Why we chose Tibetan Mastiff Livestock Guardian Dogs

Many new homesteaders, excited about the adventure they have begun, are eager to buy all the obvious animals like goats and chickens as they look forward to the fresh eggs, milk, and meat. But they forget one of the most important assets of a homestead: the dogs. This is like buying a new house and forgetting locks, smoke alarms, or home insurance.

We almost made the same mistake. We had raised miniature dairy goats for years on our large yard, and always worried about predators even right next to our house. When we finally got a larger farm, it came with packs of coyotes, as well as bears, bobcats, and hawks. Something would have to be done.

We looked at a number breeds, from Pyrenees to German Shepherd, but none were a good fit. The dog would have to protect both the family and the livestock, but still be manageable enough for the kids to handle. And then we found the Tibetan Mastiff.

Our Tibetan Mastiffs are highly protective, and the breed does well with goats, sheep, cattle, horses, and poultry. They are very gentle and great with children. A primitive breed, they are independent and extremely intelligent. Although it takes a special type of person to raise them, Tibetan Mastiffs have been the ideal choice for many family farms for thousands of years.