We started breeding this amazing breed after getting Stella as a livestock guardian when we first got our sheep farm in the Heartland of Central Florida. After seeing what not only a great livestock guardian Stella was, but how amazing she was with us, our children, and home life outside the farm in general, it made us realize a few things.

First, that the stigma of these being standoffish dogs and independent to a fault is far from true. After having dealt with dozens of several Anatolian shepherds now it is evident to us they are the biggest lap dogs on Earth and would spend all day on your lap getting belly rubs watching the clouds go by if you would let them.

Second, we had to get involved with this breed and help spread awareness that not only are they excellent livestock companion and guardians, but also excellent home and family companions and guardians. They are intimidating, willing to kill, willing to patrol (Stella will easily do a half-marathon a day in patrols if the weather is nice around the property), will always find their way back if chasing down whatever threat shouldn’t be in their area, and are extremely intelligent and focused on keeping threats away from the property via any means they feel necessary; particularly via roaming and their intimidating bark and presence. However, they are also adorable, willing to snuggle, willing to lay on your lap all day eating pizza with you, will always find ways to try and get more pets and lovings from you, and will do anything they are needed for or asked for.

When at home they don’t howl at the moon or every neighbors dogs that goes by. Once introduced to an animal, they consider it under their care and won’t react, if they see a threat they will bark loud and long enough for it to leave or until someone shows up. When let out they won’t immediately start barking and run off down the road. Their intelligence and ability to read their masters intentions is part of what makes them such great guardians and is a very underrated and underreported piece of their over temperament. I like to think of them as Golden Retrievers with the size and ability to actually guard you and yours. They truly are an amazing, intelligent, ancient, powerful breed, and their companionship and ability to not take over a home despite their giant presence is truly an art in itself.