breed of guardian from Bulgaria. The Karakachan is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. They have a remarkable history. The nomadic mountain shepherds of Bulgaria prized them for their guarding abilities, and they've been used in their native country to protect sheep against wolves and bears. In the 1940s, the breed was threatened with extinction when the Bulgarian Communist government began to nationalize the farming industry in their country; all livestock was placed on collective farms, and the government declared the services of the Karakachan LGD as obsolete, ordering all the dogs to be destroyed. Many dogs took to the mountains and escaped death, and several years later were found reunited with the mountain shepherds who loved and depended on them. Karakachans are massive dogs with powerful, muscular bodies. They're known for being extremely unpretentious; they're highly instinctual and independent thinkers. They are wary of strangers, but are not considered people aggressive, although it should be noted, they will defend their flocks and herds against human threat if necessary. Males should be 24-29 inches tall, with females at 23-27 inches. Males should weigh 90-120 pounds, females 65-100 pounds. Coats may be long or short, bi-color or tri-color; and tails are either long and curled at the tip, or natural bobtail. They are not to be confused with the Bulgarian Sheepdog/Shepherd, which is much more aggressive and unfortunately is used for dog fighting.
We purchased Tytus in 2010, and added Emmi in 2014, from Dr. Sponenberg in VA. At 9 weeks, both dogs began alerting us to "intruders" and giving warning barks to protect the herd and flocks. As adults, both Tytus and Emmi have proven to be exceptional dogs; they guard against stray dogs, coyotes, black bear, bobcats, opossum, deer, foxes, hawks, and owls. They have wonderful temperaments, with Emmi being a bit more aloof than Tytus; they are socialized here more than most LGDs and yet maintain an outstanding work ethic. In 2017, we added Solomon from Four-Legged Folly Farm in KY to our farm. He's an extraordinary guardian, as well.
Karakachans are outstanding dogs; we highly recommend this breed to anyone wanting a trusted LGD that will not be prone to wandering.
We purchased Tytus in 2010, and added Emmi in 2014, from Dr. Sponenberg in VA. At 9 weeks, both dogs began alerting us to "intruders" and giving warning barks to protect the herd and flocks. As adults, both Tytus and Emmi have proven to be exceptional dogs; they guard against stray dogs, coyotes, black bear, bobcats, opossum, deer, foxes, hawks, and owls. They have wonderful temperaments, with Emmi being a bit more aloof than Tytus; they are socialized here more than most LGDs and yet maintain an outstanding work ethic. In 2017, we added Solomon from Four-Legged Folly Farm in KY to our farm. He's an extraordinary guardian, as well.
Karakachans are outstanding dogs; we highly recommend this breed to anyone wanting a trusted LGD that will not be prone to wandering.
Meet Our Karakachans
Our Tytus is a serious guardian and guards both goats and poultry. He could easily escape the fencing in our pastures but will not leave his charges, not even if the gate is left open. He is a prized and cherished part of our POE family and worth his weight in gold! Ty is a sable and white neutered male.
UPDATE: Tytus has crossed the rainbow bridge. He was an extraordinary dog and did his job well until his last day here on our farm. We miss him terribly and are very thankful for the privilege of loving this special boy.
In October 2014, we added another LGD to our farm. Her name is Emiliana (Emmi, for short). Emmi is an excellent guardian of goats and poultry; she and Tytus both "guard up", meaning they will look to the sky and guard against hawks. Emmi will not tolerate visits from straying dogs, foxes or coyotes, either. Emmi is a tri-color female; she has a natural bobtail.
In May 2017, we purchased our third Karakachan, Solomon. At 12 weeks of age, he cornered his first opossum in the goat barn by himself and alerted us (opossums are very good for the environment, so we praised him and then let the creature go when he wasn't looking). With an outstanding guarding instinct/work ethic and excellent temperament, Solomon is a white and black male.